Review. The Helmet Lock

 

 

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Review. The Helmet Lock

via Austin On Two Wheels by elliott on 9/30/09

My experience: I used the Helmet Lock to lock up my helmet on a few trips around the neighborhood and downtown.

Function: 4/5

Style: 2/5

Build Quality: 5/5

Overall: 4/5

Availability: The Helmet Lock is available for $12.95 or $19.95 for two at the Helmet Lock website.

Summary:

For those wanting to leave their helmet behind when they lock up, the Helmet Lock offers a low cost way to secure your lid. While not high security, the simple to use lock works with your bike lock to provide security in all but the most theft prone areas.

Function:

The Helmet Lock attempts to address an issue common with helmeted transportation cyclists: keeping up with your helmet. For those who don't want to carry a bulbous piece of polystyrene around but fear their helmet will go missing, this is a good basic solution. The lock itself is fairly simple being comprised of a large steel nut with two rubber coated steel cables. Locking your helmet is easy by simply pulling the larger loop through a vent in the helmet until the nut acts as a stopper. Slip the loop through your bike lock and you're done. The second loop aids in Helmet Lock storage allowing you to attach the lock to your bike lock through both loops when not in use.

While I think the design is straight forward, it will not provide complete protection in a high crime area. The thin metal cable is a good general deterrent but would be easily cut with bolt cutters. I also wonder how much of a target your sweaty helmet is for theft. Still, I've had spare tubes and half used patch kits stolen from my saddle bag, so there is no telling what is in the mind of a thief. The only other limitation of the system is what sort of helmet you have. If you are wearing a BMX style helmet with no vents or a high end road helmet with enormous vents, this system may not work for you, but for most this is a light weight, low cost theft deterrent.

 

 

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