This leads to an added element of upkeep as more parts generally mean more maintenance. Bearing the same name as the sport, XC bikes are for long-distance riding and racing. Hardtails make up a large proportion of the bikes designed for cross country, although full-suspension bikes with a lockable front suspension are now more common. As mountain biking has developed over the years, so too have the types of bikes. Besides the ones listed below, there are several subcategories and combinations thereof. They have two functions – to reduce the weight of the helmet, and also to add ventilation.
The shaping of the vents at the back and a more enclosed rear keep the drag low. Whilst we can’t vouch for the added watts this design certainly does provide really good airflow through the helmet in our experience. During the review period, we found this helmet to be exceptional in its ventilation ability and at the cutting edge for safety features.
There’s a very deep, wide visor, so you get a really good view of the road and behind you as you ride and it curves in to hug the sides of your face. The pointy shape is pure time trial, so it won’t be much use on the Sunday club run, but it certainly looks fast. The MET Rivale MIPS combines aero and ventilation features for an all-road road helmet.
Although we couldn’t test the aerodynamic qualities of this against other helmets, it did feel fast when putting our head down and throughout the test loops we did. Kask designed the Sintesi to be a single, mid-priced helmet that worked as well for recreational road cyclists, commuters and gravel riders. Fit adjustment is via a 360° nylon string retention, operated by a rear dial which is easy to adjust and very effective. genesis bicycles To keep the weight to a minimum, there’s only a little adjustment on the straps, with a single slide adjuster on the chin buckle. We did find this a bit restrictive but appreciated that the helmet is offered in two widths, which helped us dial in the fit a little more. Despite its undeniable aero aesthetic, the Ballista can still be used as an everyday road helmet thanks to good ventilation and easy BOA adjustment.
The primary purpose of a cycling helmet is to protect your head in the event of an accident. To this end, all helmets sold in the UK, USA and Europe have to pass stringent safety tests before they can be put on the market. “Right now, the riding community feels a little fragmented, and people have moved off in different directions, and it’s always been such a mountain biking town. I’d like to think we can play a part in reuniting everyone and getting everything in a good place,” French explains. Obviously, Hero Trail is pretty popular, but it’s harder than most riders who are riding Hero Trail are ready for in terms of the jumps.
Cross Country has traditionally not been too much in our wheelhouse, but we’re still keen to look at it if there is local interest and we can help support it,” he says. As part of taking over park management, French says they’d like to bring events to the park. They’d like to get the Mystic Downhill running primo again so they can start considering bringing DH racing into the park. But the future of Mystic is not just about gravity, and French tells Flow a major part of the development plans involves improving links and connectivity and building new climbing trails.