Rudy Project Aryon+
By James Sharp

Next to the bike itself, the helmet is the most important piece of equipment a cyclist can have. All helmets sold in the U.S. have to pass the same standards, regardless of price. The differences are in quality of construction, ventilation, retention system, and weight. If you are serious about logging miles, all of the above are very important. Rudy Project is better known for their sunglasses, worn by some of the greatest professional athletes in the world. Their helmets have been available to the rest of the world, and for 2005 they will be available in the U.S. We have put the Ayron+ through its paces and below are our thoughts.

First, let me get the details out of the way. The Ayron+ represents the ultimate helmet available from Rudy Project. It has their Impact Protection Grid; this is a grid molded directly into the foam, like a roll cage. It has 25 vents to keep you cool. The sizing mechanism, called 360 Comfort Head Ring, goes all around the inside of the helmet - no hook and loop pads to slip or come unstuck from the helmet. This retention system is adjustable via Rudy’s RSR 5 Disc. The user tightens or loosens the helmet by rotating a disc on the back of the helmet. It allows for small changes in size, and its one of the lightest mechanisms of its kind. The buckle is the Smart Lock System, a ratcheting buckle that is easily adjustable on the fly. Two types of padding are included, one with a mesh to keep bugs out and one without the mesh. The Ayron+ comes with a visor. One of the more interesting features is an eyewear mount in the front of the helmet. This is to allow a goggle-like eyewear to snap into the helmet, rather than wearing sunglasses or other eye protection. This isn’t uncommon on time trial helmets or fairings, but I’ve never seen it on a normal road helmet before. The Ayron+ weighs 300 grams.

Whew... every year it seems there are more names to describe the parts of the helmets we review. Now that the technical part is out of the way, let me tell you what I thought. Fortunately, I didn’t get a chance to test out the Impact Protection Grid. I’ll take Rudy Project’s word that it will protect my skull. The 25 vents, however, were noticeable right away. They move quite a bit of air. The 360 Comfort Head Ring does a nice job of sizing the helmet, which is good since it only comes in two sizes, medium and large. Normally, this bothers me, something that I can go on and on about, but because the retention mechanism doesn’t just push on the back of my head, but rather tightens the ring all the way around, it works. In fact, it is beneficial if you often wear a beanie or cycling cap under your helmet when the weather turns nippy.

Unfortunately, the adjustment device itself left much to be desired. I had difficulty adjusting the helmet while it was on my head. It was easy to do without the helmet on, but while wearing the Aryon+, when I would try and turn the adjustment disc the whole strap would twist with it, binding the adjustment mechanism. I understand the need to make things on a helmet as light as possible, but this is one instance when a little stouter plastic would have helped greatly.I spoke with Rudy Project about this, and they informed me that they redesigned the retention mechanism so that it doesn’t bind. They are sending me a new version, and as soon as I get some time with it, I’ll update the review.

Summary: Rudy Project makes some fantastic eyewear and they have brought their quality and unique style to the helmet world. With input from their professional athletes they have put together a collection of features that are among the most comprehensive in the market. Unfortunately, the retention system needs to be reworked some to make this a helmet to rival those from the Giro/Bell powerhouse. If you don’t worry too much about "on the fly" adjustment and want a helmet that you won’t see on every other rider, look no further. It fits well, is well ventilated and looks great and has some features not found on other helmets, like the option to run mesh in the vents or not. If the new adjustment disc does, in fact, remedy the binding issue Rudy Project will have a helmet that can rival anything in the same price range. The Ayron+ has a MSRP of $109.

Update: Rudy Project did send me a replacement dial and I was able to swap it out easily. What an improvement! The new dial does what the old one attempted to do – that is, allow on the fly adjustment of the fit. I still don’t believe that it is the best on the market, but it gets the job done, whereas the original didn’t even do that. Really, there is nothing holding this helmet back, if it fits, I recommend the helmet to anyone.

James Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in road and mountain biking.

For more information, contact:
Rudy Project, North America
Phone: (888)860-7597
E-mail: info@rudyprojectusa.com
www.rudyprojectusa.com