Wolf Tooth Components (WTC), just launched a clean new mount for its EnCase Pump. The Inline Mount allows for quick access and sleek storage.

The current EnCase Pumps ship with the included side mount. This mount is great for storing the EnCase Pump right alongside your water bottle or cargo cage.

The new Inline Mount, however, allows the user to mount the EnCase Pump in place of a water bottle cage. This would be ideal for the underside of the top tube mounts, or the underside of the downtube.

The Inline Mount is part of the Encase Pump product line, as well as the EnCase System overall. The Encase Pump was launched earlier this year. They come in 40cc and 85cc.

They are compact, hold tools, and push enough air for high-volume tires. On top of all of that WTC says they have the “best in class” sealing that keeps harmful elements, like mud, grime, and dust out of the pump.

Encase Pump InLine Mount Retail and Detail

Retail: $14.95

• Easy-to-use rubber straps
• Weight: 15g
• Dimensions: 3.25″ x 1.5″ (82.5mm x 38mm)
• Material: Glass-filled Nylon

WolfToothComponents.com

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The rare ti Chris King headset is back in a modern update for the latest contemporary integrated headset bikes, in King’s first-ever Titanium DropSet. King Ti headsets only pop up every few years, and in very limited quantities. So, while even their regular rainbow of anodized aluminum headset cups are “built to last a lifetime, fully serviceable, and backed by [their] lifetime built-to-last warranty“, these titanium versions take it to the next level.

If you want to really make your bike happy, get it a King Titanium DropSet!

Chris King Titanium DropSet forever headset for modern bikes

It’s probably been more than 15 years since we really started to see integrated headsets take off in a big way, driven first by more carbon frames and then by tapered steerer tubes. But it’s only been 6 years since Chris King got into the integrated headset game with their original DropSet, solving the variable bearing preload problem with their patented GripLock wedge system.

The key to GripLock is its independent preload of the headset’s loosely dropped-in bearings separately of how it clamps against your steerer tube, so that the bearings stay preloaded as you ride, making it “impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking”. The result is an integrated headset that in the process created some of the longest-lasting integrated headsets that have ever been made.

“Most of the new, carbon road and gravel bikes have internal bearing designs. When bearings aren’t pressed securely into a cup they shift and move and lose preload, which makes them move, creak, and eventually fail. The DropSet solves that problem.”

– Jay Sycip, Chris King Design Manager

And now, Chris King are finally offering these integrated DropSet headsets in rare and sought-after titanium!

Chris King Titanium DropSet headsets – Pricing, options & availability

The new Chris King Titanium DropSet comes in 4 models – DropSet 2, 3, 4 & 6 to fit most modern road, gravel & mountain bikes with a tapered steerer tube and integrated headset. (Not fully integrated internal cable routing, which would need the different AeroSet.) Each sells for the same $300 in matte ti with a ti heasdet cap & bolt, a 40% premium over the standard colorful alloy versions.

They don’t elaborate on how many of each headset they will make in titanium, but my past experience is that they will most certainly sell out. And likely it won’t take too long until they are gone. Then you may have to wait 5 or even 10 years until they pop up again.

These are headsets that will outlast your bike. And these are headsets that you’ll maybe even take from bike to bike over the years. Snap one up now to add some bling to your current bike, and possibly even to your next bikes down the road or trail.

Review: A lifetime King Ti NoThreadSet titanium headset

The King Ti headset I’m actually reviewing here is around 20 years old, and has been pressed into several bikes over those decades. And yes, it intentionally has the symmetrical cups pressed in upside down. Blame that on old bike shop rat traditions.

Now it’s on an old-school Soma Double Cross S&S-coupled canti all-rounder that I’ve been riding since around 2002, and has done everything from racing cyclocross to classic all-road riding & touring to what we now call gravel.

It’s had this headset in it since it got repainted in 2015. And the bike’s been ridden in about 6 or 7 European countries since then. Here it was on top of the Madonna del Ghisallo for its road-style cycling pilgrimage – testing pre-production versions of Vittoria’s first-ever Graphene-infused Corsa tubular tires. But it’s back as more of an off-road gravel touring bike these days.

The headset was in two different mountain bikes before this. First in a full-sus Kona trail bike I think, then a ti XC softail.

