My Opinion on the Brooks Island Helmet

Brooks, the bicycle saddle brand known for its high-quality leather saddles, has expanded into helmet design, offering potentially life-saving products. Here’s a closer look at one of Brooks’ best-selling bicycle helmets.

My Opinion on the Brooks Island Helmet

Searching for a helmet? Check out our guide to the best bicycle helmets.

Brooks is an English brand established in 1866 by a 20-year-old Englishman who initially focused on creating saddles and harnesses for horses. After the death of his horse and the inability to replace it due to financial constraints, John Boultbee Brooks purchased a bicycle. Dissatisfied with the saddle quality, he set out to create a superior version. The first Brooks saddle was produced in 1888.

Since then, the Brooks brand has been manufacturing saddles and various accessories to enhance cyclists’ experiences (saddles, bike bags, helmets, etc.). Today, Brooks is celebrated for its saddle quality and has leveraged its expertise to produce helmets.

As you may know, cyclists represent 5% of road fatalities, a statistic that underscores the importance of safety. A good helmet can reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 70%, making it essential for road safety. In addition to Brooks’ reputation for quality, their helmets excel in combining design with safety.

Why Choose the Brooks Island Helmet?

Design

The Brooks Island helmet features a sleek and minimalist design in matte black. A chic detail on the side includes the Brooks logo on a silver eyelet, adding discreet elegance typical of the brand’s products.

The helmet is complemented by a black woven closure, designed for optimal comfort and softness against the skin. The materials chosen ensure durability, similar to Brooks’ renowned saddle and accessory quality known for their almost unlimited lifespan.

Comfort

The helmet features two openings at the front and rear for optimal air intake and ventilation, preventing discomfort from sweating during extended use.

The helmet’s interior is lined with antibacterial foam padding to prevent hair or skull discomfort against the helmet walls. I’ve tested several helmets from different brands, and the type of padding makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

The foam padding absorbs impact during falls, providing lightweight yet effective safety. Weighing just 1.03 lbs, the Brooks Island helmet is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Available in two sizes:

• Size M (20-22.8 inches)
• Size L (23-24 inches)

I recommend measuring your head circumference with a tape measure to ensure you select the correct size. A well-fitting helmet is essential for effective protection.

The helmet is adjustable in two places: you can customize the fit using a knob at the back and adjust the chin strap for added comfort.

Safety

In addition to its sleek design and high comfort level, this helmet is exceptionally safe due to its shock-absorbing design. Constructed with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a material known for its strength and rigidity, the helmet remains intact even during heavy falls, a preferred material for top-tier helmet manufacturers prioritizing safety.

The helmet’s shape provides comprehensive protection for the entire head, including the back of the skull. Combining comfort, safety, and a minimalist urban design, the Brooks Island helmet is suitable for city commuting, flat terrain, and natural environments.

The streamlined design allows you to pair it with any outfit, whether a suit, jeans, or shorts. The helmet is unisex, suitable for both men and women, and priced around $130, offering excellent value given its quality materials, technical features, and durability.

Conclusion

I’ve been using this helmet for over a year and am highly satisfied. It’s one of the most comfortable and protective helmets I’ve tested!