Brooks unveil two special edition Carrera folding helmets

Leather saddle manufacturer Brooks have launched the J.B. Special and J.B. Classic Carrera Foldable Helmet. The Carrera folding helmet - which we’ve reviewed previously - is named after Brooks founder John Boultbeee Brooks with two designs inspired by the leather ‘hairnet’ helmets that were popular with professional racing cyclists during the 1970s. Only these provide a bit more actual safety. 

Leather “hairnet” helmets were simple strips of padding covered with leather forming a ring around the head with several strips over the top. They offered minimal protection, and quickly faded into the history books as modern helmet technology gathered pace.

The Carrera Foldable Helmet uses a plastic coated EPS foam construction joined by nylon bands, with a flexible frame and elastic fitting system. The safety credentials of the helmet come via the EN 1078 standard. Folded away the Carrera reduces volume by 25%, so it’ll take up less space in your luggage if you’re travelling by other means of transport, say on the train.

The Carrera helmet is available in two versions, the J.B. Classic and J.B. Special editions, with what Brooks describes as a “range of tasteful waterproof textiles in exclusive colours and fabrics.” When closed the helmet is fastened with a Brooks leather strap. Bicycle helmets don’t come much more stylish than this.

The helmet will cost from €150 - we’re waiting for a UK price at the moment. There will be two sizes, medium and large, and it weighs a claimed 330g.  It’s available now from www.brooksengland.com