Hot
- Affordably priced at $99
- ROTEXX Rotary Damping System safety feature
- Inner evacuation channels and 33 vents keep you cool
- Comfortable and light weight
- Spiderlock® UNO retention system dials in fit
- New V-lock dividers for keeps straps flat against face
- Quick drying and antimicrobial padding
- Rear dial for single hand adjustments
Not
- Only available in two colors – Black or Grey
- No storage bag
- One year warranty, no crash replacement
Price: $99.99 MSRP
Colors: Black or Grey
Sizes: Small (52–56cm), Medium (58-59cm), Large (59-62cm)
# of Vents: 33
Weight: 9.2 oz / 260 g
Availability: Online, Retail
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR advertiser: No
New safety technology
Back in 2018, Louis Garneau had a bad bike crash which resulted in severe injuries including a serious concussion. After his experience he set out to develop a safer helmet, resulting in the development of ROTEXX, named for the company’s patented pending Rotary Damping System (RDS). According to Garneau, this patent-pending technology helps to absorb and dissipate the energy of impacts to protect the head from both rotational and linear impacts.
According to the company, when a crash occurs resulting in a helmet coming into contact with a hard surface, there are both linear and rotational impacts. Typically, during impact with traditional helmet technologies, only a portion of the linear force is managed by the helmet, and most of the rotational forces are transferred straight to the head and brain. ROTEXX technology incorporated into the cushion padding system is designed to help deflect a portion of the rotational energy while absorbing the initial impact by geometrical deformation, thus reducing the chances of energy being transferred to the brain.
The ROTEXX technology pads are an elaborate composition of viscoelastic material, which is a blend of polyurethane polymer and a non-Newtonian fluid called D-Clan. Because of their flexibility, these pads offer comfort and fit when wearing the helmet, while offering resistance to linear and rotational energy absorption upon impact.
Since I never heard of non-Newtonian fluid before, I “googled” the term and came up with this:
A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity, i.e., constant viscosity independent of stress. In non-Newtonian fluids, viscosity can change when under force to either more liquid or more solid. Ketchup, for example, becomes runnier when shaken and is thus a non-Newtonian fluid.
Consumer Reports rated the ROTEXX highly for safety and the Equipe received a 5/5 for impact absorption. For more information on ROTEXX see Garneau’s sell sheet here.
Aerodynamic, Breathability and Light Weight
Garneau’s new Equipe helmet marries aerodynamics with breathability and a light weight design all at an affordable $99.99 price. The 33 air vents and inner evacuation channels keep your head cool, even on warm days. A Spiderlock UNO retention system and rear dial lets you secure the helmet comfortably with one hand. Garneau’s newly designed V-lock divider keeps the side straps flat against your face and are easy to adjust.
At only 247g for the small and 260g for the medium, the Equipe is one of the lightest helmets I’ve tested recently. It doesn’t feel heavy on your head, allowing you to just put it on and forget it.
At this time the Equipe comes in only comes in black or gray. For those looking to match their bike, shoes and helmet this could be a dealbreaker. Personally, I prefer to have a helmet that adds to my visibility on the road. These two colorways do not provide that extra visibility.
Garneau warranties their helmets for one year from the date of purchase. They do not have a crash replacement program like some other manufacturers provide.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a light weight, aerodynamic helmet with added crash protection, take a look at Garneau’s new Equipe with ROTEXX. At $99.99 this is a very economical option. Garneau incorporated this new technology into the Equipe and several of their other models including for mountain biking and junior riders.
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.
I will never understand the colors. I get that the black or grey look very pro like, however they are the worst for visibility. I will never purchase a black or grey helmet no matter how awesome it may be reviewed to be.
I agree with Lady Cyclist. Something else that puzzles me is why so many winter kits are made in black. Winter is the time motor vehicles are especially surprised to see cyclists on the road, so why make cycle clothing in “invisible” black? Cycle clothing makers seem to have no problem making highly visible colors for summer. I wish they’d make the same for cold weather. And before you write in giving me links to see bright winter colors, I’m aware that some makers do make bright winter apparel, but it seems to me that many, if not most don’t.