angel helmet Archives

If you�re looking for additional cycle safety during the darker winter months, or indeed just looking to up your visibility in general, then the Angel cycle helmet from Bicygnals offers an interesting solution. Fundamentally a regular cycle helmet in appearance (although with rather sleek �designy� affectations), the Angel has an integrated band of fibre optic light, which illuminates around the full circumference at the push of a button.

Created by Gavin Thomson, who has produced designs for companies ranging from BA and Samsung to MontBlanc and BT, the Angel certainly looks the part � combining matte black elements with a print-textured polycarbonate shell upper that�s clearly intended to give that carbon-look edge to proceedings. The illuminated yellow band � which creates the angelic halo effect, giving the helmet both its unique selling point and name � is powered by a battery recharged via a supplied USB cable; the light is by far the brightest to the rear, diminishing substantially to the front of the helmet. A nice inclusion though is the ability to use the band in either solid or flashing mode.

As you might suspect the Angel is not the lightest (no pun intended) of affairs, weighing in at a bulky 535g � around double the weight of an average road helmet � but then this is hardly the lid of choice for those looking for speed or aerodynamics; as a straight commuter option the trade off between weight and additional safety may well be worth considering.

Despite the weight, a fairly basic internal cradle and minimal padding the Angel is surprisingly comfortable for day-to-day use, the universal sizing (54-61cm) can be ratcheted up and down with a simple dial-wheel and the strap adjusts easily and incorporates a detachable beard-guard/chin pad. The venting is bare-minimal (which is telling in the weight department) but adequate enough for the intended commute rather than sportive use.

Easy to dismiss as a novelty item, the Angel is in fact a useful safety addition to the commuters� arsenal. Priced at �49.95, further details and online purchase via bicygnals.com

It�s that time of year when you could well be casting around for that perfect gift for the cycling-fanatic love of your life and whilst Cyclo has brought you reviews of some of the best products this year (we particularly love Fibre Flares and the CamelBak Charm) we thought we�d take a look at a few of the odder items available for those that love all things two wheeled�

Swoosh Flags

Ride like a pro with your name proudly emblazoned on your two-wheeled steed with these rather cute personalised Swoosh Flags available from cyclebitz.co.uk at a not unreasonable �15 for a pack of 4. An almost infinite combination of background, swoosh and text colours can be picked in addition to the flag of either England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales and the simple peel and apply application will have your bike looking just that little bit more �bling� in a matter of minutes.

Angel Helmet

Cyclo is all for safety as regular readers will know, so perhaps this rather unusual helmet comes closest to being amongst these five that perhaps you do need. With its halo of light supplied by Twin 0.5W LED fibre optics, the appropriately named Angel Helmet delivers 360degree illumination in either solid or flashing mode. The polycarbonate shell (fully safety standard compliant) and adequate venting make for a comfortable enough ride and there�s no need for batteries as the system is recharged via USB � cable supplied. Still mostly a novelty item, so a shame there�s no kids� sizes available� Currently on offer for �39.96 + P&P from www.bicygnals.com

Record Your Own Bicycle Bell

Not really a bell at all if we�re being pedantic � more of a fog horn for the handle bars with an in-built and undeniably attention grabbing 80db screech; but what makes this special (and we use the term loosely) is that you can, as the name suggests, record your own choice of �greeting� to be broadcast at the same 80db to alert others to your presence. Recording up to 20seconds of message (�I say, do excuse me old chap� should fit) the device is operated by three hefty 1.5v batteries and although the makers promise that it quick release, we suspect you could safely leave it on the bike withour real fear of theft. Available from www.firebox.com at �17.99

CyFi Wireless Speakers

No doubt you are too dedicated a cyclist and far too considerate of noise pollution to ever consider playing music publicly from the comfort of your saddle, but if the fancy should take you then the CyFi Wireless Speaker system would be just the thing. Charging for 2 hours via USB will give you over 6 hours of listening time as the speakers seamlessly sync to your iPod via a dinky transmitter that means not only will your favourite cycling music stream to the speakers but conversely the buttons on the speakers can be used to control your iPod. Up to four speakers can be synced to the same iPod and with a range of 30foot you could, conceivably, enjoy a mini-peloton of cacophony. �98.99 from www.iwantoneofthose.com

Chain Wheel Wall Clock

All other gift possibilities must surely have been exhausted by the time your loved one alights upon the Chain Wheel Wall Clock available for �39.99 from www.cyclinggifts.co.uk. With a 360mm circumference and 30mm depth this unusual clock is, apparently, �fantastic�. Cyclo is tempted to suggest that someone might like to make and sell cufflinks fashioned from chain links, suit hangers based of handlebars or a novelty umbrella employing Geraint Thomas� old spokes. But we rather suspect someone, somewhere already may have done