The best city biking helmet with lights! Nutcase Vio City Helmet Review

[@BikeShopGirl]

What do you look for in a biking helmet and why?

[@PsychicDavidJames]

I look for bright lights, long battery run time, and brake lights, and found that with the Lumos helmet that I bought late last year.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Which model?!

[@PsychicDavidJames]

@@BikeShopGirl its the ultra helmet

[@spokaneman7327]

It's curious that they didn't add turn signals. That is a key feature I'm looking for in a smart helmet, along with the other "smart helmet" features.

[@Cesar-cm4if]

I give priority to safety, def want to make sure my head is safe, but lights are a must as well! Have you checked xnito? It's not a smart helmet but they're one of the safest out there

[@kayflip2233]

I 100% endorse this helmet. I got doored yesterday in Manhattan going 22 mph on my e-bike. Flew into the air and blacked out upon impact. Woke up lying on the ground with a crowd, paramedics and cops around me. Had lots of scratches and bruises but didn't break anything. Felt zero impact to my head and had no pain but the next day I went to check my helmet and it was totally dented in the back with scratches all over it. So I must've hit my head some point and the helmet did an amazing job at absorbing the impact and protecting me. I literally felt nothing and didn't even realize I had hit my head on the ground until I looked at the helmet the next day. The lights are also great if your bike lights aren't charged. I love the sleek design and light weight too. Totally worth it.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Oh jeesh. I’m so glad you are okay!!!!

[@joetilman7227]

Real retroreflectivity is a must. I've been biking pre-dawn for over a decade, so I've gotten used to buying some red-white retroreflective tape plastering it all over my helmet. The first helmet I did this to, I covered the whole thing, but I've cut back :) so that the rear has some horizontal strips of red, and the front and top in white. Some bonus retroreflective tape info that no one asked for: there are lots of retroreflective tapes, but they really distill down to glass-bead (generally cheaper) and "cut corner" (often called "engineering grade"). The glass-bead stuff reflects light that isn't perfectly behind, making it great for lower speeds and urban use. The "engineering grade" stuff reflects light in a very precise spread (like a degree or two), but reflects super effectively, making it great over long distances, such as on rural roads. I tend to use both, with a larger amounts of the glass-bead stuff (usually lower), and specific application of the "engineering grade" stuff up high and on top of my helmet (I really want to underline to drivers how painful their high-beams are...).

[@fender1000100]

Great channel. I've been riding bikes all my life and I'm 58. Never owned a car. Your channel is really inspiring to show the many benefits of cycling.

[@chones_]

helmet/hat manufactures regularly discriminate against the cranially endowed person. i have very few options for my 64mm noggin. story of my life.

[@tomherron4334]

I totally agree with the suggestions you have for improving this helmet. The three hour run time for lights seems very short. Three hours is not a lot of time without charging it constantly. I would also like to see the front light to have a flashing mode to help get the attention of motorists. Switching to a USB-C port would be great. I find the MicroUSB ports to be finicky.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thanks, Tom! What type of helmet do you ride with?

[@tomherron4334]

@@BikeShopGirl Right now I am using an Abus Urban 2.0. I was in a minor accident at the height of the pandemic (when supplies were low) and cracked my helmet. This was the best choice that my LBS had that would fit my large head. I like the magnetic buckle but only occasionally use the light since I don’t think it’s too visible and I don’t want to wear down the battery.

[@_skud]

I travel and use my bike for transport once I'm there. I use a lower rated motorcycle helmet. I wanted a full face visor and as much more protection in case I ever end up on someone's hood. I'm gonna put reflective stickers on it and might mount my spare visibility blinker to the back for that eye level visibility. I'm hoping it'll last longer than a bike helmet as well. Thanks for the vid 🤙

[@albertglentz8091]

I really like your honest, clear review. Sounds like a friend explaining item to me.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thank you 🙏🏼 That’s the goal!

[@jacksonblum2253]

Thanks for the review! Looking at different LED bike helmets to pair with my new e-bike. At this point, I am leaning towards the Lumos Ultra, because of the turn signal and brake light features.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Awesome! What would be helpful for helmet reviews? I have many in that I’m trying and trying to firm up the specific things to cover.

