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Urban roundup: new Kask helmets, VentaPak commuter bag spacer & Alpen Bike Capsule

Kask Urban R city commuter bike helmet, Alpen Bike Capsule bike storage locker
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Urban bike commuters don’t always get the most cutting-edge technology, but there are plenty of ways to improve the bike-to-work beyond just building e-bikes to flatten the hills. Kask has two new city bike helmets – the Urban R & Moebius, each of which combines safety, style, and a bit of unique commuter tech. Then, you get the VentaPak, a simple but useful add-on that boosts ventilation of any backpack, so you get to work without a sweaty back. And lastly, the lockable egg-like Alpen Bike Capsule will keep your city bike safe either at home or outside your office…

Kask Urban R & Moebius city commuter bike helmets

Kask Urban R & Moebius city commuter bike helmets

Kask calls their two new city bike helmets a blending of Italian style, comfort & durability – targeting bike commuter, urban cyclists & e-bike riders. The Urban R is a simple hard half-shell helmet with adjustable vent ports over the top (controlled with a rear lever) and a full coverage visor that can drop-down or flip-up to keep the wind out of your face.

Kask Urban R & Moebius city commuter bike helmets

The 410g (without visor) Urban R has antibacterial inner padding and dial fit retention. It includes the Light Smoke visor that blocks 99% of UVA & UVB light, with four other visor tints available separately. The $250 / 210€ Kask Urban R helmet comes in three sizes (S/M 51-57cm, M/L 54-59cm & L/XL 60-63cm) and will be available in several muted color options this summer.

Kask Urban R & Moebius city commuter bike helmets

Like the Urban, Kask’s new Moebius is made tough & stylish for urban cyclists. The 420g Moebius gets a minimal front vent and larger rear exhaust port in its scuff-resistant ABS shell, plus a detachable peak for classic cycling cap looks and a bit of extra sun & light rain shielding.

Kask Urban R & Moebius city commuter bike helmets

Again with Kask’s dial Ergo-fit adjustment inside and removable, washable padding, the $150 / 100€ Kask Moebius comes in two sizes (M 52-58cm & L 59-62cm), plus a wider range of muted and brighter colors, each with subtle reflective accents. A premium-cost 150€ EU-only Moebius Elite version will swap in premium Reda merino wool padded liner and the same synthetic leather chinstrap as Urban R.

Both new urban commuter helmets are CE/CPSC-certified, also passing Kask’s own WG11 rotational impact testing protocols, and will be available from June 2021.

Kask.com


 

VentaPak commuter backpack spacer boosts ventilation

VentaPak commuter backpack spacer boosts ventilation

VentaPak isn’t only bike commuter or even cycling-specific, but by moving any backpack off your back, it will improve airflow and reduce the dreaded sweaty back after riding in warm weather or anytime pedaling uphill.

VentaPak commuter backpack spacer boosts ventilation

VentaPak is simply a neoprene padded metal-framed, breathable polyester mesh spacer that straps onto almost any regular backpack’s shoulder straps to position the bag away from your body for improved ventilation. For $39.50 you get an accessory that promises to make any bag a better backpack for bike commuting, while only ~12oz/340g to your bag setup.

VentaPak.com


 

Alpen Bike Capsule offers protected, secure parking for urban commuters

The giant plastic egg Alpen Bike Capsule isn’t all-together new, but new to a larger audience thanks to partnering with Tern‘s US distribution company Stile Products. Developed as a safe & secure place to store your urban commuter bike outside, much like a conventional shed, the Alpen Bike Capsule is a US-made, roto-molded, “nearly indestructible” LLDPE plastic bike locker designed to protect one bike. We got a first look at the pod as a crowdfunding project a few years ago, but now you can easily get ahold of one whether for in your driveway, backyard, or parking garage at the office.

Alpen Bike Capsule offers protected, secure parking for urban commuters

The commercial-grade, medium-security lockable capsule is weather-protected, can be bolted to the ground for full security, with accessory storage inside and the ability to route power for e-bike charging. They aren’t cheap at $1800 (wow!) but promise no need for maintenance, and room inside to secure just about any regular bike (or usually even two bikes with the front wheel removed).

AlpenStorage.com

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Joenomad
Joenomad
2 years ago

So Italian styling now means looking dorky. I guess if it makes you stand out in traffic, but I rather have one that disappears on my head.

Tom
Tom
2 years ago

Kask helmet looks like riot gear.

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