The Abus AirBreaker is an excellent helmet that provides loads of ventilation in a lightweight and low profile package.
- Pros: Cool, light, comfortable
- Cons: Top-end price
The AirBreaker's overall shape is the same as that of Abus's GameChanger aero lid that Liam reviewed here on road.cc and liked very much.Aero helmets tend to be heavier than most others and ventilation is usually compromised, hence the introduction of the AirBreaker. Our medium sized test model hit the scales at just 214g and it has a similar level of ventilation to the Abus Aventor that we reviewed last year.
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The AirBreaker's venting is its best feature. It's an in-mould design (meaning that the outer shell is permanently connected to the expanded polystyrene inner) with what Abus calls ActiCage structural reinforcement – essentially a plastic framework within the EPS, the idea being that you can have big vents without the helmet's safety being compromised. Many other brands do something similar.
Complex internal shaping (possible because of the use of collapsible tooling in the manufacturing process, apparently, but let's not get too hung up on those details) allows loads of air to flow over your head as you ride. You get large openings at the front and top, and deep channels that run front to rear.
Abus calls this its 'Forced Air Cooling' system, because everything has to have a tech-sounding name these days. If other helmets leave your head feeling uncomfortably hot and sweaty, the AirBreaker could surprise you with the amount of ventilation on offer. If you still start burning up on a climb, you can pour water into the grid section at the top/back of the helmet and it'll flow all over your head to cool you down.
The Zoom Ace fit system works well for a wide variety of head shapes. The cradle at the back offer 2.7cm of up/down movement and you get the choice of three different anchor points on each of the temples, with 1.5cm between the two extremes. You adjust the tightness via a clicky dial that's easy to turn even when you're wearing gloves.
You don't get all that much padding inside the helmet, but it's highly effective. Rather than the usual Velcro tabs, the single-piece pad is held in place by a plastic bolt inside the central ventilation channel and the cradle anchors on the temples. The relatively few fixing points means the padding largely floats inside the helmet. It might sound odd but it works just fine. One section of padding reaches the full width of your forehead, helping to stop sweat dripping into your eyes all over your glasses, and it all dries out very quickly.
The soft, lightweight straps are comfortable and the section that runs along the side of your face has an unusual profile: the leading edge is thicker than the rest. Abus says that this helps to stop any fluttering, although I can't say that's something I ever encounter anyway, even on the fastest descents.
Rather than using plastic dividers, the front and rear sections of the straps are sewn together where they meet below your ears, saving a few grams and avoiding a double layer under your chin. This is a design feature borrowed from the GameChanger. It does mean a little less adjustment than usual but we got several people to try out this helmet and no one was at all bothered.
Unusually, you can entirely remove the straps from the helmet to hand wash them; you just twist the little metal anchor rods out of their plastic housings. That's handy if you want to soak the straps in soapy water after a really sweaty ride.
One other feature that's worth a mention is stowage for your eyewear. I tried out half a dozen pairs of glasses with this helmet and they all fitted securely in the ports. No worries at all there.
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We don't safety test helmets on the basis that everything on the market has already met the relevant standards for the countries where it's on sale. If you're interested in MIPS, though, you're out of luck because Abus doesn't offer the AirBreaker with this technology.
One other thing we don't test for is aerodynamics. Abus says that the AirBreaker offers "maximum ventilation on slow, mountainous stages and optimum aerodynamics on fast, flat stages" thanks to the honeycomb structure covering vents at the top of the helmet. It calls this the 'Multi Speed design'. It looks vaguely similar to the 'aero mesh' perforated panels on the Giro Synthe helmet.
Abus says that the Multi Speed tech is designed to encourage smooth airflow while allowing heat to escape, although it doesn't provide any aero data to support its claim. The AirBreaker is quite low profile and definitely offers a high level of ventilation but if aerodynamics is your number one priority you'd almost certainly be better off reaching for the GameChanger.
