LIMAR SUPERLIGHT+ BICYCLE HELMET

BUT FIRST

I just wanted to mention ALBABICI, who not only supplied this helmet, but has contributed with many other great Italian products to long term test. Bike Test Reviews believes that long term tests help you pick the best and highest quality product. A product that won’t fall apart after just a couple of uses. When a product is tested by Bike Test Reviews, you can be sure that it’s put through the wringer.

So, check out ALBABICI. They are not only a great company with great support, but also have a great product mix … I’m sure you will find something that you need or want! Products offered;

Selle SMP Saddles (Road & Tri), SCICON Technical Cycling Bags, Nalini Cycling Apparel Collections, Limar Helmets and Eyewear, Favaloro Handcrafted Frames, Fondriest Bicycles, Bianchi Milano Apparel, Ursus Wheels and Kickstands, Forza Components, BiciSupport Bike Shop Equipment/Stands, Embrocation (Hibros), Tiso Components, Alfa Romeo Bicycles, Italjet Electric Bicycles and Sapo Pumps.

NOW, BACK TO THE LIMAR HELMET REVIEW

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LIMAR manufactures helmets for ROAD, TT, MTB, URBAN and YOUTH. They also manufacture 8 styles of sunglass, ranging from $29.95 – $99.95, which are all pretty cool.

LIMAR has 4 road helmets; Ultralight+, Superlight+, Superlight (aero) and Air Speed (aero). LIMAR Helmet specs are shown in the table to the right;

INITIAL OBSERVATIONS & FEATURES:

Unpacking the helmet from the box, the first thing I noticed was the bug net which protected all of the front facing vents. I’ve noticed that several other manufacturers including RUDY PROJECT, BRIKO and CASCO, are also making helmets with bug nets. This is a fantastic idea and I don’t know why more manufacturers haven’t picked up on this yet?

Here in Southern California, there are bees, bugs and other insects flying into my helmet all of the time. The net is perfect in keeping these critters out of the helmet, and I have not noticed any restriction in air flow.

There was also a small ‘accessory’ package that included (a) MTB visor and (b) a pair of small block-off plates to close off the 2 visor installation holes if you choose not to use this visor. Like opening a Cracker Jack box, another small plastic bag fell on the floor when I pulled out the helmet. This was the biggest surprise of all, a free (MSRP $16.99) red LED Safety Light that snaps into the adjusting knob on the retention system. BRILLIANT! What a well thought out first class idea, AND to also include it free!

The rear light is a 4-mode red LED which includes Circular Flashing, Pulse Flashing, Steady State and Off.
As I was attaching the light, I looked closer at the retention system. LIMAR calls it COMPETITION+ and includes;

1. 4 height adjustments via an easy to use ratcheting system
2. full 5cm size adjuster thumb knob, 52-57cm for MEDIUM, 57-62cm for LARGE
   Lastly, I noticed
3. large number of vent holes (24) that provide plenty of cooling
4. soft sponge-based helmet lining which includes an anti-allergic fabric. The entire liner can be removed from the helmet and thrown into the washing machine, or, replaced when worn out.

HOW DOES IT FIT?

Trying on the helmet for the first time, it was too snug, but, easily remedied by loosening the rear retention system via the thumb knob. The straps were also WAY TOO LONG, so, I had quite a bit of adjusting to do. I thought, this helmet is sized for someone with a head shaped like a stovepipe! After about 5 minutes of adjusting the straps, it fit perfect! For those that need a little help, there is a great user’s manual that explains how to adjust the straps perfectly.

PHOTO to the above right: Caught up to a good friend of mine … Tom Sneddon. Notice both of us are wearing LIMAR helmets! He’s wearing the Ultralight, I’m sporting the Superlight+.

More about Tom; from http://classiccycleus.com/home/tom-sneddens-1974-defour-stayer/

“Tom later became part of the American Shimano team (Shimano’s first sponsorship deal outside of Japan). In 1975, Tom raced as many days a week as you or I would go to work. That year, training for World’s, Tom competed in 75 different events, riding 32,000 miles in the process, and finishing in the money a third of the time. The bike racing calendar was quite full in northern Europe in the ’60′s and ’70′s, and Tom found himself competing on a regular basis with the stars of the era like Freddy Maertens, Roger DeVlaminck, and even Eddy Merckx (who Tom managed to finish in front of a handful of times).”

Tom is still out on the road most days and enjoying both his new Venge’s! If you ever see Tom out on the road, make sure to say hi! Tom is one of the nicest and friendliest guys you will ever meet!

FIRST RIDES

The helmet fits great. Nice and snug, and I don’t even notice I’m wearing it. The under-chin snap-fastener was easy to snap and unsnap and I also love the Celeste color.

AND MORE RIDES

After several more rides, the helmet still fits snug and comfortable. Some helmets have straps that slip and loosen, not this one. After several weeks, everything is still tight.

SUMMARY:

This helmet takes a little longer to set up, but once all adjustments are made, they tend to stay set. I have had other helmets where slipping straps cause me to have to readjust every week. The Superlight+ is one of the most comfortable helmets on the market. You get a lot of bang-for-the-buck with this helmet.

For the price of $$ (check latest price), this is a feature-rich helmet that has several items that will make for a safer and more comfortable ride. And basically, that’s what it’s all about. A comfortable helmet is one that is more likely to be worn.

The SuperLight+ helmet currently comes in 2 colors; Celeste and Traditional Black, and 2 sizes Medium and Large.

Yes, I highly recommend this helmet!

RATING: 5/5

Rick Schultz

I have always enjoyed bicycling and, through a series of coincidences, became a Bicycle Industry Consultant and Product Tester. I test prototype products for companies and have published only off the shelf production products on biketestreviews.com.