Instead of attaching your bike helmet to your bag when you’re not using it and having it bang around; clipping passersby, or knocking things off shelves in stores, science has provided a solution: The folding bike helmet.
Perhaps the best invention since the folding bike, these everyday commuter helmets pack down to the size of a Kleenex box, compact enough to easily fit in to a bag. Some say bike helmets are for toddlers and pro cyclists and make no difference to your performance. Remember: They used to say the same thing about hockey players.
+ Dahon is a world leader in folding bicycles and has applied their design sense to the Pango helmet. With patented Pulsium Technology as used in the award-winning Edelrid climbing helmet, the Pango folds down to half the size of a typical helmet. The design is clean and attractive with no big obvious logos and is available in white or black. The various features allow the wearer to adjust the panel design for functionality, so on rainy days you can replace the vented panel with the solid panel. While most bike helmets are modeled on race helmets, Dahon know that urban commuters are regularly getting on and off of their bikes as they do errands, or navigate around town according to their social life. The Pango reduces in size by 50% to be easily packed away, rather than get in the way, or even forgotten. The overlapping side and top plates add strength and render it well protected from damage, especially if it’s sat on by accident. The panels are also replaceable if damaged. See a video here.
+ The Stashkit helmet overlaps rather than folds, with hinges that are meant to spread the impact in the unfortunate event of an accident. It folds down to 60% of its size and can fit into a reasonably sized handbag or briefcase, but comes with its own small bag, which might add another layer of protection from dust and moisture when not in use. Marketed as a multi-sport helmet, it can be worn for pedal and electric cycles, skateboards and rollerblades, or if you find yourself in Pamplona, Spain you might want to wear one for the Running of the Bulls. Those cobbled streets can so dangerous.