And it still spins as smoothly as when it was new, having realistically had only 2 or maybe 3 full tear-down services in its lifetime, so far. Bearings opened up, cleaned, regreased, and reassembled. Even the one time that it looked like I had waited too long, a good soak in degreaser and it was shiny like new a couple days later.

But there’s plenty of lifetimes left in both these titanium cups and the precision stainless steel Chris King bearings inside.

The beauty of the 1 1/18″ threadless standard was that there have been tons of bikes coming in and out of my workshop in those past 20 years that could fit this headset. Even though tapered steerers have taken over for the most part, there will always be frames to fit this headset.

Now that integrated headsets are a bit closer to being standardized, a ti DropSet means being more likely to fit your next bike too! Looking around the house, both my wife and I have a gravel bike and a mountain bike that could fit a Titanium DropSet. The hardest decision would be picking which bike deserved it first!

ChrisKing.com

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Alpitude has a new limited edition of ultralight Superleggero Ti Black 3D-printed titanium water bottle cages to either spice up your own fancy road bike or stuff somebody special’s stocking. Weighing just 14.5g a piece and only being sold in pairs – together with a handmade wooden box – the Alpitude Superleggero Ti Black cages now feature a new stealthy black Cerakote finish and are incrementally lighter thanks to more precise printing that leaves a smoother surface texture.

They are undeniably expensive at a bit more than 13€ per gram – about the same Walter White might charge you – but a pair of Superleggero Ti Black cages will bling out your ride and won’t run you afoul of the law, unless maybe you are already flirting with the UCI’s 6.8kg limit…

Alpitude Superleggero Ti Black ultralight ltd 3D-printed titanium cages

Last fall, the Italian lightweight component makers at Alpitude launched their ultralight & ultra-expensive 3D-printed titanium water bottle cages. Now a year later, they are back in another limited edition with a few small key updates.

The most obvious update is their new smoother black finish. Alpitude does love the look of raw titanium. But in a world of carbon bikes, it’s also hard to argue with matte black. So Alpitude partnered with Cerakote to bring their durable, lightweight & ultra-thin ceramic coating in-house to finish off these new cages (and likely more lightweight components in the future). I didn’t realize, but the thin ceramic coating is sprayed on similarly to conventional paint, and then requires a special oven to cure it. Alpitude does all this in-house, then laser-etches on their logo subtly revealing the titanium beneath.

Less obvious, but more important really, is what happens beneath that Cerakote black outer ceramic layer. The biggest change Alpitude made to their Superleggero Ti cages in the past year was collaborating with a new 4-laser DMSL titanium 3D-printing partner, less focused on volume & turnover and more on quality. The result is a much smoother finish of the cages straight out of the printer, which likely shaves almost a gram off each cage in the end. That smother surface is also better suited to the application of Cerakote, and the reduced weight more than offsets that added by the ceramic coating itself.

The end result, Alpitude told us the cages now weigh 14.5g each with the same design. That’s down 0.2g or 1% from last year. But Alpitude say that’s still within the +/- weight tolerances anyway, so they’re not calling it out as any real change.

Tech details

• 1-piece hollowed-out 3D-printed titanium water bottle cage
• sandblasted, baked-on black Cerakote finish & laser-etched graphics – all in-house
• 14.5g per cage (claimed)
• 199 individually numbered, limited edition box sets
• only available in pairs: includes 2 cages in a handmade wooden box with low-profile black titanium screws & a carbon number card
• limited numbered edition

2024 Alpitude Superleggero Ti Black – Pricing & availability

Although launching with only a couple weeks left in the year, these 3D-printed titanium cages Alpitude names this limited run of Superleggero Ti Black cages the 2024 Bundle Edition. Each boxed bundle sells for 390€, and just 199 sets are being produced. The majority of cage box sets will be offered through Alpitude’s partner retailer shops. The few sets offered up directly from Alpitude seem to have already sold out.

Alpitude.cc

The post World’s Lightest 3D-Printed Titanium Alpitude Superleggero Ti Ltd Cages Are Back in Black appeared first on Bikerumor.

