Cratoni is an Italian sounding, yet German brand that makes helmets among other things. The C-bolt is their entry-level road-bike helmet. That's quite a high entry point at a RRP of £85.95 although it can be had at a scratch under £70 if you look around online.
The first thing I noticed when I got my hands on it is just how well made it is. The in-mold construction is neatly finished, and the hard plastic shell even extends to the underside on the front. I'm not sure if this makes the helmet any stronger, but it'll keep that bit from denting from every day use. In terms of security, you get the usual EN 1078 CE certification.
There are a couple of bits of reflective detailing on the back of the helmet which you can only see if you shine a light on it.
The weight is a bit odd, in that the tag says 175 grams, but a little label inside the helmet says "ca. 230g". The kitchen scales tipped at 236grams, not shabby at all for an entry-level helmet! There are plenty weightier at a far higher price tag.
21 mostly oversized holes keep your head well cooled and adjustment is taken care of by Cratoni's anatomic fit system, which feels really well made. Horizontal adjustment is achieved with a micro-dial while there are three notches of vertical adjustment too, but as it requires popping the adjustment system out of a little socket, it's not something you can do on the fly with the helmet on your head. Oh, and the straps are the softest and comfiest I've tried.
This helmet will work best if you've got a round head, the sides of the cradle don't touch the sides of my head, which means it can rock sideways a little too much for my liking. Try before you buy.
The C-bolt is available in 3 sizes; and three colourways you can choose from red-white glossy (tested), pearlwhite-silver glossy and black-silver glossy. You also get replacement coolmax pads and a bag.
Verdict
Very well made helmet for rounder heads
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Cratoni C-Bolt Helmet
Size tested: Black/Silver - S/M
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
This is what Cratoni say about it:
Extremely lightweight Roadbike-Helmet
The roadbike-edidtion of the C-TRACER first and foremost appeals to ambitious cyclists searching for optimal price-performance ratio.
The C-BOLT comes with a sophisticated ventilation system including enormous vents and a smooth running one-hand adjustment system.
Additionally breathable Coolmax pads round up the perfect cycling experience.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Inmold construction. Inner- and Outer-shell are inseparably jointed for a gapless connection between both shells. This enables an extremely safe and lightweight helmet structure.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
The shell is very neatly finished, extending even to the underside of the helmet at the front.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
By performance I mean fit here. It's a personal thing of course, but it didn't fit my head that well.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Looks like it should be really durable.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
The straps and pads feel very comfortable.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
If it fits your head, you get a very decent helmet for £70.
Did you enjoy using the product? Tricky because it didn't fit me that well.
Would you consider buying the product? No, but then see above
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if it fitted them.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The Cratoni C-bolt is a very well made helmet that will fit rounder heads best.
Age: 32 Height: 1.78m Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cervelo Dual
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax
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