Are you too sexy for your helmet? Though necessary and having been accepted as standard fare when riding, many helmets are still considered a tool rather than being fashionable. Martone wants to change that for those that have a more particular fashion sense.
Button up that shirt and venture down the catwalk to see the new “fashion-forward” helmets from Martone….
The Martone Cycling Coompany has come in marching to the beat of a different drum by finding a place for cycling in the fashion world. Before you scoff at the thought, know that Martone has been selling their goods in some of the world’s leading fashion & design retailers including: Colette, Saks Fifth Avenue, Alchemist, Fred Segal and many more. We’ve covered Martone’s Artist series bikes as well as some of their standard “Fashion-Forward” models and though not everyone’s cup of high brow tea, seeing cycling fall into that segment just further validates its position in the market. Even these guys ride bikes after all!
To accompany their bikes, Martone unveiled a new (you guessed it), fashion-forward line of helmets. For those of us that value high fashion, similar to how many of us that ogle over old Italian components or…… tire tread, Martone’s new protective “headwear” might fit the bill. Martone worked with french helmet masters chez Overade to make a helmet that was as fashionable as it was functional. To accomplish this, the idea was to have the helmet “disappear” when being worn without sacrificing any of the protection. Also, to make the helmet more convenient, it folds so it can be stowed into a bag satchel or backpack or European handbag so you’re not looking like a fred carrying your helmet around.
The new Martone helmet consists of an ABS Hardshell exterior with 14 strategically placed vents, for impact resistance & air-flow, and an EPS interior with foam padding for comfort. They are available in black & white with red accents, and come in two sizes: S/M (54/58cm) and M/L (59 -62cm). The helmet weighs just under a pound and fold into a compact size of 8 ¼” x 4 1/3” x 6 ¼,”.
Each helmet comes with a set of functional yet stylish accessories including: a detachable visor for blocking the sun, a removable helmet “rain cape” that covers the vents to keep the head (most importantly the hair!) dry during storms and a double lined microfiber pouch to protect the helmet when its folded and packed away.
Martone Cycling Co.’s fashion-forward helmet collection is available on their website and in select specialty and bike stores, retailing for approximately $195.