Mavic just launched a new helmet that promises an ideal mix of protection, aerodynamics, and comfort. Introducing the Comete SL Mips Helmet that is built to perform on the road, gravel, and XC trails.

Mavic says their commitment and focus for the Comete SL is safety and performance while keeping you cool, comfortable and streamlined.

The Comete SL’s front vents connect to inner ventilation channels to help create airflow to cool the inside of the helmet. It also uses an aero-optimized shape that has been tested in Geneva Wind Tunnels.

The Ergo Hold SL+ is a retention system that offers “pinpoint adjustability and comfortable head hold”. Autofit straps go around your ears, don’t twist, and are said to fit seamlessly with all glasses. We’ve seen Autofit on other helmets, and it’s a cool system – the ear cradle is essentially fixed, but it rides on tubular straps and ‘automatically’ positions itself on the tubular strap in the best position for the rider.

Using XRD memory foam on the forehead helps to increase comfort. Need to safely store your prized sunglasses? Mavic has it covered, as the Comete SL’s Glass Garage allows you to store your shades when you need to take them off.

The MIPS Safety System claims to lower the chance of brain injury. The Comete SL uses extended rear coverage that enhances back-of-the-head protection. You’ll also find side and rear reflective zones to improve visibility in low-light conditions.

Mavic Comete SL MIPS Retails & Details

Retail: $190

• XRD memory foam
• Classic strap buckle
• Glasses Garage with rubber retainers
• Reflective highlights
• Ponytail compatibility
• Mavic Care 3-year warranty and crash replacement program
• Weight: 280g

Mavic.com

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Prologo redesigned their flagship short fit on- & off-road saddle with this new Dimension R2 that shaves a full 15% of weight off its already light predecessor. The new saddle keeps the same overall V-shape and dimensions but leverages more advanced materials and carbon construction to shed significant weight. Plus, Prologo refined the Dimension R2’s ergonomics, reworking a 30% wider and more smoothly curved tip to improve rider comfort when perched on the nose of the saddle…

Prologo Dimension R2 lightweight short-fit XC & road saddle

Prologo describes the original Dimension as their first short saddle, with an “innovative V-shape design [that] made it one of the most appreciated and used by many champions; a true icon both on and off-road.” With such a popular platform, they were a bit reluctant to change too much, so set about refining it.

What’s new?

The big highlight is ~24g weight reduction, mainly shedding grams thanks to a new lightweight EVA foam that gives the same level of support and comfort, but with 20% thinner padding. Otherwise, it features Prologo’s top lightweight Nack reinforced carbon rails and injection molded Long Fiber Carbon composite shell construction.

Equally important, the Dimension R2 gets subtle ergonomic updates, as well. Studying how to improve performance, Prologo gave the new Dimension R2 a 2mm wider nose with a more rounded profile for additional comfort. “In addition, the central part has been redesigned and has a flat surface, to facilitate an even more advanced and aerodynamic [riding] position.”

Tech details

• 30% wider nose for new 40mm wide Dimension R2 vs. previous 38mm wide Dimension 143
• 245x143mm, now available in one size only
• 7×9.3mm oval NACK nanocarbon rails made with carbon, kevlar & aluminum reinforcement in the clamping area
• new superlight EVA foam padding
• full-length ergonomic pressure-relief cutout
• injected Long Fiber Carbon composite shell
• 135g claimed weight

Prologo Dimension R2 – Pricing, options & availability

The new lighter Prologo Dimension R2 saddle is available now online directly from Prologo for 249€, or through their regular dealer network. The updated saddle comes in just one 143mm width, but you get to pick from a white or Anthracite black top, both with new low-key graphics.

Prologo.it/en

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Today, the UK’s own Tailfin announces a new line of Long Top Tube Bags that have some “revolutionary” new features. The new bags were developed by taking what they learned from their current, award-winning Top Tube Bags and significantly increasing the storage capacity.

The new Long Top Tube Bags come with clever organizational features in sizes of 1.6L, 2.2L, and 3.0L. And, they are designed to be extra secure when mounted.

Tailfin is always on the hunt to create the best-performing products. Increasing the size of a top tube bag by just elongating an existing design, can lead to some design problems like instability, wobbling, and shifting, which can lead to unwanted knee contact.

