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Hooray, it's insect season again! They're buzzing and buzzing everywhere. Whole swarms of Markus flies come towards you. Jet-black and hairy as a masseur in a hamam, they slap against the lens of my glasses with hanging legs and clumsy flying style. Lemon butterflies stagger across the spokes, flushed with the first rays of sunshine. And the swarms of mosquitoes are already shimmering like walls of mist over the winter puddles. Some flying object is constantly heading for my head, catapulting itself through one of the helmet's vents and then plopping into my hair like a toddler into a ball pit - they seem to really enjoy it.
The scalp is buzzing again
But not me. I have to stop again and again. Unbuckle, helmet down - and then I keep wiggling and tugging until the little critters have left and I can carry on riding without any annoying itching.
That's when I realise what I haven't missed all winter but now wish for all the more: an insect screen in my helmet. Yes, you read that right. In the past, the fine-meshed net between the air holes in the helmet was practically part of good form - just like the toilet roll under the crocheted cap on the rear shelf of Grandad's Admiral. But both are rarely seen today. The thing with the toilet roll cap - ok, I can just about understand that. But a fly screen is a great thing. Good for me, and also good for the insects. I can carry on driving undisturbed and the creepy-crawlies can continue to buzz around for a few more days.
A thousand features but no insect screen
Helmets today are equipped with all kinds of stuff. Garages for sunglasses, visors as big as the spoiler on the Audi Quattro S1, or holders for the helmet camera. You can then watch in slow motion as a hoverfly buzzes through the air vent. But hardly anyone thinks about an insect screen these days.
Call me uncool or old-school: I just love practical details, and the insect screen is one of them for me. That's why I went on a search and actually found a few helmets that still use mesh in the ventilation slots - and hey: there are even some really stylish ones!
Rudy Project Skudo: The smart all-rounder for trail and asphalt
The Skudo is a classic Crossover helmet. It feels just as at home on a road bike as it does on an XC bike or for daily commuting in the city. Its low weight and excellent ventilation make it ideal for long summer tours and sweat-inducing climbs.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 99,90 Euro >> available here
- Excellent ventilation: 17 strategically placed ventilation channels.
- Insect protection: Firmly integrated front net against bees and flies.
- Perfect fit: R.S.R. 11 adjustment system for horizontal and vertical adjustment.
- Low weight: At approx. 250 g (size S/M), it is one of the lightest in its class
Alpina Rootage 2: The all-purpose weapon for rough trails
The Alpina Rootage 2 is a genuine Mountain bike helmet for rough terrain. It feels most at home on technical single trails, enduro races or shuttling in the bike park. Thanks to the good ventilation and the height-adjustable visor (which can also accommodate goggles), it is also ideal for extended day tours with a high proportion of trails.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price129,95 Euro >> available here
- Maximum protection: Deep-drawn neck and temple area for critical zones.
- Insect protection: Fixed grille against uninvited guests in the helmet.
- Robust finish: Triple-shell construction protects the EPS core all round.
- Customisability: Height-adjustable visor and precise 360° adjustment system.
- Security upgrade: Optionally also as MIPS version available to reduce rotational forces.
Uvex i-volute MIPS: safety meets a clean look
The uvex i-volute MIPS is a classic Trekking and city specialist. It is designed for commuters who value style, but also want to cut a good figure on a long forest and meadow tour at the weekend. Thanks to its deep-drawn rear section, it offers significantly more protective surface area than a pure racing bike helmet, but remains pleasantly cool even at the height of summer thanks to the intelligent airflow.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price129,95 Euro >> available here
- MIPS technology: Extra protection against rotational movements in the event of a fall.
- Customised fit: 3D IAS system for perfect height and width adjustment.
- Insect stop: Integrated nets in the front ventilation openings.
- High level of comfort: X-fit padding and one-handed Monomatic fastener.
- Visibility option: Prepared for the installation of a uvex plug-in LED (optionally available).uvex react jr. fullface: Full protection for little trail heroes
Uvex React Jr. full face: Full protection for little trail heroes
The uvex react jr. fullface is designed for the Use in rough terrain made. It is the right choice for children who are making their first jumps in the bike park, taking on technical trails or competing in their first junior enduro races. It offers the decisive plus in confidence when the speed increases and the terrain becomes steeper.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 119,95 Euro >> available here
- Maximum face protection: Sturdy, fixed chin guard for tough applications.
