Thank you Court. This is a topic I think has been needing more attention for a long time. I'm a long-time motorcycle rider and I know how critical a good helmet is to keep you safe. And now with e-bikes getting faster, and people riding them even more among traffic, a new helmet standard is vital. I have even considered wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding my e-bikes, but the weight and lack of proper ventilation just makes is a no-go. So it's great to see somebody addressing this really important issue. Fingers crossed that we'll start seeing more high speed, e-bike specific helmets with better safety ratings. Thanks again for putting a spotlight on this and please continue to do so.
Sure thing Mike! I was really excited when I saw this Indiegogo campaign, and so happy that the creator was willing to connect. You make a GREAT point about heat and ventilation on full face helmets. Things get a lot hotter when pedaling vs. chilling on a motorcycle. I can't wait for the future designs we could see... I'm thinking about football helmets with the bars protecting the lower face but letting a lot of air pass through.
Is cooling a common incentive to drive much faster than the rest of traffic? I was thinking of a battery powered fan that sucks air through the exhaust vent. It can be at the vent on the helmet or on the wearer's back with a duct connected to it.
I feel that light weight full face helmets are really something that is lacking in the market. Sure you have the Bell Air, and Fox Proframe, but those are geared towards downhill mountain biking. I think the Kali Invader helmet gets close, but I think that it is still too overbuilt for most city biking. Looking at pictures of ebikers (and even regular cyclists) you will see that their helmets have protected their brain well enough, but the damage to the lower face/teeth/mouth will take a considerable amount of time/money to recover from.
Thanks for calling out some of the leading full face helmets. I agree that a lightweight city full face, or some sort of hybrid with lower protection would be awesome to see :)
I am using my Kali Invader for all my riding, be it on road or off road. Not sure what you mean with overbuilt, but I can assure you that it is a lot better ventilated than those city helmets in the video. It's even better ventilated than my old half shell I crashed two years ago.
Yeah, it really clicked with me! It's nice to see a product that addresses the same thoughts or issues that come up. I thought they did a great job with it :)
Looks like a great helmet. I don't understand why many new helmets don't include a sun visor like your Abus. My road bike helmet (Specialized) doesn't have a visor because in an aero riding position it gets in the way of seeing forward. My Fox MTB and Bern helmets have visors because on a MTB or ebike I'm sitting more upright and the visor is desired, especially commuting early or late when the sun is lower in the sky. So many of these newer helmets that don't include a sun visor I won't even consider purchasing. I've tried to ride upright with my road helmet and it doesn't work for me. Nice look at a new product👍
Hi J. R. I'm also a big fan of visors. My eyes are sensitive to bright light and it can really become annoying or cause a headache at certain times of the day. I would have liked to test the fabric visor that comes with the XNITO Old School but it didn't come with the demo. Maybe next time! I used to have a great helmet from Specialized called the Echelon II that I LOVED. Very light, great fit :)
This is a very nice video and a topic that needs much more coverage. There are inexpensive bike helmets being sold that do not even have the CPSC standard. I think that a lot of riders feel that all bike helmets are the same and don’t really think of the safety standards involved. I always learn something from your videos. A few years back you and Chris Nolte of Propel did a video on safety and showcased the Lumos in that video. I bought a Lumos for myself and my wife and I can report that drivers definitely pick us up sooner and give us a wider berth when passing. The Lumos can be paired with handlebar mounted turn signal buttons for added functionality. Keep up the good work. Bye the way, now that you are in Canada do you have any plans to get to Toronto for some testing and tours with Virginia and Amigo bikes? Those were among your most entertaining outings. The same goes for George at Voltbikes. Looks like they have some new or updated models.
Hi Jay!! Wow, thanks for the compliments and good memories. Yes, I'd love to travel more and visit some old friends. With the limited flights and border stuff going on, I've been hunkering down working on some systems and redesign stuff... still trucking along with reviews and the occasional fun video. More good stuff planned as the year progresses. I might visit a friend in Toronto who is creating a new custom ebike too, and I'll definitely reach out to Virginia :D
Until manufactures 1) build class 3 rated e bike helmets, and 2) provide for heads larger than most (I use a helmet that is 25+ inches / 65cm), I'll stick with my full-face, DOT certified, modular motorcycle helmet (HJC I90, Size 4XL) If they would build helmets for guys with big heads, then we'd buy them. Also, as mentioned by others, facial protection should be a part of the build.
Very true, I like how the USB-C plug works in either orientation so you don't have to get it "right side up" perhaps they are just more expensive to produce, or maybe it's a parts supply issue?
