Cardboard cycle helmet now on sale

A cardboard cycle helmet which is claimed to be stronger and more durable than those of conventional polystyrene construction has gone on sale after the idea was taken up by Abus.

Abus Kranium AKS1 Limited Edition

Royal College of Art postgraduate Anirudha Surabhi developed the lightweight and waterproof Kranium cardboard cycle helmet following a tumble from his bike.

His original concept was inspired by the physiology of the woodpecker. The bird has a corrugated cartilage structure separating beak and skull, which allows its head to withstand repeated knocks. Surabhi used the same principle to develop a honeycomb cardboard structure called Dual Density Honeycomb Board.

The resulting cycle helmet is stronger than the commonly-used polystyrene and plastic construction and able to withstand multiple shocks. Conventional cycle helmets need to be thrown away if they sustain a blow.

The design boasts a see-through shell that reveals the honeycomb cardboard structure beneath. Whether or not you are a fan of protective headgear, there’s no denying this is an interesting and fine-looking cycle helmet.

Previous cycling-related designs from RCA students include a cycle storage hoist that puts bikes out of the reach of thieves.

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike. Covers electric bicycles, too.

 

Comments

  1. Andy Hunter

    Reply

    Why not? It is pricey though.

  2. Mary

    Reply

    I prefer not to wear any helm but if I had to this would be my choice.

  3. Douglas Milsom

    Reply

    Do these helmets satisfy the current standards?
    BS EN 1078: 1997 (European Standard)
    BS 6863:1989 (British Standard, being replaced by the European one)
    If not, then they cannot be used for competitive sport cycling.

  4. clarke

    Reply

    sounds good; but 80 quid for a cardboard helmet is far too pricey.

    • Yannick Read

      Reply

      It might sound expensive, but according to its makers, its superior to a conventional cycle helmet in pretty much every way

  5. Tansy Honey

    Reply

    I’d buy one if it was a bit cheaper! The website says it was tested against British Standards (EN 1078) at the Imperial College, and absorbed more than 3 times the amount of impact energy when compared to regular cycling helmets. Assume this means it satisfied the standard?

  6. Alan Donnelly

    Reply

    Looks sensible – but I wonder what the ventilation is like for summer use?

  7. Andy Malcher

    Reply

    Great that it absorbs the shock better, but how does it respond when damp from rain or sweat?

  8. Tim Huckstep

    Reply

    Pricey??? how much would you pay for your heads safety?? its not my cuppa but maybe with a few different designs then maybe it will become more attractive!! In honesty Id pay double that if it meant my swede was still in one piece!! some of you need a reality check!! Its you head!!

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