The Chainlink

The Invisible Bicycle Helmet

So a couple of people in Sweden finally tackled the problem of helmet hair!  At the cost of $600 you can get an airbag for your head.  Its a pretty awesome design.  

I do see a few potential flaws though:

1. I wonder how well it would protect your forehead?

2. Could it go off accidently and if so how much is it to repack,

3. Helmets aren't that big of a deal - just wear one and save yourself $550.

 

 

The Invisible Bicycle Helmet | Fredrik Gertten from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.

 

http://vimeo.com/43038579

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Madopal (16.5 mi) on August 17, 2012 at 1:34pm

Biggest negative for me was that of COURSE it was invented in Sweden.  They wouldn't mind something heavy around their necks in that colder weather.  Try wearing that when it's 90+ F out.  Your neck being warm is worse than your head, IMHO.  The arteries there are close to your skin, and air passing can cool the blood to/from your head.  Cover that up, and you've got a real heat problem.

Also, some of the comments have brought up the lack of a hard shell.  Works well for a flat impact, but if you hit something more piercing, it wouldn't do anything.  Case in point...I was riding on Clark after a Cub game, and traffic was backed up going north to Grace.  I had missed that a work truck had some 2x4s sticking out at odd angles.  One glanced off of my helmet and left a bit of a mark.  I didn't even react until I was hit, so a) the airbag idea wouldn't have even kicked in, and b) with the corner catching my helmet, that inflated part wouldn't have protected me anyway.

Cheap, reliable, & ugly works for me.  That solution seems overly complex and expensive.

Permalink Reply by S on August 17, 2012 at 2:34pm

Turns out the thing costs $600 a pop and is one use only (although they may have recharge kits). I'm pretty sure it needs periodic servicing as well since the CO2 canister probably uses pressure over time. Oh, they already recalled all the helmets once due to a design flaw causing the zipper to open up in a crash.  I think I'll keep paying Big Helmet™ for their helmets.  

Permalink Reply by GabeW (not the other Gabe) on August 17, 2012 at 4:20pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtqQJ9hqVoM&feature=channel&...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj8v-hEcIWg&feature=channel&...

I have no idea how effective they are at protecting you, though.  And they would be hot on a bike in the summer.

Permalink Reply by Robot Gabe on August 17, 2012 at 4:31pm

When is a helmet ever "extremely uncomfortable?" 

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