This Amazing Bicycle Helmet Is Completely Collapsible
When you go on a bike ride, it’s especially important to be safe — whether you’re climbing a mountain trail or riding along with cars. Regardless of your skill level, you can never know when grass hides a rock or when an inebriated driver is riding alongside you.
If you fall off your bike — or are thrown off — your head and body are going to hit the ground pretty hard. That’s exactly why you need to wear a bicycle helmet at all times. Nearly three-quarters of all fatal bike crashes involved a head injury.
The problem for many riders is that helmets can be bulky, tough to carry and downright frustrating at times. That’s exacerbated even more when you have to carry a bag full of supplies or a computer bag, too. When it’s hot out, they make your head sweat, and that’s terribly uncomfortable.
Luckily, the FEND Collapsible Bicycle Helmet exists, which will keep you both safe and happy. The safe part is obvious, but why happy? Well, it’s all in the name, folks!
Why You’ll Love the FEND Collapsible Bicycle Helmet
- As the name suggests, it is one of the first helmets to collapse down to a portable size when you’re not using it. More specifically, it folds into a “hemispherical” shape so you can stow it away in your bag, backpack or even purse.
- Don’t have a bag? No problem! Stash it in a desk drawer, underneath your cubicle or just carry it. Because it folds up and is relatively lightweight, it won’t be a burden like conventional bike helmets.
- Of course, more important than the space-saving feature of these helmets are the safety specifications. Will this thing protect your noggin in the event of a serious accident? The answer is yes. It’s incredibly durable and has been designed to take a beating, even with its collapsible frame. It includes space between the structural components, which is what allows it to fold up so easily while providing a ventilation system for your head. That way, when you’re biking on those hot summer days, you’ll still be able to feel the breeze blowing through your hair.
Come On, Is It Really That Great?
Admittedly, this makes it sound like it’s the best helmet ever created — and it may well be — but let’s take a moment to talk reality.
The FEND Collapsible Bicycle Helmet looks decent, sounds decent and has some fantastic features, but is it worth your money?
We say absolutely, unequivocally, yes. But, there’s a catch.
If you are the type of person who rides your bicycle all the time, nearly everywhere you go and you always have a helmet on you, then this is definitely something you’ll want. If you only take your bike out occasionally, then a conventional helmet will do just fine.
The mainstay of this helmet is that it folds down into a more portable form, which is specifically for people who carry helmets around with them most of their day. This is especially great if you ride your bike to a location, lock it up, then hop on a public transportation system for the rest of your commute.
Overall, there are just fewer items to lug around and the helmet itself is not as bulky.
It comes in two sizes: small/medium or large/extra-large, and both sizes are relatively comfortable. There are no major differences other than the fitting.
Plus, the helmet comes with an adjustable fit system and plush interior lining so it fits snugly on your head, no matter which size you choose. The nylon straps are durable as hell, but, more importantly, they are comfortable and don’t chafe your skin.
As for the materials, the helmet is comprised of “ABS” hard shell and “EPS” foam. They lean heavily towards improved safety, offering high-impact absorption in the event of a fall, crash or volley.
When Can I Buy the FEND?
Colors include matte black, white and a special edition adorned with “NYC”-style yellow. The black and white versions are $120, while the special edition is $30 more.
The project was originally funded on Kickstarter and exceeded its funding goal of $40,000. First shipments are expected to go out to backers sometime between May and July. If you didn’t get in on the crowdfunding option, you can pre-order a FEND helmet now, and it will ship to you when available.
What We ❤️️
All in all, it’s a great option if you’re a regular commuter and you’re tired of lugging around a bulky, unsightly bicycle helmet. You still have to carry around a helmet if you want to be safe, but at least the FEND is collapsible and will fit in most bags.
Images via FEND