NOW Urbi

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ActiveJunky

Description

Field Notes: Take your eyes off the stunning helmet design long enough and you’ll find the in-mold microshell is delivered in a semi-matte finish that doesn’t reflect back a blinding blur on motorists. NOW’s EPS liner integration with the shell is sublime and offers a sense of security and low maintenance with no room for dirt and grit to work their way into the helmet interior; three low-relief plastic rivets in the helmets front offer additional security against the lining loosening over time with road vibration. 

Headband adjustment is taken to an extreme, using narrow-width synthetic lacing to minimize weight and damage to hairstyles, important in a bike or e-bike commuting helmet. While located inside a back cutout for a sleek look while riding, it took finesse to adjust – and patience with gloved hands. The tensioning dial on the EQDF (Easy Quick Dial Fitting) System is more workable with the headband on and the helmet titled slightly forward before securing the chin strap. Active Junky would like to see the adjustment dial incorporate reflective NOW graphics to make the most of brand visibility present at the helmet’s rear. Their system took repeated operation (20x) to break in to allow smooth tensioning and loosening (fine afterward) with one of the best systems to fine-tune fit. 

Chin straps use the same type of sliding pivot hardware to stay comfortable in motion or waiting at stoplights. Strap length adjustment was smooth and the strap keeper worked well, proving reliable with softer skin-friendly strap material. Clip-wise, nothing extraordinary here but Urbi lands within mid-market helmet standards. The anti-bacterial headband and longitudinal padding takes the minimalist approach Active Junky favors but is glued in so that the headband takes the burden for helmet fitting. Testers recommend the brands extends the padding to include the rear of the synthetic suspension system. 

Visibility during riding is top-tier, no matter when upright or in a tuck. Venting is masterful, with riding speed providing the variability in cooling power generated by the ten slotted vents arrayed in five pairs from front to back: NOW brands it as the SWAC (Spider Web Airflow Channel) System. 

Urbi’s shell shape easily accommodates most sunglasses and all earbuds as would be expected from a forward-thinking helmet brand. Colorways include a color background with white side panel accents (testers’ favorite and worth the $10 upcharge) and white background with colored accent panels. The bike helmet’s appearance, light weight and simple operation warrant purchase consideration at a premium over less-contemporary (or futuristic) options. Size adjustment occurs within two ranges, from 53-58cm and 58-63cm. Righteously, the helmet is double-certified to US CPSC and CE-EN 1078 standards for biking and commuting helmets.

Tester Comments: “NOW understands what’s important, even in the brand’s early going. This is a case where style rules, backed up by important safety certifications.”

Key Attribute: Design


Tech Specs

Key Features:

  • Spider Web Airflow Channel System
  • Easy Quick Dial Fitting System
  • In-Mold High Performance EPS Liner & Microshell
  • Anti-Bacterial Cooling & Washable Liner Padding

Size: S - XL


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