Spanish bike firm Orbea has unveiled a new line of cycling helmets. This includes the R10 Aero, billed as ‘a compact, well-ventilated and especially aerodynamic helmet with the MIPS protection system’. Orbea has incorporated MIPS safety technology into another of its helmets, the R10, which is now also available in new colours. In addition, the company is also launching the new M50 mountain bike helmet and introducing new colours in the R50, H10, Youth and Kids models.
R10 Aero MIPS
Orbea cites wind tunnel tests, which have ‘shown that a helmet’s profile and volume are more important than the number (or even the lack) of air vents when it comes to reducing drag’. The company notes that if the shape of the helmet is closely adjusted to the rider’s head and doesn’t lie too far above the skull… ‘the helmet will produce more efficient results than a standard high-volume helmet.’
‘A screen or visor can further reduce resistance, so that a well-vented helmet can be as aerodynamic as a helmet with larger volume and no vents. There’s no reason to compromise air flow for reduced wind resistance. With its reduced volume and carefully optimized shape, the R10 performs extremely well in both departments.’
R10 MIPS
A number of professional riders utilise the new R10 helmet for protection, aerodynamics, light weight and ventilation in competition. The R10 is Orbea’s flagship helmet. The company adds that it has ‘exploited the latest construction technologies, made numerous visits to the wind tunnel and paid the closest attention to every single detail.’
Orbea’s four-layer TC Technology (EPS foam core, moulded polycarbonate shell, nylon mesh and carbon fibre) yields a comfortable and low-mass helmet with high ventilation properties. The nylon and carbon fibre internal layers reinforce the helmet’s structure, making the R10 15% lighter than Orbea’s Odin helmet and significantly more compact. Shock resistance is improved and the new R10 is claimed to be 3% more aerodynamically efficient than standard road helmets.
R50
The R50 is based on the same minimal-volume philosophy as the R10 but features simpler construction and shaping to bring high performance to a wider range of riders. The low internal touch point (ITP) index translates into fewer points of contact inside the helmet for a comfort and improved ventilation.
The 19 vents help to keep a rider’s head cool… ‘so you can feel the wind while being safe, wearing a durable three-layer TC Construction helmet.’ Breathable pads and inner mesh fabric wick moisture away. The adjustment dial fastening mechanism can also be manipulated quickly with one hand.
M50
Orbea notes that its M50 mountain bike helmet is ready for adventure. The EPS foam core and moulded polycarbonate shell were developed using two-layer TC Technology to combine low weight and durability. The M50 has 23 vents to maximize air flow and comfort in hot weather. Like the rest of the company’s helmets, the M1 features Coolmax pads for optimal cushioning. The removable visor and easy-to-use fit adjustment dial can also allow quick customization.
H10
The new H10 has many of the characteristics of the more expensive helmets in the range, including stylish, smooth design and optimal ventilation. The low internal touch point (ITP) index translates to fewer points of contact inside the helmet for greater comfort and improved airflow.
25 vents help keep the head cool, while the two-layer TC Construction utilizes EPS foam and polycarbonate to keep the helmet sturdy and light. Breathable pads and inner mesh fabric are easy to clean and wick moisture away. The dial of the fastening mechanism can be adjusted with one hand.
Orbea is part of the Mondragón Cooperative Corporation and is Spain’s largest bicycle operator. Orbea bike frames are manufactured in Asia and finished in Spain – with the brand shipped worldwide.
In 2011, Orbea further cemented its relationship with Orca – the wetsuit and apparel tri brand. Heralding from New Zealand, Orca is part of the Orbea family – with Orbea and Orca reaching an agreement in 2011 for Spanish Orbea to acquire Orca’s ‘operation rights in the triathlon and compression area.’ This deal gave Orbea global rights to the Orca brand, following ‘four years of fruitful relations’ between the two companies.
