ABUS introduced two helmets with features uniquely designed to offer commuters safety and comfort. Both models have rechargeable rear lights, flip/flop visors, and loads of urban style. There’s even an adjustment to accommodate a rider’s ponytail.
Price: $99-$150 ($200 MIPS version)
Sizes: M (52-57 cm); L (56-62 cm)
Colors: White, Midnight Blue, Velvet Black, Race Grey, Signal Yellow, Titan, Champagne Gold
Weight: 350 g (Medium), 370 g (Large)
# of vents: 13 (4 air inlets and 9 air outlets)
Built-in accessories: Micro USB rechargeable rear light; Rain cover; Fly nets located in front 4 vents
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
A commuter helmet rated for e-bikes
Commuters are turning to e-bikes for a faster, quicker way to get places. Note I said quicker, which can mean higher speeds. For added protection, the new ABUS Pedelec 2.0 is NTA 8776-certified to comply with the requirements of the Dutch Technical Agreement (NTA) 8776, an eBike-specific helmet safety testing protocol. ABUS also incorporated additional protection by adding coverage in the temple area. The helmet also comes in a MIPS version that will help reduce your brain from rotational movement upon impact.
ABUS has incorporated some excellent features to make commutes safer and more comfortable. For safety, there’s a rear-mounted, USB rechargeable light. It has two modes, constant and flashing. While it is visible in low light conditions, it’s barely visible during the day. Therefore, I highly recommend using a rear daytime running light.
The four vents in the front have internal fly nets incorporated to keep the bugs out and your head cool. There are nine outlet vents to disperse air out the back and keep you from overheating. If precipitation starts on your ride, you can quickly cover the vents with an integrated rain hood. A small two-position visor also protects you from the elements and the sun.
There’s a rear dial to help adjust for optimal fit and comfort. In addition, for those riders with ponytails, there’s a fit adjustment for you, too. Finally, the Fidlock magnetic buckle allows quick one-handed buckling and unbuckling even with gloves. The chin strap length is adjustable with fixed side straps. Fortunately, the straps hit right below my ears, requiring no adjustment, and they lay flat against my face reducing wind noise.
View ABUS Pedeltec 2.0 video here.
Price: $150
Sizes: S (51-55 cm); M (54-58 cm ); L (57-61 cm)
Colors: White, Midnight Blue, Velvet Black, Silver
Weight: 300 g (Medium), 330 g (Large)
# of vents: 6 (2 air inlets and 4 air outlets)
Built-in accessories: Micro USB rechargeable rear light
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online and retail
RBR advertiser: No
Sleek, stylish commuter friendly helmet
Like the Pedelec 2.0, the Urban HUD-Y offers many of the same features commuters want in a helmet. It is comfortable and stylish with a minimalistic approach. An LED rechargeable rear light uses magnets to attach quickly. The light has four modes: eco, power, blink, and pulsing. Unfortunately, the nine lumens are not enough to be visible on a sunny day, so I recommend an additional tail light.
The same type of rear dial used on the Pedelec 2.0 is on the Urban HUD-Y. A Fidlock magnetic buckle allows quick one-handed buckling and unbuckling even with gloves. The chin strap is adjustable, but not the side straps. Fortunately, the straps hit ideally below my ears and lay flat, reducing wind noise. Lastly, there’s a very small multi-position visor for air circulation and sun protection.
View the video highlighting the HUD-Y features here.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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