Cannondale Utility Helmet and Accessory Kit

The Cannondale Utility Helmet and Accessory Kit is a comprehensive package aimed at commuters and 'utility' riders who want a practical lid that's more befitting casual clothing or street smarts. It's well made, but there are lighter and better-ventilated options.

Conforming to CE1078, it's constructed using the standard in-mould production technology, where shock absorbing EPS liner and polycarbonate shell are simultaneously formed. Theroretically this reduces weight, improves safety and keeps costs lower.

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As you'd expect from Cannondale, standards of finish and construction are very high throughout. Matt black looks really sharp and the rounded 'Cromwell' shape goes well with street dress.

Subtle reflectives prevent it from slipping right under the radar. Ten relatively small vents run, Mohican fashion, along the centre strip, which might improve overall safety – fewer vents mean a more solid structure, theoretically – but have some definite implications for climate control.

Inside, Cannondale has shunned the familiar 'fuzzy felt' pads for a low-density, sweat-guzzling monocoque piece and leatherette chin strap cover. This, along with the serrated thumbwheel, makes fine-tuning fit an absolute cinch.

On the safety theme, noticed that triangular badge? This is designed to be scooped out with a blunt knife (flat-bladed screwdrivers common to most multi tools also work just fine) and replaced with Cannondale's six-digit, three-mode LED, which comes as part of the 'kit', along with a helmet cover and ear covers.

Obviously this isn't intended as primary lighting, but the integral lens and switch ensures winter glove friendliness and it sits quite nicely at driver eye-level for some additional presence.

General consensus suggests visibility from 150 metres in town, 200 along semi-rural sections. It seems well sealed too, passing my garden hose torture test without a flicker. That said, you'll need a jeweller's screwdriver to access the battery come replacement time.

Compared with standard road and trail lids the Utility helmet sits lower, supposedly improving protection. This hasn't fouled cycling-specific rucksacks or messenger bags when glancing left to right or making those minute over-the-shoulder checks.

>> Check out our guide to the best cheap cycling helmets here

The rear cradle also seems more accommodating of pony tails, which might be another draw for those of us with longer manes.

A wider front profile also seems to improve peripheral vision, which is very helpful in rush hour traffic. The polyester rain cover incorporates a subtle grey/Scotchlite pattern that looks neutral by day but comes alive under vehicle and street lighting.

Modest ventilation means you'll only start feeling soggy after 20-odd minutes in torrential stuff, but the relatively breathable cover fits in seconds and pretty much guarantees your head will remain dry when it's pelting down.

Many of us don't like our ears covered, but the plug-in padded ear covers in the kit might be welcome when temperatures plummet and are easy to whip on and off.

Commutes around the 10 mile mark, with temperature and average speed around the mid-teens, proved a little warm but nowhere near brain boiling territory, and the additional weight was remarkably unobtrusive.

That said, the better-ventilated commuter-touring types out there are superior options for longer distances and even a bit of trail action too. Several 20-mile trips averaging between 18 and 20mph resulted in a hot, sweaty scalp.

Verdict

Well made, comprehensive package but less versatile than commuter-touring designs which are lighter and better ventilated