Thanks for the video, nice to know about these higher impact helmets. Might need to upgrade now that I have a Voltbike! Curious where you were riding during filming? I am in Vancouver.
Marketed as ebike rated and it does have the NTA 8776 certification, but there are helmets that have that + MIPS while this XNITO lacks it. Maybe not a make or break for everyone but something to note. As far as ebike worthy, the XNITO spec-wise is sub par to the Lazer Urbanize and Bern Hudson which both have NTA 8776 AND have MIPS. Both also have a huge history in the industry vs a new company like XNITO. Nice to see new players in the market, but the big picture, they're still starting out and will most likely introduce somethings with MIPS to compete. To clarify further, MIPS is a feature whereas the NTA 8776 is a classification/license. It's not that NTA 8776 surpasses MIPS. Again, you can and may elect to have both. For those of you who aren't aware, the CPSC is nothing special. It's actually required to be able to sell a helmet in the USA. It's the lowest certification in the USA. It's basically as special as being pulled over by the police in a car and telling them you have a license.
About size, both of you seem to be small folks. I'm big and have an XXL helmet with the sizing strap at it's largest size and it's tight. I don't wear baseball caps because one size does not fit all. Having that much brain mass makes the head tend to hit the ground first. Maybe you could recommend some that would fit us larger types beyond the one size fits most. I'm not fat but do come in at 200 lbs. And I see guys out there that make me look small.🤠
Hi Bill! My Dad is a larger fellow with a big head and has expressed the same issue. I'll ask him which helmet he found that works well for larger heads. This one is rated from 21.26 to 24.02 inches and my own head is about 23.62in :)
Okay Bill, I asked my Dad and got the following information to help you! He said "I have a Bell Stoker XL, they don't make this model anymore. However, the Sixer and 4forty look similar and do come in XL. They both come with MIPS. Here's their website www.bellhelmets.com/bike/c/all-bike-helmets/"
Good suggestion! Sorry that didn't happen... I thought about just showing them in a dark part of Sam's warehouse but wanted to get the video out quickly. The lights are pretty impressive, and I think the XNITO videos show them at night too www.indiegogo.com/projects/xnito-ultra-helmet-protection-for-higher-speeds#/
That would be awesome! Where are you at Jeff? I’m near Vancouver and take bikes out al the time, it’s more fun with friends! Email me at electricbikereview at gmail
Good video. Would love to see more content like this. As for these helmets, would much rather have more ventilation (with bug screens) than gimmicky lights. Don't some jurisdictions forbid lights on helmets?
I hadn’t heard that some jurisdictions might limit lights on helmets, but I could see how it might come up if a crazy bright strobe light was mounted up high pointing into the eyes of fellow cyclists and cars. I agree that the bug screen feature is nice, especially with larger vents. I tried to show the strengths of each helmet in this fun little video. Thanks for the encouragement!
I will have to see an independent test on their foam to see if it's really as good as a MIPS cage! Long ago and far away when the helmet laws were passed, early 70's, Bell was the only company that manufactured a "skid lid" that fit me, 7 and 3/4th! Of course they were much more money also. When I received my helmet laying on top pf the foam was a note from Bell research: "You have just purchased the best motorcycle helmet in the world, If you have $10 dollar head, buy a $10 dollar helmet!"
His helmet is from a company called Kask, he shows the visor and you can see the brand logo around 1 minute in the video :) I think his company DŌST also sells them.
I'm retired and ride my e-bike everyday and my abus helmet is falling apart so I would like to update to a better helmet but my head is 24 in. In diameter and is more round than oval do you have any recommendations
EBR. I have a big head 24 inches, I bought an abus helmet XL but the sides were to tight, what helmet do you think would fit my melon...love your videos
My question is: Pro cyclists ride high end helmets like Giro and others which are rated the highest through Va Tech testing. I've seen some horrific crashes at high speed in world tour cycling wearing road helmets, and I also would ride well over 15mph on my road bike. I would easily hit over 33 mph going downhill in my little neighborhood ride and cruise at 18 to 20 mph under pedal power.. No one suggested a higher rated helmet. A lot of non cyclist, older people with disposable incomes are getting into E-Biking. Is this just a marketing ploy, like E-Bike shoes seem to me? Yes, style might determine a certain helmet over another and practicality, but impact safety seems suspect when real crash tests are applied.