> Buyer's Guide: 18 of the best high-performance helmets
Its rrp of £230 is, of course, a lot to spend on a bike helmet. Many at this sort of price come with MIPS technology, although plenty don't – the £220 Catlike Kilauea and £265 MET Trenta 3K Carbon being two examples from those we've reviewed recently. The AirBreaker does pack in some very good features and you might consider that the level of cooling on offer is worth paying for although, as is always the case with helmets, you can get something that's almost as good for a fraction of the price.
Overall, the Abus AirBreaker is a great helmet that offers superb ventilation at a very light weight. It's priced towards the top end of the market but the quality is excellent.
Verdict
Cool and lightweight lid; top-end performance, top-end price!
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Abus Airbreaker helmet
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Abus says, "The AirBreaker from Abus is a helmet that effortlessly meets the highest demands of professional cycling.
"In the race, top performance counts on every single stage, whether on a steep uphill climb or in the nerve-racking top speed of the sprint. The AirBreaker from Abus supports you every kilometre of the way.
"Thanks to the honeycomb structure of the innovative Multi Speed design, the AirBreaker always offers the best possible aerodynamics and at the same time ensures optimum ventilation. Because the Multi-Speed Design doses the ventilation as it is needed: maximum ventilation for slow, hilly stages, and optimum aerodynamics for fast, flat stages."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Abus lists these tech features:
* In-mould for a durable connection with the outer shell with shock-absorbing helmet material (EPS)
* Forced Air Cooling Technology: Sophisticated ventilation system for an optimal head climate
* Excellent ventilation with 11 air inlets and 3 air outlets connected with flow channels
* FlowStraps: Aerodynamic, flutter-free and skin-friendly thanks to specially developed strap profile
* Zoom Ace: Finely adjustable adjustment system with handy adjustment wheel for customisable fit
* AirPort: Aerodynamic glasses holder with strap guide
* Ponytail compatibility: Helmet well suited to plait wearers
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
The build quality suggests it'll last at least as well as most other helmets.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
9/10
Saving a few grams makes next to no difference to your speed, but a lighter helmet is often a little more comfortable to wear.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
9/10
The ventilation, fit system and straps all make it superbly comfortable in use.
Rate the product for value:
5/10
It's a pro-level helmet. You can, of course, buy helmets that offer the same level of protection at a fraction of the price.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It performs really well. It's one of those helmets you just put on and almost forget it's even there.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Definitely the ventilation.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The price is a hurdle, for sure.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Priced at £230, the Abus AirBreaker is among the more expensive helmets out there. Many at roughly this price come with MIPS technology, although the £220 Catlike Kilauea and £265 MET Trenta 3K Carbon that we've reviewed recently don't. The AirBreaker does offer some very good features and a high level of cooling.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? The price is high, but I still would.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
This helmet puts in a very high level of performance, with just the price dragging it down from an overall score of 9.
Overall rating: 8/10
Age: 48
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Most daysI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
FAQs
How do you adjust an ABUS AirBreaker? ›
The helmet is fitted with a twist dial at the rear to adjust the fit as you'd expect to find on any top-end helmet. Abus claims the AirBreaker offers the best possible aerodynamics with optimum ventilation.
Is ABUS a good helmet brand? ›Overall, the Abus AirBreaker is a great helmet that offers superb ventilation at a very light weight. It's priced towards the top end of the market but the quality is excellent.
Is Abus AirBreaker Aero? ›A top notch vented helmet with aero credentials, the Abus AirBreaker has a quality feel, good fit and ventilation and is lightweight, although there's no MIPS option available.
Is Kask Protone Aero? ›Kask has redesigned its Protone aero-vented helmet, with its successor launched as the Protone Icon. Kask claims the new design increases comfort and performance, as well as updating the looks of the original.
Is ABUS a good brand? ›Abus definitely have the best reputation for quality and reliability. Their locks are extremely well made, perform well in adverse weather conditions and last a long, long time. You can really feel the quality when you hold an Abus lock. Most of their locks are double bolted, which makes them more secure.
Where are Abus helmets made? ›Helmets that protect all kinds of cyclists, with top class models, such as the ABUS GameChanger and ABUS AirBreaker, both made in Italy. Helmets that have won the most important races, from the World Championships to the Giro d'Italia.
