Noggins

• Limar 520 Helmet Review

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  Bicycle helmets have come a very long way in the past few years. Even the cheapest department store models, available for under $15, pass the full range of safety evaluations and, while not beautiful, at least are wearably light compared to inexpensive lids of a decade ago. Since the fundamental method of construction has been standardized, there has been a lot of pressure on the big helmet brands to innovate. How else to justify a $250 piece of foam?

  There are several variables to consider when choosing a helmet, the most important being the dork variable. (ie Do I look like a dork with this helmet on my head?) Does the helmet provide sufficient ventilation? Are the pads soft and replaceable? Does it sit low on your brow? Is the adjustment mechanism durable and foolproof? Does it clash with your bike or clothes? Is the chin strap soft? How much does it weigh? Does it have a bug net?

  The truth is that there's really very little difference between, say, a $60 helmet and a $160 helmet. And to a certain extent, the cost of one's helmet might be correlated with the size of one's cycling ego. For the past couple of years, I didn't think it was worth stocking entry level helmets at TATI. I ride a Spiuk Nexion, which, while spendy ($145), looks great and fits a wide range of head shapes. Plus it's Basque. And orange.

  But this year, there seem to be more roadies buzzing around the neighborhood than I remember. And boy, do they need some help with their style. Most are, or will become, members of the UCVC. Thankfully, the UCVC kits are pretty attractive. But they should not be paired with orange (or blue, or purple, or pink or green) helmets under any circumstance. They should be worn with white or black helmets.

  The Limar 520 is a very Euro design. It's interesting and angular and aggressive and almost avante garde -- all unusual attributes in an inexpensive helmet. The front has huge oval vents and deep scoops, reminiscent of the Catlike Whisper. It terminates in a steep upward slope, and its profile is wedgelike, much like my old beloved Catlike Kompact Pro. but of course the 520 costs a fraction of the Catlikes. In fact, it's less expensive than its main competitors, the Bell Furio and Giro Stylus. And it's far lighter to boot.

  

  

  I like that the 520 has simple and minimal graphics. The red dot Limar logo is a tiny 8mm plastic button on top of the central vent.

  

  The adjustment system is similar to Bell's: a ratcheting dial that can be tightened or loosened with one hand whilst riding.

  

  Bug nets are pretty standard on European market helmets, and sadly rare domestically. If you've ever had a wasp sting your skull at 40km/hr, you understand the benefits of this simple feature.

  

  Best of all, wearing a 520 is a joy due to its feathery 244g weight. I really don't understand why the top end helmets have been getting heavier and heavier (my Spiuk weighs 326g)...

  

  The 520 isn't without its drawbacks. It ships with a ridiculous and useless visor that you will likely toss. Like all wedge profiled helmets, it can sit a little high on the head, which is not to some folk's liking. It is only available for craniums sized 55-61cm.

  But overall, I think this is among the least offensive and genuinely worthwhile designs in the sub $100 price range. Available in white or "carbon" black. $60. Ships with stupid visor, plugs for the holes the removed visor will leave, and a set of extra pads. UCVC members, see your discount page for special Limar pricing.