I feel ya, this one is supposed to come with a fabric visor but I didn't get one for the demo. I'm guessing you need a plastic visor so the rear-view mirror will stick?
sorry but it's not extra safe until you have full face coverage. it may seem stupid to wear a motorcycle helmet on your bicycle but it isn't. i just got done watching a video of someone face planting over the handlebars after they blew a tire and smacking the pavement so hard that the ambulance had to come scrape them up. you can get a bell motorcycle helmet for less than 200 bucks. a motocross helmet will protect your face and you'll still be able to see and breathe. it seems like overkill until you get splatted by a car ...
@kencook4956 0 seconds ago I bought one for myself, and my wife checked it out and immediately wanted one. We've been on about a half dozen rides and both LOVE the helmet. They're lightweight and don't give you that mushroom-head look. We even took this helmet to the next level and added a Cardo Edge comms with the half-helmet boom mic and it works a treat. The front light is just to make you more visible and not any night light EXCEPT when you stop and want to look in your bag for something you don't need to grab your phone for a light to see inside. The chin strap is comfy and super easy to get on and off once you get used to it (takes using it a few times to get used to it).
Thank you Court. This is a topic I think has been needing more attention for a long time. I'm a long-time motorcycle rider and I know how critical a good helmet is to keep you safe. And now with e-bikes getting faster, and people riding them even more among traffic, a new helmet standard is vital. I have even considered wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding my e-bikes, but the weight and lack of proper ventilation just makes is a no-go. So it's great to see somebody addressing this really important issue. Fingers crossed that we'll start seeing more high speed, e-bike specific helmets with better safety ratings. Thanks again for putting a spotlight on this and please continue to do so.
Sure thing Mike! I was really excited when I saw this Indiegogo campaign, and so happy that the creator was willing to connect. You make a GREAT point about heat and ventilation on full face helmets. Things get a lot hotter when pedaling vs. chilling on a motorcycle. I can't wait for the future designs we could see... I'm thinking about football helmets with the bars protecting the lower face but letting a lot of air pass through.
Is cooling a common incentive to drive much faster than the rest of traffic? I was thinking of a battery powered fan that sucks air through the exhaust vent. It can be at the vent on the helmet or on the wearer's back with a duct connected to it.
*One of the **Latest.Bike** Helmet I've owned, and a great price. Not too heavy, solid construction, and gorgeous!*
I feel that light weight full face helmets are really something that is lacking in the market. Sure you have the Bell Air, and Fox Proframe, but those are geared towards downhill mountain biking. I think the Kali Invader helmet gets close, but I think that it is still too overbuilt for most city biking. Looking at pictures of ebikers (and even regular cyclists) you will see that their helmets have protected their brain well enough, but the damage to the lower face/teeth/mouth will take a considerable amount of time/money to recover from.
Thanks for calling out some of the leading full face helmets. I agree that a lightweight city full face, or some sort of hybrid with lower protection would be awesome to see :)
I am using my Kali Invader for all my riding, be it on road or off road. Not sure what you mean with overbuilt, but I can assure you that it is a lot better ventilated than those city helmets in the video. It's even better ventilated than my old half shell I crashed two years ago.
Fun video! I think this is a great solution between a DOT helmet and a bike helmet. 28mph protection is just right!
Yeah, it really clicked with me! It's nice to see a product that addresses the same thoughts or issues that come up. I thought they did a great job with it :)
Looks like a great helmet. I don't understand why many new helmets don't include a sun visor like your Abus. My road bike helmet (Specialized) doesn't have a visor because in an aero riding position it gets in the way of seeing forward. My Fox MTB and Bern helmets have visors because on a MTB or ebike I'm sitting more upright and the visor is desired, especially commuting early or late when the sun is lower in the sky.
So many of these newer helmets that don't include a sun visor I won't even consider purchasing. I've tried to ride upright with my road helmet and it doesn't work for me.
Nice look at a new product👍
Hi J. R. I'm also a big fan of visors. My eyes are sensitive to bright light and it can really become annoying or cause a headache at certain times of the day. I would have liked to test the fabric visor that comes with the XNITO Old School but it didn't come with the demo. Maybe next time! I used to have a great helmet from Specialized called the Echelon II that I LOVED. Very light, great fit :)
Court.. some of your best SAFETY information yet. Ride Safely..
Been watching your vids for years - always helpful
Hi Brian! That's awesome, thanks for the positive support. This was a fun video, basically just hanging out with my friend talking about helmets :P
This is a very nice video and a topic that needs much more coverage. There are inexpensive bike helmets being sold that do not even have the CPSC standard. I think that a lot of riders feel that all bike helmets are the same and don’t really think of the safety standards involved. I always learn something from your videos. A few years back you and Chris Nolte of Propel did a video on safety and showcased the Lumos in that video. I bought a Lumos for myself and my wife and I can report that drivers definitely pick us up sooner and give us a wider berth when passing. The Lumos can be paired with handlebar mounted turn signal buttons for added functionality. Keep up the good work. Bye the way, now that you are in Canada do you have any plans to get to Toronto for some testing and tours with Virginia and Amigo bikes? Those were among your most entertaining outings. The same goes for George at Voltbikes. Looks like they have some new or updated models.