[@anon24kf95]

i super agree about the repairability. don't know why all smart helmets have no easy way to replace the battery since they degrade over time. in my country, a physical store said they can do battery replacement for lumos helmets for around 30usd. but i don't like their sporty designs haha.

[@domdp]

great review! just picked this up for my e-bike on sale at REI! it is currently 50% off and I used my 20% off coupon and dividends and paid $5 😂

[@BikeShopGirl]

Good choice!

[@richardharker2775]

Nice reviews as always. Living in Aus bike shops only stock popular or cheap helmets. What I look for is fit, comfort and safety. I'm also constantly looking for a practical helmet with a decent visor for bright and low sun conditions and one that doesn't interfere with my glasses. Hard to find locally but overseas options are illegal here. I like the light option in this helmet you've highlighted but my practical sense tells me a removable/replaceable light may be better.

[@quickpickle]

Personally i'm looking for a helmet which doesnt look like a giant mushroom on the head. This helmet looks quite good actually.

[@jackiegammon2065]

For me buying a helmet is first and foremost about fit. I need a helmet that sizing runs from 50/52 to whatever,otherwise it simply does not fit. I too, over the years have worn many brands of helmets, but keep coming back to Louis Garneau and that's because of fit. If I'm riding my mtn bike, well I'm still looking for helmet that truly fits. Like you, I am also a small shop owner and the majority of my customers wear a s/m helmet. But here's the trick, it isn;t just about the circumference of the helmet that truly makes it fit... all have a certain shape inside the helmet. Some of those fits are more rounded inside and some are more oblong which tends to fit folks with smaller heads a bit better. Either way, we have lots of choices out there, thanks for the video!

[@BikeShopGirl]

Yes! In some of my videos I’ve talked about the bell vs giro fit. I wish there was an easy way to know what it will be!

[@jackiegammon2065]

@@BikeShopGirl I totally agree with you. Often times some companies have different "fits" within their lines. It's always fun to ask what the fit is and they answer with a circumference. LOL!

[@chrisdavis837]

I look for a helmet that can mount lights easily. I got a cheap Mongoose helmet. The model with the gopro/light mount on top and lots of vents. I have a 900 lumen light mounted on top and a 350 lumen light zip tied to the back. Since it is a matte black helmet, put a bunch of reflective tape on it as well. I actually feel safer riding my bike at night then I do during the day because all that light is eye catching. Thinking about getting the Bontrager Circuit Wavecell when its time to upgrade. Those magnetic light mounts on the Circuit helmet seem to be pretty solid approach to mounting lights to a helmet.

[@BikeShopGirl]

I agree with you about feeling safer biking at night. Kinda crazy, but true!

[@marclevin1]

I’ve had the same problem with lack of reflectors on my helmets, but most bike dealers have reflective stickers. On my red Bell helmet I use screaming yellow ones on the sides and on the luggage holder, but on my Rad Runner Plus bike and Nutcase Helmet with a black top, I use black stickers that reflect back white. They can be cut into shapes that fit the helmet or bike best. There are also red reflecting stickers and I’ve seen green neon-like ones as well. Hope this helps. And thanks for excellent helpful videos! 🚲🚴🏻🙏🏽👀🕊

[@BikeShopGirl]

I also add them but for $100+ you would think reflective would be part of the design of city focused products…

[@BikeShopGirl]

And you are so welcome. Let me know what other videos you would like to watch

[@marclevin1]

@@BikeShopGirl Sure. We have to add what they chose not to; they should have completed that part of the job.

[@marclevin1]

@@BikeShopGirl Monitoring and maintaining air pressure for different uses and terrains, particularly for fat tires (3.5-4”).

[@mac23806]

I just bought this used from second owned for a $70 and it fits snuggly on my head I think I'm going to like using it on my commutes

[@charliew2615]

I have this helmet and so happy with it!

[@BikeShopGirl]

That is great to hear! Which size?

[@thepurplehorse]

I have a small head - about 55 cm - and the S/M is too big. It's too bad, this is my partner's helmet and he really likes it. Still looking for a good commuter helmet for me.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Good to know, thank you! What helmet do you currently ride?

