The Thousand bike helmet is fast becoming a bestseller here at Cyclechic, but just what is it that makes this stylish little number such a hit? We sent Ben McLoughlin for a test ride.
When I ride my bike, I wear a helmet. It just wouldn’t feel right going out without one. And on the few occasions I’ve taken a tumble, I was glad I had one on. For a long time, though, my choice of helmet was limited to the swooping aerodynamic models favoured by pro cyclists in their full range of eye-watering colours and patterns.
Then Cyclechic started importing Bern helmets to the UK, and all of a sudden you could stay safe AND stylish on two wheels.
Now Cyclechic has taken the lead again by adding the Thousand brand of helmets to their range and it doesn’t disappoint.
Featuring the visor style, similar to Bern, but with some clever design tweaks and extra features, the Thousand helmet rewards people who are prepared to pay a little more for their cycling headware.
Look & Feel
The first thing I noticed was the attention to detail that had gone into the packaging. Simple, understated, effective, the helmet itself comes in its own cotton bag, and the extra padding in a plain brown envelope.
Out of the bag, my helmet had a navy coloured rubberised matt finish that felt delightfully soft and grippy to the touch.
I am also struck by the pleasing shape of the helmet and when I take a glance in the mirror I can immediately see its a more flattering shape than my regular bike helmet.
Fit
It took a moment to get used to the more rounded shape of the helmet, and swapping over to the thicker padding provided in the envelope made it feel more secure. It’s slightly heavier than my normal helmet as well, though not uncomfortably so.
One thing I did notice, while the helmet feels fitted and secure, it doesn’t’t grip your head in a vice, like some of the helmets I’ve worn. This should go some way to reducing the problem of ‘helmet hair’, although sadly this reviewer cannot give you his personal recommendation due to his own trichological shortcomings. The ladies at Cyclechic HQ swear by it, though.
Finally it was time to buckle up. The tan-coloured Vegetan straps that are a notable feature of Thousand helmets feel soft and leathery, despite being vegan-friendly polyurethane.
As well as adding a touch of retro-luxe to the look, they’re also surprisingly easy to adjust.
Best of all is the German engineered magnetic strap lock. Once you’ve got the hang of it, this allows you to secure the straps with one hand and gives a satisfying and reassuring click.
Ventilation
Once out on the road, I was interested in seeing whether the seven air vents situated to the top and rear of the helmet were going to be enough to keep my head cool. Not too cool, though, as I’d picked a clear but crisp day to go cycling.
I’m used to helmets with very large vents, so I was surprised how well the seven discreet slots funneled the air through the enclosed interior, keeping my head cool and insulated from the cold at the same time.
The narrow visor also did a good job of keeping the sun out of my eyes and looked much more stylish than the cycling cap I usually jam under my road helmet.
These more closed helmets also work a treat at keeping you dry when the heavens open and the visor stops rain going into your face.
Extra Features
Stopping at my favourite cafe for a well earned flat-white, I decided to try out the Thousand helmet’s killer feature. Pushing out the secret Poplock beneath the logo roundel on the side allowed me to lock my helmet to my bike.
When people are asked why they don’t wear a helmet when cycling, one of the main reasons they give is the inconvenience of having to lug one about when off the bike. With Thousand’s Poplock, problem solved.
Well, almost.
I found that my new helmet was getting so many admiring glances, that I actually wanted to keep it with me. Still, it’s nice to have the option not to have to tote it around, and another example of how Thousand effortlessly combine style with ingenious design.
The Thousand is to helmets, what a Savile Row suit is to formal apparel. My old helmet feels a little off the peg in comparison. Their modishly muted colours suit most outfits, though if I was to be offered another one I might try out the Stay Gold version and channel my inner disco diva.
More importantly, I felt safe and secure wearing the Thousand helmet. It was easy to make it feel custom fitted and the snap lock is simple and effective. The Poplock is the final touch that makes it an all round winner. The only tricky bit is deciding which colour to choose…
Shop The Thousand Helmet in Navy £85 – Classic, understated, goes with everything.
Shop The Thousand Helmet in Gold £92.50– Very much the colour of the moment. Its whether or not you can cope with all the admiring glances…
Shop The Thousand Helmet in White £85 – Because of the beautiful design of these helmets the white looks like super-sleek and super–modern.
Shop The Thousand Helmet in Black £85 – because sometimes only black will do.
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