It was only in April that Italian manufacturer Fizik launched its new range of helmets: Kudo (Aero), Kunèe and Kassis. Three helmet models and an aero version that cover everything from road bikes and gravel to MTB and time trials. Now Fizik is back with the four in the limited Arche-Type Collection.
Don't worry, anyone who thinks of good old Moses, all that rain and his boat when they hear "ark-type" is fortunately wrong. The Italians wanted to create a helmet that looks like it has just been leaked from the design studio. They write about it themselves:
Think of Arche-Type as a still image in the design and development phase, a prototype that has reached its final form. - Press release Fizik
Designed with a translucent polycarbonate shell that exposes the EPS core underneath, Arche-Type helmets combine a dark grey colour scheme with contrasting matt and glossy surfaces. The helmets remind us of the first bike helmets for children in the 90s, which were apparently also just made of polystyrene and you could carve beautiful lines into them with your fingernails. Unfortunately, that's not possible here - the new Fizik bike helmets fulfil all safety standards.
The price of Kudo, Kassis & Co. with the style update is only 10 euros above the normal price. Pleasing. As a reminder, here is an overview of the 4 Fizik helmets. The weights differ according to the CE standard and the US CPSC.
Fizik Kudo Arche-Type Edition
The Fizik Kudo is the lightest and best ventilated helmet in the range. It is therefore best suited for long climbs or intensive off-road races. The Kudo offers an adjustment at the back and front of the head, which increases comfort and stability, and has thin, lightweight padding for better heat regulation. It also features the integrated MIPS Air Node system. To improve visibility, the Kudo can also be fitted with the removable rear light.
- Price: 299 Euro
- Sizes/Weight: S: 52-56 (CE 270 g - CPSC 310 g) - M: 56-59 (CE 280 g - CPSC 320 g) - L: 59-61 (CE 310 g - CPSC 360 g)
Fizik Kudo Aero Arche-Type
The Kudo Aero, developed in the wind tunnel, is the brother of the Kudo without aero, and is a lightweight helmet with an integrated shell and a rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. There are ventilation openings at the front, while a large rear diffuser allows air to escape again to optimise temperature regulation on the head. For better comfort and stability, the helmet can be adjusted at the back and front of the head and also offers thin, lightweight padding. The Kudo Aero from Fizik also has an integrated MIPS Air Node system and a holder for the optional rear light.
- Price: 299 Euro
- Sizes/Weight: S: 52-56 (CE 270 g - CPSC 300 g) - M: 56-59 (CE 290 g - CPSC 320 g) - L: 59-61 (CE 320 g - CPSC 360 g)
Fizik Kunèe aero helmet
The Fizik Kunèe is the most aerodynamic helmet in the Fizik portfolio, specially developed for top performance in time trials and triathlons. Through wind tunnel testing and airflow analysis, the shape and components have been optimised to improve airflow and increase aerodynamic efficiency in the most demanding races. The interior features, such as the adjustment system and padding, are similar to those of other bike helmets. In addition, the Kunèe is equipped with two magnetically removable visors, which are mirrored and transparent.
- Price: 389 Euro
- Sizes/weight: S/M: 54-58 (350 g without visor - 400 g with visor) - M/L: 58-61 (400 g without visor - 450 g with visor)
Marc Strucken
Editor