Hi Jay!! Wow, thanks for the compliments and good memories. Yes, I'd love to travel more and visit some old friends. With the limited flights and border stuff going on, I've been hunkering down working on some systems and redesign stuff... still trucking along with reviews and the occasional fun video. More good stuff planned as the year progresses. I might visit a friend in Toronto who is creating a new custom ebike too, and I'll definitely reach out to Virginia :D
Until manufactures 1) build class 3 rated e bike helmets, and 2) provide for heads larger than most (I use a helmet that is 25+ inches / 65cm), I'll stick with my full-face, DOT certified, modular motorcycle helmet (HJC I90, Size 4XL)
If they would build helmets for guys with big heads, then we'd buy them. Also, as mentioned by others, facial protection should be a part of the build.
That was fun to watch! Thanks
Nice, glad you enjoyed it Glenn! And I hope you’re well 🙂 any fun highlights you’re looking forward to this Spring?
Like the helmet- but how are companies STILL releasing stuff with MicroUSB in 2022. USB C is so much less fiddly when plugging in.
Very true, I like how the USB-C plug works in either orientation so you don't have to get it "right side up" perhaps they are just more expensive to produce, or maybe it's a parts supply issue?
Thanks for the video, nice to know about these higher impact helmets. Might need to upgrade now that I have a Voltbike! Curious where you were riding during filming? I am in Vancouver.
Marketed as ebike rated and it does have the NTA 8776 certification, but there are helmets that have that + MIPS while this XNITO lacks it. Maybe not a make or break for everyone but something to note. As far as ebike worthy, the XNITO spec-wise is sub par to the Lazer Urbanize and Bern Hudson which both have NTA 8776 AND have MIPS. Both also have a huge history in the industry vs a new company like XNITO. Nice to see new players in the market, but the big picture, they're still starting out and will most likely introduce somethings with MIPS to compete.
To clarify further, MIPS is a feature whereas the NTA 8776 is a classification/license. It's not that NTA 8776 surpasses MIPS. Again, you can and may elect to have both.
For those of you who aren't aware, the CPSC is nothing special. It's actually required to be able to sell a helmet in the USA. It's the lowest certification in the USA. It's basically as special as being pulled over by the police in a car and telling them you have a license.
D-Ring fasteners may be low tech, but you naturally adjust them properly every time you don the helmet. It would be nice to see mor d-ring …
The Bern Hudson is also worth a closer look. The safest helmet I own.
Nice, thanks for the tip!!
About size, both of you seem to be small folks. I'm big and have an XXL helmet with the sizing strap at it's largest size and it's tight. I don't wear baseball caps because one size does not fit all. Having that much brain mass makes the head tend to hit the ground first. Maybe you could recommend some that would fit us larger types beyond the one size fits most. I'm not fat but do come in at 200 lbs. And I see guys out there that make me look small.🤠
Hi Bill! My Dad is a larger fellow with a big head and has expressed the same issue. I'll ask him which helmet he found that works well for larger heads. This one is rated from 21.26 to 24.02 inches and my own head is about 23.62in :)
Okay Bill, I asked my Dad and got the following information to help you! He said "I have a Bell Stoker XL, they don't make this model anymore. However, the Sixer and 4forty look similar and do come in XL. They both come with MIPS. Here's their website
www.bellhelmets.com/bike/c/all-bike-helmets/"
I like that old school
You should have done some night riding b-roll to demo the lights
Good suggestion! Sorry that didn't happen... I thought about just showing them in a dark part of Sam's warehouse but wanted to get the video out quickly. The lights are pretty impressive, and I think the XNITO videos show them at night too www.indiegogo.com/projects/xnito-ultra-helmet-protection-for-higher-speeds#/
I wanna go bike riding with Court someday too.
That would be awesome! Where are you at Jeff? I’m near Vancouver and take bikes out al the time, it’s more fun with friends! Email me at electricbikereview at gmail
Good video. Would love to see more content like this.
As for these helmets, would much rather have more ventilation (with bug screens) than gimmicky lights. Don't some jurisdictions forbid lights on helmets?
I hadn’t heard that some jurisdictions might limit lights on helmets, but I could see how it might come up if a crazy bright strobe light was mounted up high pointing into the eyes of fellow cyclists and cars.
