Those of us who pay way too much attention to bike helmets can’t miss one eternal conundrum: the safest helmets almost invariably look overly technical, while the best-looking helmets almost always lack the most progressive protective elements.
Until now, that is.
Because the latest release from the fast-rising new leader in stylish brain buckets, Thousand, just happens to be super safe, too. It also packs a couple of other uncommon, awesome features. Here are three things that stand out about Thousand’s Chapter MIPS Helmet, besides the low-profile style.
1. Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS)
The Chapter is the first Thousand helmet to integrate MIPS, a research-backed technology that essentially allows your head to rotate a bit inside the helmet to reduce the trauma caused by various impacts. It’s that yellow lining you see in the photo above, and you’ll forget all about it until it saves your brain.
2. USB-Rechargeable Magnetic Light
This super-clever feature is unique to the Chapter. The helmet comes with a magnetic rear light and charger, along with a little groove at the back to stick it before you hit the road. There’s also a rubber mount you can use to attach to your seatpost. Considering how important bike lighting is, even during the day, this user-friendly execution is incredibly appealing.
3. Secret Poplock
A third cool innovation that Thousand pioneered is the Poplock, a more secure way to lock your helmet to your bike rather than lugging it around. It’s basically a small hole near the back, normally covered by a magnetic cap, that allows you to slip the lock through the body of the helmet, rather than one of the straps, for foolproof safekeeping.
At just 12 ounces for a size medium, the Chapter is also 25 percent lighter than its big brother, the Heritage, and it’s quite comfortable, too. I feel confident in this statement, considering I’ve been wearing it throughout the course of writing this post. The Chapter is available now in three colorways: Supermoon White, Racer Black and Club Navy.
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