Portland, Oregon is an uber cycle-friendly city that hosts bike traditions such as the month-long Pedalpalooza each June. And Portland-based Nutcase aims to make helmets cool to look at and comfortable to wear.
Former Nike Creative Director Michael Morrow launched the brand during a football game between two rival Oregon teams. He brought along two self-designed helmets conceived in his garage, each decorated with the mascots of each team. Fan response was wild, planting the seed in Michael’s head to carry on creating a fun, yet safe primary bike accessory.
Speaking of design, the Nutcase team receives design suggestions from customers and friends; in 2014, they decided to work with three international artists each year, selected from an open design competition, to bring cool new looks to their lineup.
We’ve been fans of their helmets for years and with autumn rolling around, we gave their website a visit to check out the latest models for street cycling and urban commutes.
New this year, the Ocean Stripe Gloss helmet is part of the Street collection and features an improved retention system to provide a secure, comfortable fit and twice the reflectivity for visibility on the road.
Safety first! Nutcase helmets are built using the industry-leading MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) “brain protection” safety feature, proven to reduce rotational motion that can result from certain impacts, via a low-friction layer that allows a sliding motion of 10 to 15 mm in all directions.
They also comply with both US and Canadian ASTM F1492 (skateboarding and trick roller skating) and CPSC (bike helmets for ages five and up) safety standards.
The 11 redesigned air vents increase airflow and help keep you cool while cycling. The helmet is made of a high-performance, injection-molded ABS shell combined with EPS foam for safety on the road.
Three internal heat-sealed pads offer comfort while a dial-adjustable fit adds a more customized fit.
This collection has two times the reflectivity and sports a Fidlock magnetic closure that snaps easily with a secure click into the buckle.
A simple black visor is included in the box for shielding against the elements. Street helmets come in small (52cm to 56cm), medium (56cm to 60cm) and large (60cm to 64cm).
As for weight, this one feels lighter than my previous Nutcase helmet, so I’m assuming that the overall design has gotten a refresh and has been built with a lighter all-around footprint.
If blue’s not your jam, there are currently 30 other Street designs to select from in the series.
CAD $99.99/USD $79.99