Does ABUS use MIPS? ›The Youn-I MIPS from ABUS is a modern and comfortable bike helmet for children – equipped with the advanced MIPS protection system.
How do you adjust an ABUS helmet? ›Abus - How a Bike Helmet Should Fit - YouTube
Is Abus gamechanger MIPS? ›One other thing that may plant a seed of doubt in your head when considering the Gamechanger is the lack of MIPS technology. Currently, Abus does not offer the yellow, webbed, rotating safety system in any of its road helmets, instead promising to offer safety through its own Multi Shell in Mould construction.
What is MIPS helmet? ›Mips, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, uses a slip plane designed to manage energy from rotational and angular impacts.
Do Kask helmets have MIPS? ›
Kask for one does not make a MIPS-equipped helmet at all.
Is Kask Protone good? ›Verdict. Despite its age, the Kask Protone is still a top-flight helmet for those looking to strike a balance between aerodynamic performance and decent ventilation. It may be heavier than some of the competition but the superbly secure and comfortably conforming fit mitigates that.
What helmet does Geraint Thomas wear? ›New Kask road helmet
An as-yet-unreleased Kask helmet was spotted atop the head of Geraint Thomas, Filippo Ganna and co. In form, it looks like a mix of the current Protone and Wasabi models from the Italian brand.
Commercial products are warranted for 2 years against manufacturing defects and Abus reserves the right to replace or repair the product at its discretion. Abus will return the repaired or replaced product to the original purchaser.
What is the strongest lock you can buy? ›ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.
Is ABUS a German company? ›ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG, commonly known as ABUS, is a German manufacturer of preventative security technology based in Wetter, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Who owns Abus locks? ›The ABUS group
KG and ABUS Pfaffenhain GmbH.
THE WORLD'S PREMIER HELMET MANUFACTURER
Just like the very first SHOEI helmet built by our founder back in 1959, every SHOEI today is still handmade in Japan utilizing a sophisticated process that involves over 50 people for each and every helmet.
Mips is a patented Brain Protection System (BPS) available in almost every Giro helmet model.
How tight should helmet strap? ›
Setting up the straps on a helmet
You should tighten the chin strap so it is tucked securely under your chin, rather than dangly and loose. Fitting one to two fingers in here when secured shows it is tight enough, but will still give enough space to avoid irritation or restricting movement.
A good-fitting helmet should be snug but not annoyingly tight. It should sit level on your head (not tilted back) with the front edge one inch or less above your eyebrows so that your forehead is protected. Push the helmet from side to side and back to front.
How can I make my cycling helmet more comfortable? ›Try to push the helmet forward on your head, and then back. If you can move it more than an inch or so forward, tighten the straps behind your ears. If it can slide the helmet more than an inch backward, tighten the straps in front of your ears. Check that your helmet still fits correctly before each ride.
Is MIPS worth the extra money? ›MIPS helmets provide an extra degree of safety for all bike riders. So if you're ready to replace your old helmet, the extra $20 or so to upgrade from a non-MIPS to MIPS-equipped model is well-worth the price.
Are MIPS helmets really better? ›All we know is a MIPS equipped helmet is at least 10% better at handling rotational impact than the non-MIPS verision. That's all MIPS will say. But it's even more complicated than that. Some helmets are inherently better at dissipating rotational impacts than others, even before the MIPS liner.
Are black cycling helmets hotter? ›Are Black Helmets Hotter Than White? Black Motorcycles are technically hotter than white helmets on the surface. The black finish allows them to absorb more solar radiation. However, the difference inside the helmet is nominal, if not unnoticeable, as the helmet's padding and lining buffer your head.
Which country is KASK from? ›Kask never compromises when it comes to safety and quality of their products and are all 100% made in Italy. It is no wonder in every field of application, KASK helmets are at the forefront, be it skiing, cycling, mountaineering, horse riding, rescue or safety world.
Is WaveCel better than MIPS? ›Is WaveCel Better Than MIPS? While MIPS only absorbs rotational impact energy during a crash, WaveCel absorbs rotational and linear impact forces. So, if you want to protect your head against multidirectional impact, MIPS is a better choice.