[@RCodyWanner]

love the look of this one!! Just watched the new lumos one, this one looks about 10x better haha! I am a skater though, so makes sense I’d be more used to this look.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@lizvickers7156]

I only have a 53 size head so would have liked an extra small helmet. Nice looking helmet though.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Have you looked at Thousand helmets?

[@cliffhanger639]

This should be great for my 2nd shift job.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Let me know if you get it!

[@Martin-hq1if]

What does my bicycle helmet have to be able to do? - MIPS - large front light - Turn signal right/left - BRAKE LIGHT - Fidlock magnetic lock; antibacterial padding - Mosquito protection grid - APP controlled - Theft safe Oops, I almost forgot that cool Future would be a replaceable battery What do you think about which helmets have these features? from expensive to cheap?

[@BikeShopGirl]

What does theft safe mean?

[@WalterWorldSkills]

My head circumference is 63,5 cm and I'm Asian (rounder head shape). Basically, this means my options are very, very limited. Fortunately, Specialized makes some models in Asian shapes/sizes. However, not all of them will fit me: the Align II Asia L/XL one is 1 cm smaller (63 cm) than the Chamonix, Echelon, and Prospero (64 cm). And there seems to be some sort of shortage where I live (Brazil), because only a handful of stores still have helmets that size. And only one of them actually responded my queries about whether they have it in stock. I used to have an Asia L/XL size Specialized helmet, but it was stolen right before Christmas. None of the stores in my city have any in stock, so I had to resort to online shopping - and hope the Chamonix will fit me properly.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Good to know about the align ii. It’s a great helmet!

[@WalterWorldSkills]

@@BikeShopGirl You can check sizing tables on most online shops, I guess. And they will sometimes have separate tables for different groups of helmets. IIRC, the Align II has its own table, while the other three I mentioned are all grouped on a different one.

[@frankcaputzal5643]

Great video. I’m currently looking for a “winter” helmet. Do you have any suggestions ? Thanks 🙏

[@BikeShopGirl]

I got you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIu1hWyVf9dkhKs

[@frankcaputzal5643]

Thanks 🙏

[@bmwohl]

Thank you for a concise excellent review!

[@Mark-ol2ll]

This video is a week too late, I just bought a helmet. However, I did buy a helmet with a light on after watching a Bike Shop Girl video. May as well use the space for something that may help from being hit.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Glad to hear you bought a new helmet. What did you end up with?!

[@pjpknipper]

Thanks for the video! How often do you replace your helmet? Say if you used it 3 to 4 times a week.

[@BikeShopGirl]

It really depends where I store it. I personally replace helmets every 6-12 months because they are stored in a really hot garage. I believe 3 years of constant use and no abuse is reasonable based on what brands have said.

[@pjpknipper]

@@BikeShopGirl ok i guess i am in the market for a new helmet.

[@pjpknipper]

Have you looked at or thoughts on the laser urbanizing mips?

[@wyndward]

What smart helmets are worth checking out when a top level need is daytime turn indicators on the front of the helmet?

[@BikeShopGirl]

Daytime turn indicators are hard. I would say the lumos ultra

[@BikeShopGirl]

But not on the front. Hmmm. Maybe the new lumos firefly lights?

[@emmyb05]

I’m not a fan of this helmet. Nutcase sent me this helmet because I complained my kids’ Nutcase helmets’ outer shell came away from the foam insides. On both!! I also find their helmets to be heavy. Anyway, I have a small head, and this helmet (S/M) is too big for me. I feel like it falls back on my head. Like my head isn’t shaped right for it. I prefer the Giro Sutton. It fits so well and is so lightweight, I forget it’s on until my kids remind me I’ve been wearing my helmet inside for an hour. Haha But I’m looking at the Camden MIPS ebike helmet for my next helmet.

