XS Unified Skyline

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Description

Field Notes: With Skyline, balance is even in all directions, suiting both upright riding styles on hybrids and commuters on two wheels, as well as a light-beating, head-down charging posture. Skyline’s shell has a snappy, resilient feel that wraps the profile that’s somewhere between a Pacific Ocean wave and the rolling single-track found in Moab. The shell’s bounce easily repels minor impacts and spills, spreading force across the entire surface. Interior foam is more conventional but employs smoother contours and longitudinal venting grooves to move air from the front brim openings to the rear vents. Venting is clearly more urban versus allowing all-out exertion on road or trail. 

Headband adjustment uses a conventional, rubberized thumbwheel and tightens in moderate increments. Loosing the helmet is easy with the sure-grip wheel that’s best operated with the helmet off if hands are gloved as the wheel is tucked up under the shell making access somewhat challenging. Tensioning on the back half of the head only so employing the pad kit is essential to get a personalized fit. Pad setup is the best of those reviewed as it avoids narrow, hard-to-align strip of padding in favor of larger, more secure panels on the forehead, above the ears, inside helmet top and back of the head. 

It’s much easier to “zone” the helmet’s fit with the more panelized approach with hook-and-loop dots that are 4X the surface area of many competitive models. This also allows better four-season fit to accommodate a wide range of headwear. Active Junky liked the “top of the head” pad that keeps the parallel top vents completely open and free. Ear openings are generous for acute acoustic awareness (as in, hearing). Straps are placed at offsetting heights to get the helmet angle dialed in – and avoid forcing the brim down to get a secure fit. Side-locking sliders are supremely useful to add more adjustability. While the strapping lock mechanism is straightforward and standard, the strap retainers are the best of any cycling helmet review; a small-but-key feature to prevent the durable, narrower straps from binding or flapping. 

Exterior rivet caps in a contrasting black add a touch of industrial strength to the overall look. Oval slashes impart a refined-but-street-smart attitude that fits conventional as well as e-bikes. The abbreviated brim adds an element of sun and weather protection without assuming an overly-competitive line. Even with the brim, visibility is wide-ranging and the openness allows a full complement of sunglass frame types without disrupting the fit. Right-front subdued graphics are more like a signature than obvious branding, part of the XS Unified vibe. What’s more, matte finishes in retro colorways give Skyline timeless sensibilities along with a fresh-painted, crisp look that defies fingerprinting and urban grit. 

The helmet commands a $10 premium over others in the same category but is a more beguiling, wearable approach to city and suburban riding. Three sizes handle from 51cm to 61cm while dual certification hits U.S. and European standards to make Skyline suitable for cycling, skateboarding and skating (roller and inline).

Tester Comments: “Street-smart without looking too gritty or BMX, Skyline suits my style both during weekday rides and after work. Weekends, too, whether my friends are hard-core riders or city cruisers.”

Key Attribute: Comfort


Tech Specs

Key Features:

  • Clean styling lines
  • Dual ventilation
  • Full rear coverage 
  • Rear adjuster

Size: S - XL


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