Limar Velov helmet

With a 60s mod revival in full swing, timely then that the road.cc office should send me Limar's award winning Velov helmet. On the one hand I'm really smitten with its funky design and classically Italian flavour but like so many things promising the best of both worlds, there's a danger it doesn't deliver in either. Tipping the scales at a very commendable 303g (57-62cm) the brief was to overcome the problem of too much ventilation and therefore frozen, soggy scalps through winter or boiled brains in summer.

Essentially Limar have achieved this via four neatly fitting composite panels that plug into what I'm calling a Universal Commuter Shell (or UCS, if any helmet manufacturers out there are short of acronyms); we're talking CE1078 compliant in-mould construction, 14 reasonably generous air scoops, washable anti bacterial pads to retain a comfortably hygienic, socially acceptable persona between tours de Zanussi.

Webbed straps sit surprisingly comfortably against the skin while dialling the perfect fit takes literally seconds, even in gloved hand and on the fly courtesy of the rear cradle's integral adjuster wheel. Its rubberised texture offers good support too, sitting just proud enough to avoid fouling rucksacks, messenger bags and similar rider mounted luggage when glancing over your shoulder. Standards of detailing/finish are reassuringly good, albeit slightly below similarly priced Teutonic competition.

In common with Met's Xilo, it's another fairly shallow design giving a perched sensation but this is soon forgotten after 20 minutes. Panel fit is close but I feared the few millimetres of gap would induce an irksome whistle in all but the most tranquil breezes. However, I needn't have worried and at 20mph, provided sufficient airflow to retain a comfortable inner climate. Midnight missions were as close to gauging cold weather prowess but once again, I could hare along, nudging 40mph on straight descents without distracting roar or painful frontal lobe headaches.

In cabriolet mode, airflow is better than 14 vents would suggest, although a bug net would've been nice, ditto shallow, detachable peak but in fairness it still performs well. By no means a bad lid, but I'd have to say that wearing a waterproof, breathable race cap beneath a regular lid works just as well and is easily parked in a jersey pocket mid ride when not required.

Verdict

Stylish commuter helmet with closeable vents, works well, but a waterproof cap worn beneath regular lid has much the same effect

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