Lumos Helmet

Field Notes: Given the realities of this bike helmet’s ambitions to dramatically improve visibility, Lumos’ balance is much better in an upright position given the rearward weighting of the integrated lighting technology that pushes the head down when in a more aerodynamic position. Lumos’ back-loaded balance, overall heavier weight and pricing push it into the safety-minded consumer category as the pure road rider will be plagued by these three factors. 

An outer shell is much like that found in $79-$99 helmets, with a streamlined design that uses bridges at 90-degree angles to strengthen a cycling helmet that features a longitudinal (front-to-back) framework. Interior padding is mid-market and the hook-and-loop attachment points are slightly sub-par as they permit a lot of movement within the shell even when secured. Foam is colored black to be less obvious and carries an intricate pattern meant to balance weight against protection and ventilation. 

The headband suspension system is anchored well inside the helmet to guard against snags, pulls and excessive stress: one of Active Junky’s favorite interior systems. Single-wheel tensioning is positive and uses small increments in tension increase to make for a more personalized fit, with a tensioning wheel that holds position while loosening. Access to the tensioning well is tight, almost too much for large or gloved hands (an area for improvement, Lumos friends). The helmet’s strap system allows some pivoting to adjust under-chin comfort while front and rear straps are well-spaced to accommodate different skull shapes, hair and beanie fitting. Fitting-wise, the strap clip is solid quality and the strap retainer is the beefy O-ring construction Active Junky likes to see. Rider visibility is good in all directions as the helmet rides high on the head. Accommodating larger eyeglasses and sunglasses is easy particularly with the large ear cut-outs on the helmet. 

Integrated lighting technology is the forte’ here, with multiple flashing and steady modes for both front (white) and rear (red) LED arrays. Lighting is displayed through weatherproof, frosted panels that conform to the helmet’s shape. Testers were impressed with the shape of the lighting as well as the operational modes to “break up the expected” to get the attention of motorists, other cyclists and pedestrians alike. For example, the rear, red triangle carries a warning both in the illumination and in the well-established “slow moving vehicle” geometric shape. Unfortunately, the steady sidelight display locks out the amber turn signal functionality that is one of the helmet’s hallmarks: another recommendation for an update to the product. 

Turn signals are controlled by a paired, rechargeable remote that can either be stem-mounted or extended to right and left bar tops or ends. Soft controls have a positive action to avoid accidental activation or turn off; Lumos comes with a variety of O-rings to secure the base signaling unit as well as the bar extenders. When the rider slows down, the intelligent element of the commuting helmet kicks in, illuminating all rear-facing LEDs in red to warn those behind. Recharging is via a weather-resistant, magnetic connection at the helmet’s rear to a standard USB cable: Active Junky advocates recharging twice or three times a week to avoid disappointment. Also, the forward visibility of the helmet is more of a be-seen than a see function, so a supplementary light is required any time before dawn or after sunset. At the time of publication, Lumos comes only in a single, extended-range size and three colorways that meet both U.S. and European certification head protection standards (and carries a patent-pending status). 

Tester Comments: “The front-facing white ‘smile’ is distinctive and visually provocative to grab attention without startling others. I favor the slow-pulsing mode (about 2 seconds between brightest levels) for most riding to conserve rechargeable battery power and respect motorists when teamed with the steady red rear sidelights and white, steady forward display.”

Key Attribute: Integration