Smart, visible, protective, innovative helmet
Navigating the urban jungle on two wheels is a thrill like no other. The wind against your face, the city's heartbeat syncing with your own—it’s freedom in its purest form. But freedom comes with risks, especially when you're a lone rider amidst a sea of distracted drivers. Enter the Lumos Nyxel, a helmet that's more than just a hard hat; it's a luminous shield designed to make you unmissable.
This helmet doesn't just sit on your head; it wraps you in light. With white LEDs up front and red ones at the back, both strips elegantly curve around the sides, giving you full 360-degree visibility. You're not just seen from the front or rear; you're a glowing beacon from every angle. In a world where being seen can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a close call, that's a game-changer.
The Nyxel lets you tailor your visibility to suit your ride. An easy-to-use app allows you to set the lights to a steady shine, a rapid flash, or a slower pulse. Whether you're cutting through the early morning fog or cruising under the city lights, you control how you illuminate the night. And with a 1,000-mAh battery offering up to 14 hours of runtime, your helmet is as enduring as you are.
But visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about communication. With a wireless handlebar remote, signaling turns becomes an art form. The LEDs don't just blink; they cascade in a sequential pattern, guiding the eyes of everyone around you—much like the elegant turn indicators on high-end cars. It's a touch of sophistication that adds both safety and style to your ride.
However, no piece of tech is without its quirks. If you're signaling a right turn while glancing left to check for oncoming traffic, the illuminated side of your helmet might momentarily face away from drivers behind you. It's a minor hiccup in an otherwise thoughtful design, but one worth being mindful of.
Safety takes center stage with the optional Quin crash detection module. Tucked inside the helmet, this smart device uses an inertial measurement unit to monitor movement and force in three dimensions, a thousand times a second. Should the unthinkable happen, it automatically sends an alert to your emergency contact through your linked smartphone. It's like having a silent guardian watching over every mile.
For those who won't compromise on safety, an optional Mips liner adds an extra layer of protection against rotational impacts. Even without it, the Nyxel meets rigorous safety standards, but the added peace of mind is a worthy investment for many.
Price-wise, the Nyxel is surprisingly accessible. Early supporters can grab the basic model for $99, with additional costs for the Mips and Quin enhancements. Considering the blend of cutting-edge tech, safety features, and sleek design, it's a solid value for something that could one day save your life.
In the grand tapestry of city cycling, the Lumos Nyxel shines brightly—literally and figuratively. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing so with confidence, visibility, and a dash of flair. So strap on this luminous guardian, and ride through the concrete maze knowing you've got a beacon on your side.
Pros:
- 360-Degree Visibility: With LED lights covering the front, back, and sides, this helmet ensures complete visibility from every angle, significantly enhancing safety in traffic.
- Customizable Lighting Modes: The app lets you switch between steady, fast-flashing, and slow-flashing modes, allowing you to adapt your visibility to different environments and conditions.
- Turn Signal Integration: The handlebar remote-controlled turn indicators mimic high-end car turn signals with sequential LED patterns, adding a layer of style while improving rider communication with surrounding traffic.
- Brake Light Feature: The built-in accelerometer triggers a rapid brake light effect when you slow down quickly, signaling drivers behind you and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Crash Detection with Emergency Alert: With the optional Quin crash detection module, the helmet can automatically alert an emergency contact if it detects a crash, providing an added layer of safety for solo riders.
- Optional Mips Liner for Extra Protection: For those focused on safety, the Mips liner reduces rotational impact risks, providing additional peace of mind.
- Battery Life: The helmet boasts a decent battery life with up to 14 hours on a single charge, so it’s well-suited for daily commuting.
- Competitive Price Point: Considering its features, the Nyxel is priced reasonably, especially for early backers on Kickstarter.
Cons:
- Turn Signal Visibility Issue: If you’re checking traffic while signaling a turn, your signal might not be visible to drivers directly behind you, a small but noteworthy design limitation.
- Dependent on Battery Life: While battery life is decent, running out of battery could mean losing all lighting and signaling functions mid-ride, leaving you without these safety features.
- Complexity of Features: For some riders, learning and managing the various features through the app and remote control could be cumbersome, especially for those who prefer simplicity.
- Reliance on App and Connectivity: The helmet’s full functionality is tied to the app and smartphone, meaning technical issues or lack of connectivity could disrupt certain features, like crash detection and lighting adjustments.
- Higher Price with Added Features: While the basic model is affordable, upgrading to the Mips and Quin versions raises the cost, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
From $99
