PieProof Helmet Three Seasons On + Win A Helmet
When I first reviewed the PieProof helmet, I’d been wearing it for around three months. It earned five stars then, and I wasn’t entirely sure whether that reflected genuine long-term quality or the enthusiasm of riding a new lid. Three seasons later – including Winter, Spring (yes magpie season!) and summer, the helmet has proven itself as an impressive and very versatile allrounder.
First up, for those who haven’t heard of it or are perplexed by the name, the PieProof is the creation of Melbourne engineer and cyclist Leo Boesten, who grew tired of getting his ears nipped by swooping magpies and decided to do something about it.
The clever bit is a set of removable neoprene covers that sit over the helmet vents at ear level, blocking the gap that an opportunistic beak tends to find with uncanny precision.
It sounds like a solution to one very specific problem for many riders, yep magpies. But what I’ve discovered over three seasons of riding the PieProof is that it quietly solves two others as well.
In winter, those same neoprene covers keep your ears toasty warm. Currently in tropical Queensland, a state that’s allegedly warm all year round, there’s a problem going on with the morning temperatures … it’s been surprisingly chilly in the mornings. I’ve been riding with the ear warmers in place, not for magpie protection but to keep the chills away!
Jump back to scorching Sydney last summer – and particularly the 40-degree days we were getting during November – with the covers removed, the helmet ventilated well, and it was a lifesaver during several daytime rides.
Though I removed it, the factory-fitted front visor would only help by keeping the sun off without adding noticeable weight or bulk. The helmet has, essentially, evolved in my mind from a magpie helmet into a year-round helmet that also happens to stop magpies.
The rest of the package remains as solid as it was at launch. It’s lighter than it looks, comfortable on long rides, and — importantly for most riders — doesn’t look ridiculous. The integrated rear USB-rechargeable light remains a thoughtful touch and is working like new.
The internal pads have held up well, and replacements are available if yours eventually need swapping out.
At $110 in either black or the white model as I’ve been using, the helmet offers extraordinary value. Having worn it through every scenario from bunchies to gravel expeditions and urban commutes on the fold up DAHON Mariner, it has an uncanny ability to blend into every riding environment and in my mind is among the best-value lids on the Australian market.
Three seasons of daily use haven’t changed that assessment but indeed bolstered it. If anything, still being my go-to helmet 9 months after the initial review makes it seem like a better value than it first appeared.
PieProof helmet, $110. Available in black or white.
Replacement pads and spare LED tail lamps are also available.
More at www.pieproof.com.au
Breakout:
Win One Of Two PieProof Helmets
Ride On magazine and PieProof are giving readers the opportunity to win one of two helmets. All you need to do to win is scan the QR code, then tell us in 25 words or fewer why you need a new PieProof helmet.