What does MIPS stand for? ›Understanding Medicare's Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)
How safe are Kask helmets? ›All KASK products are 100% designed and made in Italy and pass through the most rigorous safety and quality tests. All KASK's exclusive designs and products features implemented in the helmet collections are absolutely innovative, proprietary, and protected by numerous patents.
What does WG11 mean? ›
KASK ROTATIONAL IMPACT WG11 TEST is an internal protocol adopted by KASK to identify an objective method, based on scientific sources, for measuring the performance of its helmets against rotational impacts.
Is Kask valegro Aero? ›Rather than focusing on its aero properties, Kask used extensive wind tunnel development on the Valegro to achieve maximum ventilation through its whopping 33 vents.
What helmet does Jumbo visma use? ›The Bullet 2.0 helmet is Team Team Jumbo-Visma's aerodynamic helmet! Due to its narrow shape and dense shell, this is a seriously aerodynamic helmet.
Does Chris Boardman wear a cycle helmet? ›At the time, Chris called the event 'horrifically life-changing' and subsequently said he no longer felt safe cycling on Britain's roads. His mother was, he points out, wearing a cycle helmet and high-visibility gear.
Do Tour de France riders have to wear helmets? ›The UCI made wearing helmets in professional races compulsory in 2003 after the death of Andrei Kivilev at Paris–Nice. Pro cyclists, however, are exposed to very different risks than commuters of recreational riders. Advocacy group Cycling UK are opposed to making helmets mandatory.
How do I setup my Abus lock? ›ABUS Set Your Own Combo Lock - YouTube
How do you set the combination on a ABUS bike lock? ›ABUS Bordo Folding Combo Lock | Rad Tech - YouTube
How do I change the combination on ABUS 145 40? ›- Using the existing code, unlock the padlock.
- Rotate the unlocked shackle 180 degrees and then press it down.
- While the unlocked shackle is depressed manipulate the code wheels to the desired code.
- Release the shackle and rotate back 180 degrees. The new code is now set.
combination, follow the following steps:
Verify your new combination before using your lock. Insert the lock Post all the way into the Locking Port but do not turn the dials. Pull out the Lock Post. Your lock is ready to use.
ABUS Biz Combination lock: How to easily change the combination
How do you unlock a 4 digit cycle lock? ›
How To Unlock Cable Bike Lock Without Combination - YouTube
How do you unlock an ABUS padlock? ›(picking 115) ABUS 165/40 4-wheel combination lock decoded [false ...
How do I reset my bike lock code? ›Reset Combo on a New Bike Lock Cable with LED Light - YouTube
How do you change the code on ABUS combiflex? ›ABUS CombiFlex 2501 Super Easy Cable Lock Instructions - YouTube
How do I reset my ABUS 158 lock? ›Abus 158 50 Hardened Steel Coded Padlock - YouTube
How can I open a number lock without the code? ›How to Crack the Code & Open a Combination Padlock - YouTube
How do you reset a 3 digit rolson combination lock? ›How to Reset the Combination to a 3 Digit Master Lock - YouTube
How do I reset my ABUS 165 40 combination lock? ›- Open the padlock using the default code i.e. all zeroes.
- Twist the shackle around to 180 away from keep/hole.
- Push the shackle down.
- Whilst pushing the shackle down, you can change/reset combination.
- Release pressue from the shackle and rotate back to its normal position.
The most common reason for a combination padlock not opening because of the wheel binding is shackle tension. When the shackle is pulled, the wheel(s) will not move and the padlock won't open. Without the shackle being pulled, there may still be something raising the shackle or tensioning it to create a similar effect.
How do you unlock a padlock code 3? ›How to Open a 3-Dial Combination Lock Case in 6 Minutes or Less
How do you pick a bike lock without a key? ›
A pair of wire cutters or a pair of bolt croppers/cutters should do the trick. This is one of the safest and easiest ways to remove a bike lock without keys. Using an angle grinder, you'll be able to cut through almost any bike lock, apart from these.