LUMOS Bike Helmet Review

Lumos, the “Next Generation Bicycle Helmet,” (Purchase Here) aims to solve the most common problems with cyclist while they are commuting. Bike lights might be hard to keep track of, but your helmet likely is not. With more than 60 LED lights on the front and back of the helmet, not only does Lumos make it simple to bring the requisite number of lumens with every ride, but it also has a few fun, next-level features integrated as well. The most novel of these is the incorporation of turn signals. After all, even if you are using your arms to dutifully signal all of your turns at every intersection, how visible are your gloved hands to drivers at night? How well do drivers actually even see you during the daytime?

The Lumos is a “smart” helmet boasting smart connected features, and it looks cool while wearing it, too. No, we wouldn’t wear it casually or on a date, but in the grand scheme of cycling helmets, it’s a winner! That’s partially due to its ultra-modern futuristic looks, which come from a series of LED lights in the front and the rear of the helmet. It helps you see and be seen, and gives a lot of information on your movements to drivers around you. All of this cutting edge technology helps keep you safe. All of our testers have been using this helmet that past several months, and everyone agrees that it is a must have if you are a cyclist that commutes or rides in any amount of traffic.

DESIGN

The expert engineers at Lumos constructed this cycling helmet from specially crafted plastic with soft, foam inserts running around the inside for comfort, along with a pliable plastic skeleton which supports the chin strap, along with a size adjustment wheel at the back. Our model arrived in a rather stylish pearl white, though it also comes in black, blue, green and yellow. It’s slightly bulkier than some racing-style cycling helmets, due to the lights and electronics housed inside. However, it does have a unique blend of sleek racing aero-look/city style.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

We like the ultra-modern look and cool futuristic style a lot.  There’s an array of LED lights along the front and three sets around the back, all performing different functions. The front lights glow white, while the central rear triangle glows bright red and is flanked by two other triangles which operate either as direction indicators or stop lights. That’s right, the Lumos has the same exact functionality as the rear of a car. It’s all cleverly operated by a small unit attached to the handlebars of your bike,  which connects via Bluetooth — with left and right buttons to control the indicators and an accelerometer that automatically activates the brake lights while slowing down.

All the electronics sit inside the helmet, but don’t worry about any contributing to injuries in the event of a fall — they’re suitably soft where appropriate or specially encased to prevent such a problem. It’s also extremely waterproof and very well sealed, so no worries if you are caught out in a rain shower. The helmet conforms to CPSC and EN1078 safety standards for the United States and Europe. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the smooth and slippery outside surface enables the helmet to slide along the asphalt nicely ensuring minimal impact to the cyclist.

While we may be facetious about not getting hit, it’s a very important point. Lights on our bikes keep us safe after dark, and the more lights the better. It’s also incredibly beneficial to give as much guidance as possible to fellow road users about our intentions. The helmet turns on with a button on the back which lights up the front and rear LEDs. Concerning the indicators, the control buttons strap to the handlebars of your bike and require a single press to start the lights flashing in your intended direction.

A steady audible beep in the helmet lets you know the indicator is on, a feature added after beta-testers said they sometimes forgot to turn them off — which requires a second push of the button. The indicators are glaringly obvious to anyone behind you, adequately boosting visibility, but there are psychological benefits, as well. You don’t have to wave your arm around in midair to show which way you’re turning, meaning both hands remain on the handlebars. Plus, it’s comforting knowing there’s a very clear sign of what you’re up to at all times. Since it’s located up high, cars have the ability to see it even if they’re not directly behind you.

The benefits of the brake lights are harder to quantify. You can’t personally see them but they do give off a very bright light, and the way they quickly activate will definitely make a driver look in your direction. Testing out the accelerometer shows how well it worked, and the sensitivity can be adjusted in the Lumos app, so it’s not activated too often. It’s located inside the handlebar-mounted controller, so it’s not affected by head or body movements, either.

The light at the front stays on all the time and glows white rather than red. It’s not powerful enough to replace the main light on your bike, however, we probably wouldn’t want it to, as our head isn’t always looking directly in front of us. It is especially helpful if you store your bike somewhere dark, though. Ours goes in an outbuilding, and the helmet lit the area up really well after the bike lights went out.

APP, CHARGING, AND BATTERY

That’s right, there is a Smartphone App that lets you connect your helmet to your phone! The Lumos app is relatively simple. It shows the battery level for the helmet and the handlebar control and features several settings to adjust accelerometer sensitivity, warning beep duration, and the option to update the helmet’s firmware. The App also lets you update the helmet settings and get automatic battery notifications about your helmet on your phone. The App is clear and easy to use, and it ran without fault. We also never experienced pairing or connectivity issues. Lumos Helmet companion app available on Apple iOS and Android, Google Play store.

PURCHASE

You can purchase this Lumos helmet here at VantageCycles  and enjoy a 20% off the original retail price. (Click Here) to go directly to the Lumos product page to make your purchase selection.