Also, large volume bags that have no organizational features can cause frustrated rummage-fests to get to an item mid-ride. Another issue with some one-size-fits-all, larger-volume top tube bags, is the unsightly amount of straps at the seat tube/seatpost/steerer tube, making things unsightly.

The Solution

Tailfin says that their Long Top Tube Bags embody the company’s core principle: “no compromises”. Using all of the best qualities of their current Top Tube Bag range, like V-Mounts and waterproof materials and construction, the new bags look to increase capacity and help organize without sacrificing bag performance.

Long Top Tube Bag Features

• Three Sizes: 1.6L. 2.2L, and 3.0L
• Enhanced Storage: perfect for unique frame features and full suspension bikes
• Customizable Organization: Each bag ships with a versatile divider, with additional accessories available to get crazy organized
• Patented V-Mount technology: Proven, stable, and secure.
• Carbon Struts for Structural Integrity: Helps prevent bulging
• Double Entry Zips: Access your goodies in the front or rear of the bag
• Patented Rain Gutter rear Zip: Keeps the weather out
• 3D-Welded Construction and Water Resistant Zippers: Fully welded construction and high-quality zips ensure weatherproofing
• Seamless Integration with Other Tailfin Bags: V-Mount placement aligns with Tailfin Frame Bags and Top Tube Ranges
• One-handed Operation: Rubust construction allows for easy, one-handed opening and closing
• Reflective Details: Enhances low-light visibility

Tailfin has some suggestions for how they designed the bags to be used depending on the size of the bag. For instance, Tailfin says that both the 1.6-liter and 2.2-liter top tube bags are great for “any-and-all riding”. Where the 3.0-liter is suggested to be used for “MTB, or any application where more space is needed and knee rub isn’t an issue for you”.

Retail & Specifications

Long Top Tube Bag: $115 (1.6L), $130 (2.2L), $150 (3.0L)
Divider & Accessory Pack: $30

The new Long Top Tube Bags use Tailfin’s signature Hypalon/Ripstop nylon construction which is durable and weather resistant. The internal stretch mesh and soft tricot in light grey will enhance visibility and organization in the bag.

Sizes, weights, and Lengths

• 1.6L: 206g and 370mm long
• 2.2L: 250g and 470mm long
• 3.0L: 256g and 500mm long

Tailfin.cc

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Feedback just unveiled an all-new compact Reflex Fixed Torque Bit Driver designed to go with you on the bike, for safer mid-ride adjustments on lightweight & carbon components. The idea is simply a small hollow tube that tucks away the preset 5Nm torque limiter and four bits, which then becomes an ergonomic T-shaped driver when it’s time to work on your bike. Plus, Feedback has added 3 torque limiting bit extensions that you can now buy separately, to turn any standard bit driver into a preset 4Nm, 5Nm, or 6Nm torque wrench…

Feedback compact Reflex Fixed Torque Bit Driver mini toolkit

Last year, tool & trainer maker Feedback Sports teased us with a new Reflex category for compact everyday carry tools to take with you for mid-ride adjustments & repairs. That kicked off with a great robust mini ratchet tool kit, but then we hadn’t seen any other Reflex tools… until now.

This one is even smaller, simpler, and only costs half as much!

Yet it still packs in the 4 most common tool bits used for trail- & roadside adjustments to your bike. And then, it includes a 5Nm torque key to retighten sensitive lightweight carbon & alloy cockpit bolts without worrying about over-clamping & damaging anything.

Tech details

• ergonomic T-handle design, with magnetic bit receiver so you don’t drop your bits & bolts
• internal storage for 4x standard 1/4″ bits, plus 1x 37mm long x 14mm diameter torque tube extension
• 4x S2 steel bits included for most common adjustments: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm & Torx T25.
• 1x fixed, non-adjustable 5Nm torque limiting extension
• fixed torque tube accuracy rated +/- 4% for up to 3000 cycles
• compact cylindrical composite body with knurled alloy cap fits in jersey pockets, frame bags & hydration packs
• balanced ergonomics and size for portability, leverage, and bolt head access

Feedback separate Reflex fixed Torque Tube Extension Bits

Just like the preset torque limiter in the Reflex Fixed Torque Bit Driver, Feedback also now sells the torque extension separately. And they’ve added 3 options to cover the most common low-torque settings you will likely find on premium lightweight bicycle components: 4Nm, 5Nm & 6Nm.