- Child-friendly ergonomics: Lightweight construction to relieve the cervical spine.
- IAS adjustment: Easily adjustable to the size of the head with the rotary wheel at the back of the head.
- Bug-Stop: Integrated grille protects against wasps and bees in the helmet.
- Goggle-Ready: The shape of the helmet is optimised so that standard MTB goggles fit perfectly.
Cratoni Pacer 2.0: The price-performance king for everyday use
The Cratoni Pacer 2.0 is the classic All-rounder. Its territory is the daily commute to work, a relaxed bike ride at the weekend or a trip to the lake. It is not a specialist for tough trail use, but perfectly covers the spectrum from trekking bike to e-bike for city commuters.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 79,95 Euro >> available here
- Lightweight: At approx. 240 g, noticeably light on the head.
- Insect stop: Integrated net in the front section against bees and flies.
- Visibility: Reflective elements for better visibility in road traffic.
- Simple adjustment: LFS system for precise circumference adjustment.
- Including visor: The detachable visor protects against blinding sun and light branches.
Cratoni Allset: The price banger for trail and tour
The name says it all: the Allset is for the entire mountain bike range equipped. It is the ideal choice for sporty touring riders and trail beginners who are looking for a helmet that offers more protection than a classic half-shell, but is still well ventilated. It also cuts an excellent figure on an E-MTB thanks to its robust look and sturdy construction.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 99.95 Euro (without MIPS) / 119.95 Euro (with MIPS) >> available here
- Extended protection: Deep-drawn rear section for maximum safety off-road.
- Insect protection: Integrated mesh in the front ventilation ducts.
- Goggle compatibility: 3-stage adjustable visor for flexible spectacle management.
- Camera port: Prepared surface on the top for easy mounting of action cams.
- Perfect fit: LFS adjustment system for secure fastening at the back of the head.
Abus Urban-I 4.0: The smart update for frequent urban drivers
The Abus Urban-I 4.0 is the specialised City helmet. It is made for people who are out and about in the city in any weather and at any time of day. Thanks to its unagitated but modern look, it goes just as well with a business outfit as it does with a casual look. Thanks to its good ventilation and low weight, it is also a great partner for relaxed trekking tours at the weekend.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 99,95 Euro >> available here
- Magnetic rear light: Easy to remove, rechargeable via USB and extremely bright.
- Insect protection: Permanently integrated fly screen in the front openings.
- Fidlock fastener: Magnetic chin lock for one-handed operation.
- Ponytail compatibility: Specially shaped adjustment system for long hair.
- Optimum ventilation: 12 air inlets and 5 air outlets for a perfect climate.
Casco Activ 2 Pathfinder: The stylish border crosser
The Activ 2 Pathfinder is a classic All-rounder with outdoor genes. It is ideal for touring cyclists who value design but are also looking for the necessary robustness for gravelled forest paths. Thanks to its subtle, matt green colour, it blends in perfectly with nature and is the ideal companion for long trips into the countryside or the daily commute through the city park.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price: 100 Euro
- Aluminium insect net: High-quality and long-lasting protection against bees and wasps.
- Automatic climate control: Sophisticated ventilation system for constant cooling.
- Individual style: Casco "MyStyle" stripes can be exchanged (reflective).
- Casco-Loc: Innovative quick-release fastener for one-handed opening and closing.
- Extended protection: The helmet shape protects the back of the head over a wide area.
Endura Hummvee MIPS: The indestructible trail buddy
The Endura Hummvee MIPS is a genuine All-mountain helmet. It feels just as comfortable on technical single trails as it does on a quick after-work ride in the forest. Thanks to the removable visor and the discreet, matt "tweed green" look, it is also an excellent choice for style-conscious commuters who don't want to take any risks on the way to the office.
The most important features at a glance:
- Price75 Euro >> available here
- MIPS® Integration: Increased protection in impact scenarios with rotational energy.
- Insect stop: Fixed net in the front against uninvited passengers.
- Flexibility: Removable visor for different areas of use.
- Comfort cushion: Quick-drying and replaceable inner lining.
- Precise fit: Micro-adjustment system for a firm fit without pressure points.
Stefan Frey
Editor