I agree that the bug screen feature is nice, especially with larger vents. I tried to show the strengths of each helmet in this fun little video. Thanks for the encouragement!
Well DUH!? If lights r not legal, Turn them off!
I will have to see an independent test on their foam to see if it's really as good as a MIPS cage!
Long ago and far away when the helmet laws were passed, early 70's, Bell was the only company that manufactured a "skid lid" that fit me, 7 and 3/4th! Of course they were much more money also.
When I received my helmet laying on top pf the foam was a note from Bell research:
"You have just purchased the best motorcycle helmet in the world,
If you have $10 dollar head, buy a $10 dollar helmet!"
You should review Kali helmets that are all made as a single piece which makes them safer then the 2 part mold injection verisons
Would have been nice if they had made it in a small, as a medium would have been far too big for my small head.
Safety first
Keep up the great channel 🛵
Bike Week Hobo
Back in Tennessee
After Daytona 🚲
That’s right! Thanks for the support! Hope you’re doing well 🚴🏼♂️
I would also like to know about Bontragger's wavecell system. It seems more effective than Mipps, what do you think?
Wavecell is an unfortunate failure in that sure it has 5 star but has been shown to underperform compared to EPS plus mips
What brand and model is Sam's bike helmet? Its dope.
His helmet is from a company called Kask, he shows the visor and you can see the brand logo around 1 minute in the video :) I think his company DŌST also sells them.
I'm retired and ride my e-bike everyday and my abus helmet is falling apart so I would like to update to a better helmet but my head is 24 in. In diameter and is more round than oval do you have any recommendations
Merci Québec Pierre
EBR. I have a big head 24 inches, I bought an abus helmet XL but the sides were to tight, what helmet do you think would fit my melon...love your videos
Hi Mike I don't wear helmet 's buddy with my Copenhagen Wheel
My question is: Pro cyclists ride high end helmets like Giro and others which are rated the highest through Va Tech testing. I've seen some horrific crashes at high speed in world tour cycling wearing road helmets, and I also would ride well over 15mph on my road bike. I would easily hit over 33 mph going downhill in my little neighborhood ride and cruise at 18 to 20 mph under pedal power.. No one suggested a higher rated helmet. A lot of non cyclist, older people with disposable incomes are getting into E-Biking. Is this just a marketing ploy, like E-Bike shoes seem to me? Yes, style might determine a certain helmet over another and practicality, but impact safety seems suspect when real crash tests are applied.
If I'm going 28mph then I'd rather have a full face bicycle helmet. I want to keep my jaw.
My helmet needs to have a sun visor to clip my rear-view mirror onto.
I feel ya, this one is supposed to come with a fabric visor but I didn't get one for the demo. I'm guessing you need a plastic visor so the rear-view mirror will stick?
What happened to Dost?
I've reached out to get more information on what's happened but haven't heard back yet. I'll update everyone when I have official news/word.
sorry but it's not extra safe until you have full face coverage. it may seem stupid to wear a motorcycle helmet on your bicycle but it isn't. i just got done watching a video of someone face planting over the handlebars after they blew a tire and smacking the pavement so hard that the ambulance had to come scrape them up. you can get a bell motorcycle helmet for less than 200 bucks. a motocross helmet will protect your face and you'll still be able to see and breathe. it seems like overkill until you get splatted by a car ...
Currently $155 on Amazon in May 2023.
Thanks for the update!
That’s very expensive for an unknown u proven helmet that lacks mips
@@chefgav1I agree. I ended up buying a Thousand Heritage 2.0 for $70.
@@pfink70 has your helmet been independently tested by Virginia Tech?
@@chefgav1 Yes, 3 stars - so not the best. I don't ride fast so I'm not too worried.
Wow Québec
Too bad it doesn’t appear to ship to Canada.
Really? I'll ask Ben about that and get back to you.
Might be a good thing . No mips or independent testing is a big no in my books
tactic is better
Hi Tom, does Specialized make that? The visor position is pretty high, does it swivel down? Do you own one?
@kencook4956
0 seconds ago
I bought one for myself, and my wife checked it out and immediately wanted one. We've been on about a half dozen rides and both LOVE the helmet. They're lightweight and don't give you that mushroom-head look. We even took this helmet to the next level and added a Cardo Edge comms with the half-helmet boom mic and it works a treat. The front light is just to make you more visible and not any night light EXCEPT when you stop and want to look in your bag for something you don't need to grab your phone for a light to see inside. The chin strap is comfy and super easy to get on and off once you get used to it (takes using it a few times to get used to it).