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thank you! I’ll check out the Camden and Sutton helmets

[@cheleeellis3095]

I have this helmet and I agree with your pros and cons. It is a conversation piece and lots of people think it's cool, especially motorists. I like that I'm being seen but can do with out the shouts of "Nice Helmet!" while I'm riding. An additional con I have is that my charging port flap will not stay closed so I have to tape it closed and untape it to charge. The visor always popping off is so annoying. It always wants to fall off in the most annoying places and then I'm scurrying around trying to find it. A bit of velcro is brilliant, definitely going to try that. I will get the lights going before I put my helmet on. The front light is NOT strong enough to do much. It helps when I'm in the pitch black garage to see my way but not enough light to find things in my bag. It is primarily a light to be seen. If you have the money(let's not pretend this is quite expensive but the features and technology warrant it), and need a new helmet, this would be a good option regardless of my issues. I would LOVE to see a way to have it be fixable. Do you know if Nutcase will let you send it back to be recycled?

[@BikeShopGirl]

That flap thing would drive me crazy!!!! Keep me posted on how your helmet keeps going.

[@ElianaAudrey]

Did you know Xnito? It is rated for class 3 e vehicles? Can you make a review?

[@BikeShopGirl]

I haven’t used one, I’ll check them out

[@BikeShopGirl]

The rear light looks misplaced to me, like you won’t see it if the person is leaned over at all. Have you tried one?

[@ElianaAudrey]

@@BikeShopGirl no but i feel like the rear light is good to be seen on the dark

[@benevikobe]

Can you add nutcase ear pads/covers?

[@BikeShopGirl]

I'm not sure. I don't use their ear covers or have them handy

[@ludwigvanosselaer4179]

I have this question: is it possible to load the helm battery when it is in use or going the lights turn off while charging?

[@BikeShopGirl]

I’ll try!

[@BikeShopGirl]

Tried it for you. When charging, the lights don’t turn on.

[@ludwigvanosselaer4179]

@@BikeShopGirl . Thanks for the answer. And does the helmet have a screen for the eyes?

[@gabrielpick8774]

I had a large head and it does not fit :( it’s so uncomfortable

[@BikeShopGirl]

Thanks for the feedback! Do you know your headsize so others looking will know?

[@cm6818]

Most of my friends who use Nutcase helmet just glue the brims in. Otherwise, they will fall out very easily

[@jbammi]

Sorry I don't understand how a matt black color for a helmet even makes sense from a safety/visibility POV. Calling 3 hours of run time with no reflective trims not a deal breaker con takes some creditability of your unbiased opinion - sorry.

[@ianundercover6295]

I'm sold, scored the black one new in box for $95 on ebay thank you for the awesome review!!! 10k subs incoming 📨

[@BikeShopGirl]

Awesome, keep me posted!

[@jspoons6619]

Most of these types of helmet have short runtime they are designed with a hour commute in both directions and not some marathon ride this said these are not cheap and you can find far cheaper hats with at least a rear light option built in also most people want one hat for every type of ride they do though to be fare to them if you are trail riding or out for a weekend trekking ride you do not need to use the lights in low traffic area I think 3 hrs is fine I have a main long life Battery Front light that is brightness switchable and a rear light for those times you get stuck in the dark. but for safety there can never be to much visibility when it come to been seen on a bike. Jesus Micro USB what were they thinking USB C will be standard in the EU has the got to charging cable factor for all Mobil devices so a bit of a mistake on their part. Something that other brand like Lumos have is USB type C and blue tooth connaturality as well as MIPS. this market is becoming very crowed now with just about everything been installed in Helmets from Lights with a braking and Turn signal function to hands free microphone and speakers to allow bike to bike communication and making and receiving phone calls or listening to music . I have never been a fan of listening to music while out on a bike ride , I can see the two way walkie talkie radio function been good for group rides . still I am getting off the subject. I took a quick look at the Nutcase Vio Lights today in my local bike shop I was surprised how light it was this was only a quick hands on not trying it for fit . I also took the same quick look at the Lumos Ultra this as a few more feature than the Vio like turn signals and blue tooth and tracking functions . it was also surprising light ok Led's do not use a lot of power but still I was thinking they would be much heavier than this. Though I have not taken a closer look I doubt the Lumos as a changeable battery or replacement lights . but saying that in Germany the recomendation is to change your crash hat every five years , still it would be nice to see how they plan to recycle these .