Each fixed, non-adjustable torque key adds 37mm extension to any 1/4″ hex driver tool and holds standard steel bits in place with a magnet. And they all feature color-coded ends to make them easy to differentiate – green for 4, red for 5 & black for 6Nm. Pick up all 3. Or more likely, buy just the one you always needed to replace the torque key that came with your existing tool but was never actually the correct setting for your ultralight carbon stem or seatpost.

Tool availability and last-minute holiday shopping deadlines

Both the new $35 Reflex Fixed Torque Bit Driver mini-tool and the separate Reflex 4/5/6Nm torque Extension Bits are in stock and available now, directly from Feedback Sports’ online shop. Shipping from Denver, Colorado, Feedback says US buyers can order until this Friday, December 13 and still get their new tools in time for Christmas via UPS. Buyers outside of the states would have to reach out to their local international distributor to see if they had the new torque tools and could deliver them in time.

FeedbackSports.com

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A decade ago, Chico, California’s Dynaplug released The Pill. And today, to celebrate, Dynaplug releases a limited edition version wrapped in Rasta colors. When the Pill first launched it quickly became a big favorite of many cyclists.

With its compact design, quality materials, and versatile plugging options, it’s no wonder the Dynaplug Pill became a preferred on-the-fly tubeless plug kit. The Pill was the first bicycle-specific tubeless repair tool on the market and is still a staple in many cyclists’ tool roll.

The new limited “10-year Pill” is looking pretty fantastic all dressed in Rasta colors, I must say. The Pill is hand-anodized, so no two Pills will be the same. Machined from aluminum, the Pill weighs in at a scant 53g.

Pop the Pill open and find that it includes the full suite of Dynaplug features. There are five plug-loaded insertion tubes, an air stopper, and a micro knife. This kit will repair most tubeless flats you may encounter out there, hassle-free.

Dynaplug Pill Retail and Detail

Retail: $69

• USA-Made Machined Aluminum body
• Limited Edition
• Individually anodized, making every tool unique
• 1 – Dynaplug Pill tool
• 5 – Insertion Tubes
• 1 – Micro Knife
• 1 – Air Stopper
• 1 – Pipe Cleaner

Dynaplug.com

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Colorado-based bike rack manufacturer, RockyMounts has been a family-owned company since its inception. Today, that changes as Austrailian outfitter, Rhino-Rack, an industry leader in premium automotive roof racks announces its acquisition of RockyMounts.

Founded in 1993, by Bobby Noyes in Boulder Colorado, RockyMounts has been a private company, producing innovative roof and hitch bike racks for three decades. They’ve become known for developing well-thought-out, dependable racks.

Bobby has built a great brand, with market-leading products and a passionate consumer following. We are proud to be able to include RockyMounts in our portfolio of Adventure brands to expand our opportunity to be a bigger part of people’s adventure,” remarked Mat Hayward, Managing Director of Clarus Adventure Segment.

What Does Bobby Have to Say?

“When I started to look at the future of RockyMounts, my own future, and the brands, I had a short list of companies that I could trust to care for it the way I have. I am so excited to see where Rhino-Rack takes RockyMounts and I know that my brand and people are in great hands with Mat and Tripp at the helm,” concluded Bobby Noyes, founder of RockyMounts.

The terms of the sale were not disclosed in the press release. However, it seems that Noyes will be staying on with the business in a Product Development and innovation-driving capacity.

What’s Next for RockyMounts

According to the press release, both retailers and consumers “should see no major changes to the daily operation of the brand in the short term, and the brand will continue to be managed out of Colorado”.

Rhino-Rack will be ceasing operations in Grand Junction to consolidate operations in Denver, Colorado. This will improve rail delivery access.

The company that owns Rhino-Rack, the Clarus Corporation is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is said to be a “global leader in the design and development of best-in-class equipment and lifestyle products. They own many other familiar brands like Black Diamond, Rhino-Rack, MAXTRAX, TRED Outdoors, and Ezy Anchor.

