New helmet thinking in Abus Kranium AKS 1 Limited Edition

[Andre Jute]

New helmet thinking in the Abus Kranium AKS 1 Limited Edition
 http://www.velorution.com/abus-kranium-aks1-cardboard-helmet/ Watch the video in the right hand column where the designer explains how falling off his bike and giving himself a concussion made him rethink the standard bike helmet.

Andre Jute

[Danneaux]

This is fascinating Andre; thanks so much for posting this.

Looking at the video, I find myself wishing we had more "contact" (no matter how remote) with other product designers. It was interesting to see the reasoning and development behind the helmet, and -- though it is not for me in its present iteration -- was enough to pique my interest and I will followup later to see how the helmet develops over time.

I see it has what appears to still be an EPS-like base beneath the "corrugated cardboard" (honeycomb fiber board) and a clear shell. I do very much wish it had more ventilation that just a single NACA-style scoop in front. It will also be interesting to see how Abus go about individual sizing (I am particularly conscious of this, since I have a small head that is oval; narrow side-to-side and longer front-to-back; I got the Aerodynamic Head™ option in the OEM parts bin); only a few helmets really fit me well without excessive lateral rocking or pinching at the front and rear.

Still, a very intriguing idea, and one hopeful in terms of longevity. EPS really doesn't age well and should be replaced regularly...though most folks don't do so.

All the best,

Dan.

[il padrone]

While the design has many great aspects (strength, flexibility, re-useability after impacts), the lack of ventilation makes it an intolerable choice in the types of climates I cycle in. Styling-wise it's a bit naff as well 

Shame really

[Andre Jute]

I wasn't proposing it to anyone, just putting it up for discussion. At least it's a new idea in a field of cycling that is in dire need of new ideas.

For myself, I wondered about the lack ventilation in the Kranium and decided I'll buy another Bell Citi before Bell kills it off like they stupidly killed off the extremely successful Metropolis (a sort of flash Citi with more facilities and a larger accessory range). Uh-huh, just went to look, gone from SJS though all accessories are still available, and CRC offers only two decidedly off colours of the Citi on sale, going, going gone. The Citi is a good cool helmet for the upright/comfort/recreational cyclist and the Dutch-style commuter. The City and the Metropolis have a removable visor for which there is a superb optional extra foldout mirror that is permanently attached to mine, though I fold it out for use it only when a car knocks off my handlebar end mirror, or I do it myself. (I did the other morning, when I bombed out of the mist onto a footbridge where there is only about an inch clearance on either side and, coming out of the zero visibility just a fraction too late and far too fast to make correction, discovered myself a fraction of an inch off centre, with predictable results, one ripped-off Cateye 300G. That's why I buy them by the dozen. In fact, that bridge is why I stopped using the superb but expensive Zefal Dooback mirror, which was bankrupting me in breakages there. You can see why I am interested in better helmets!)

Andre Jute
Hooligan? Me? Show a little respect, sonny.

[Danneaux]

Andre,

The best helmet I've ever used to date is my Bell Alchera, a bargain that in my use has far outshown helmets costing several times as much, and the coolest I have ever worn. The visor'd version is the Bell Influx II ( http://www.rei.com/product/731938/bell-influx-ii-bike-helmet ). I can't recommend it more highly, but probably more "roadie" than you're looking for.

I found a bit more about the Kranium...
http://www.helmets.org/kraniumresearch.pdf
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/alh4sp1j2eyh5ot/0UZJW33XfP#f:1black.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw8piPqfsiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPMprLKH5Po
http://www.helmets.org/kranium.htm

This is a pretty interesting approach. I hope the styling can be contemporized and ventilation improved so it can look and be cool. If it can appear and function as well as a current helmet, then the added benefits of the fiberboard liner will be a real advance. It's all got to work together, however.

Best,

Dan.

[Andre Jute]

The Influx ii is visibly cool with all those holes... You're right, too roadie. It is a helmet that doesn't even point into the wind until you fall on the drops. I'd rather not abuse my back when instead I can sit comfortably upright on a wide Brooks saddle. The Metropolitan and the Citi are round like bowler hats, shaped for cyclists who sit up.-- Andre Jute

[Aushiker]

While the design has many great aspects (strength, flexibility, re-useability after impacts), the lack of ventilation makes it an intolerable choice in the types of climates I cycle in.

Same for me Pity about the lack of ventilation.

Andrew