As the official helmet provider for the Lotto-Soudal pro cycling team, HJC has a real impetus to make a fast, light and comfortable helmet. The new HJC Furion aero road helmet uses Bernoulli’s Principle to help force air out of the back vents, which means it has to suck cool air in from the front to replace it. The effect is that it draws more air over your head to keep you cool, despite the low number of vents.
The outside is designed to speed air flow, too, thanks to a smooth upper section without vents. Inside is their 3D fit system, with inmold construction hiding internal reinforcements. Claimed weight is just 190g (+/-10g), available in three sizes and a whopping 10 color choices. HJC has been making motorcycle helmets since 1971 and applies that accumulated knowledge to their bicycle helmets. Check out the full collection at HJCsports.com.
Cratoni Smartride Connected Helmet
The new Cratoni Smartride helmet looks like a motorcycle helmet, and it builds in moto tech and designs, too, plus a host of safety features. The shell offers full coverage and is aimed at the commuter cyclist looking to optimize crash avoidance options. The detachable visor has a huge upper central vent to keep air flowing under that mini visor.
Smartride is more than just a helmet, it’s a complete safety ecosystem including an app and handlebar mounted remote to control the turn signals, camera, music playback and mic:
Under the back is the charging port and power button. Pair the helmet with your phone and the app and a built-in G-force sensor will detect a crash and send an SOS message to your emergency contact.
Small speakers sit just above the ears, which work with a mic to allow hands free calling or act as a walkie talkie with other helmet wearers. The chin strap uses a strong quick-pull release tab under nearly full padding. Claimed weight is 450g, price and availability are TBD, expect it to come later this year.
Bollė Furo MIPS Aero Road Bike Helmet
The new Bollé Furo MIPS uses a NACA front vent shape with Kammtail rear profile to effectively cheat the wind and provide good ventilation.
Inside is a 360º retention mech with non-yellow MIPS. Up top is another air vent to help move cool air in and warm out out.
The back is designed with large exhaust ports and a sunglasses holder, which will fit their new Shifter full frame, single lens model shown on the right (among others). Full specs and details coming at Interbike.
Uvex Prototype Carbon Fiber Helmet
Some full face DH and enduro helmets are made with carbon fiber shells, so why not smaller helmets for road and XC? This prototype Uvex carbon bicycle helmet isn’t available yet, but we thought it’d be fun to show.
LEM’s Affordable Family of Bicycle Helmets
When a brand’s pitch is “we make really affordable, simple bicycle helmets”, we don’t usually think we’re going to see anything super exciting. LEM said just that, but is a pleasant surprise in that their road, mountain bike and kids bike helmets actually look pretty good. And they’re light.
We covered the complete lineup in detail in this post, but wanted to throw some real world shots into this roundup. Features like massive vents, integrated bug nets…
…adjustable visors and deep coverage are nice things for helmets that start at $65.
The kids lineup has slim but deep rear coverage, with cool designs.
Besides also being really light (which is really important for kids just starting to hold their heads up on their own while bobbling about in a trailer or backseat, the retention mechanism wraps all the way around their head for a secure fit. Check them out at LEMhelmets.com.