It makes sense that a company like Rhino-Racks, which is essentially a big outfitter for the overland market, would find value in purchasing a bike rack company. There is quite a bit of cross-over between the overland community and people who like to ride bikes. So, maybe this will be a good home for RockyMounts… we will see.

RockyMounts.com

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Let’s not beat around the bush, The Beam full-face Virgo Integral MIPS helmet looks pretty wild when you compare it to a conventional half-shell bike helmet – with its integrated chin bar and flip-down visor. But just like how DH full-face helmet tech has trickled down to a lot of lightweight convertible and full-face helmets for enduro and even some aggressive trail riders – it’s hard to argue with extra head protection.

The Beam Virgo Integral MIPS full-face city & ebike helmet

Full-face helmets are nothing new in cycling. But for some reason, they’ve really never made the transition from gravity mountain biking to more mainstream cycling.

The Beam Virgo full-face looks to break down that barrier with a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet that offers more of the light comfort, adjustable fit, and premium safety tech that we’ve come to expect from modern cycling helmets. Plus, of course, the added benefit of extra protection of the rider’s chin & face.

I’ve been following the development of this lightweight, multi-disciple full-face since it began as an aero road helmet almost 5 years ago. So, with my own adoption of more time riding a strange utilitarian ebike and a bright yellow cargo ebike, I was happy to test out this latest evolution of the Virgo full-face.

Why an ebike commuter full-face? Why not!

As more people have adopted ebikes as an alternative form of transportation, we have seen more helmets get ebike certifications – i.e. NTA 8776. Yet still, we still only really see ebike helmets going full-face for off-road-focused aggressive eMTB riding.

But, as commuter ebikes share more of the road and urban environment, it makes sense that ebike helmets could start to look a bit more like a scooter or moto helmet.

When you are riding back and forth to work amongst car traffic, or zipping around town on quick & powerful ebikes, The Beam Virgo Integral MIPS helmet simply offers extra peace of mind in a lightweight and comfortable helmet at a reasonable price. And it delivers enough ventilation that you won’t really roast when you have to pedal a bit on your own, too.

Tech Details & Actual Weight

The Beam developed the Virgo full-face to not only comply with the regular EN1078 / CPSC bike certification standards, but also to meet the more stringent European NTA-8776 regulation created for higher-speed (45kph/28mph) pedelec ebikes.

The French-designed helmet features a unique multi-layer construction. First, there’s essentially a more conventional in-mold half-shell helmet – with just a plastic shell molded over the edges of its EPS foam energy absorbing layer for wear & tear protection. Then, molded on the outside of that, there’s the complete ABS shell with separate in-mold EPS around the cheeks and chin bar for additional protection.

Lastly, inside it all, is a black MIPS Evolve Core liner insert to isolate your head from rotational forces in an impact.

• unique multi-part construction for conventional impacts, plus separate face protection
• ABS shell with in-mold EPS foam
• 5 forward & top facing vents, 4 rear exhaust vents & small internal ventilation channels
• fixed height dial-adjustable fit system, with adjustable nylon webbing chinstrap & plastic buckle
• removable, washable, sweat-wicking padding and separate padded cheek cushions
• optional, removable visors (glasses-friendly)
• optional, removable magnetic taillight
• designed in France, made in China
• EN 1078 / CPSC / NTA 8776 certified
• 3 adult + 1 child size available
• lightweight, starting as low as 600-650g claimed (size Small, without visor)

Our size medium The Beam Virgo Integral MIPS full-face helmet has an official claimed weight of 710g without its visor, but measures a real 706g.

But the actual weight with the visor is 786g, plus an additional 28g when the smart tail (brake) light is mounted.

Lighter than most MTB full-face helmets

As a mountain biker who spends plenty of time riding long travel trail, enduro, freeride, and the occasional downhill bike, there wasn’t really even any mental obstacle to opting for a full-face helmet for ebike riding. In fact, while riding commuter bikes or even trail bikes in the winter, I’ve already been apt to put on a lightweight enduro full face and goggles to get a bit of extra weather protection with the added safety just a bonus.

Weight-wise, I have a couple of light enduro MTB full-face helmets that are lighter (Dainese & Endura) than the Virgo without its visor, but only the Endura is lighter once I factor in a pair of goggles, and then only by about 10g. Only the Dainese has MIPS, and neither are NTA-8776 certified. What that says is that comparing apples to apples (or at least to pears), The Beam’s Virgo Integral MIPS is truly a lightweight when it comes to full-face protection.

