Having just kicked the new team off once the season was already underway, we had a fair bit of catching up to do, so we decided to end the season and kick off the new one with as much matching kit as possible, team helmets are an obvious one. The Belgians love their Lazer hats, a step away from the UK's usual of Giro, Specialized or Bell, that fits the bill.
Looking at weights and vents that are in the normal area for a race helmet, we went for the Lazer O2 RD from Solid Rock Cycles. The added advantage that they have a fitting system that allows head sizes from 53 to 61cm to fit, so the one size they make in this model should fit the majority of our riders.
We've been riding these for a couple of months now, changed the livery a bit to match the team. So we'll give you an idea of what we've found, as it may be a different brand to what most folks are used to.
Weight:
I was riding a Giro Ionos, so a quick scale measurement for this blog & I found the Giro was 285g, the Lazer 278g, so lighter than a hat £50 more expensive. It also appears to have just as many vents, which keeps the weight good, obviously not had the chance to test it in the hottest Scottish conditions, but it looks like it would be just as sweaty as anything else.
Fit & Comfort:
The retention system is operated by the red rolling toggle in the top rear of the helmet, so that adjusts the cage around your head. I find the fit very comfy and solid, I take a medium in a Giro hat. We did find somebody in the team this doesn't fit, he is outside the maximum size range, so a different white matching helmet beckons for him. It looks as if the size range goes from half way up an equivalent Giro small to the end of a Giro large, based on that if you're wearing a small Giro, or finding a large Giro tight, try one of these on first before you buy it. Otherwise you'll be fine. Strap fitting is a doddle, each one has a locking clip where the two straps meet below the ear, so the adjustment is pretty easy. The strap length adjustment I always find a pain, as they allow enough strap for big heeded growlers, I always end up folding the straps over and using the rubber ring provided to hold it in place, always meaning to cut them to length. I'm not sure I've ever bothered to, this one is the exact same, too much strap for me, so folded over in the same way (must cut them this time!).
Wear & Tear:
Even though they're white, it's almost a kind of matt finish, doesn't seem to dirty up, even though it's been lying on the road upside down, it's still not marked. You get a wee bag to put it in when you're taking it to races, so that also helps keep it looking nice. I'm not getting much of the salty strap marks, but that's perhaps down to not riding hard enough than anything else, but the hats still look good as new.
Other stuff:
We have no info on crash testing it, nobody has done yet. The vents fit the glasses well, a pair of Oakley Radars fits in nicely while you're strolling about the race HQ or you're needing to sweep the sweat away on a climb. It also has some extra pads with it, plus the helmet bag as mentioned previously.
So overall, good light, aero, vented helmet, if you've got a normal size bonce, but if you've got a funny shaped bonce, check the size first. Or have a look at what else Lazer have to offer, a lot of pro's riding them, the Genesis looks very nice.
You can buy online here @ £79.99, it comes in 3 other colours, go to Products>Helmets>Road.
www.solidrockcycles.co.uk