Riding Review

I’ve ridden the Virgo Integral MIPS mostly through autumn, with my ebike rides generally leaning towards jackets and gloves weather, so I really can’t vouch for how it will do on hot summer days when you have to pedal uphill by yourself. Or when your ebike battery will run out. But I have ridden in cold enough weather to notice that the vents do let a good bit of air in, so I definitely put a thin windproof cap on when it got closer to freezing.

I picked the sand tan helmet to test because I figured the lighter color would offer improved visibility to drivers. And I have the clear Crystal visor, which still has a tiny bit of a gray tint, although it’s completely fine for riding at night with lights.

The visor itself doesn’t have any specific handles or tabs to move it. But it sits far enough away from my face that I have no problem pushing it up or down by the visor’s edges, even with winter gloves. When it’s not exceptionally cold, I like to ride with the visor up so I can feel the wind on my face. Or half way up which offers a tiny bit of shading against the setting sun. But on especially cold, windy, or even rainy days, dropping the visor down is great.

Virgo Integral’s snap-on Smart Rear Light

I especially like the Virgo Integral’s included rear smart taillight (optional on Access models), as it greatly boosts nighttime and low-light visibility.

It puts out a steady 40 lumens of red light, then powered by an on-board accelerometer, it automatically boosts to 120 lumens when braking for added visibility. The water-resistant 28g USB-C rechargeable taillight has a 400mAh battery for a claimed runtime of 20 hours, and a 2hr recharge time – both of which seem to match my real-world use.

The Smart rear light is StVZO-certified, and comes in a package with the top-spec Virgo Integral models, or sells for 49€ separately.

Riding Takeaways

If you are only used to road, gravel, or conventional urban commuter helmets, The Beam Virgo Integral MIPS full-face is a pretty shocking switch. And I won’t lie, the first comments that I’ve got from coworkers, friends, and family were often astonishment why I would want a helmet that they thought looked more like a motorcycle helmet than a commuter bike helmet.

But on second thought, pretty much everyone understands that more coverage and more protection means improved safety. And what other reason do we wear helmets than to keep our heads safe?

Plus, more ebikes means more time sharing the road with cars, more inexperienced riders on heavier ebikes (vs. conventional bikes), and maybe even higher average speeds. So there’s good reason to offer more protection to the heads of ebikers. And The Beam’s Virgo Integral full face does all that in a lightweight and comfortable helmet, that I personally feel better riding.

The Beam Virgo Integral – Pricing, options & availability

The Beam offers their Virgo full-face helmet in 3 sizes: S(51-54cm), M (55-58cm) & L (59-63cm. Then, you get to pick from 4 colors – black, white, navy blue & sand (tested). And then, if you get one of the top-tier Integral models, it comes with your choice of 4 visor options – lightly tinted Crystal (tested), dark smoke tinted Black, reflective Polarized Blue, bronze-tinted Yellow.

Lastly, The Beam Virgo is available in 4 spec options to hit all price points: Integral includes both the visor of your choice and the taillight. Access is without a visor (but one could still be added later).

Technically, it looks like only the top-tier is available in the US-specific web store, at the moment. But global delivery is available from the European webshop, so you might just have slightly higher shipping costs or extra delivery time.

The top-spec The Beam Virgo Integral MIPS full-face (as tested) sells for $299 / 299€, directly from The Beam’s online shop. Get rid of the visor & that smart taillight, and the Virgo Access MIPS retails for just 239€. Or without the extra rotational impact protection, the Virgo Integral sells for 229€ with the accessories, and the Virgo Access goes for 179€ without.

There are also even cheaper XS (48-50cm) & S (51-54cm) kids versions for just 99€ in more child-oriented colors, too.

As an extra holiday shopping deal now in Europe, if you buy any Virgo helmet right now, The Beam will give you a free visor and a helmet Reflector reflective sticker for free, making it cheaper to get a visor-equipped commuter full-face. (Apply code: VIRGOSTYLE at checkout after adding the accessories).

TheBeam-Europe.com

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