The history of the cycling helmet

May 12, 2022

While helmets are increasingly streamlined, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing today, this hasn't always been the case, and their use is actually quite contemporary! But do you have any idea of the different helmets that have existed? Their evolution over the years? Some are surprising, to say the least! Aesthetic, rustic, or fashionable, let's discover their specific features together.

Which bicycle helmets have existed until today?

The padded helmet

Indeed, the first helmet appeared in 1940. Called the "padded helmet," it was Breton rider Jean Robic who promoted its use after a serious fall during Paris-Roubaix in 1946. It was then the very first helmet used on professional circuits.

What did it look like? Only leather straps intertwined around the skull, not very effective, but it was still the first model adopted in a professional race, and it remained so until 1990.

The use of the helmet was so astonishing to riders that it earned Jean Robic the nickname "Leather Head"!

How did helmets evolve after that?

1975 "Biker" Helmet, Bell (USA)

This expanded polystyrene helmet was much more resistant than its predecessor, reducing the energy absorbed by the head during impact.

1981 "V1 Pro" Helmet, Bell (USA)

This time, this helmet was designed specifically for professional riders!

Cyclists definitively abandoned the padded helmet in favor of Bell and Giro helmets.

1984 Aerodynamic Helmet

It was ultimately on time trial circuits that helmet use became most widespread, and not for safety reasons, but for the aerodynamic advantage it provided. In 1988, Italian Francesco Moser collaborated with scientists to create THE helmet that would allow him to break the hour record. He succeeded in breaking Eddy Merckx's record, set 12 years earlier, by 1378m, with Moser achieving the feat of covering 50.809km in 60 minutes.

Even if it became an aerodynamic accessory, the bicycle helmet officially became mandatory during the Tour de France in 2005 to prevent the severity of bicycle falls.

Indeed, the deaths of riders Fabio Casarteli in 1995 and Andrei Kvilev in 2003 reignited the debate around helmet use.

And today, where do we stand?

Today, helmets are lighter, safer, more aesthetic, adaptable to different practices, and perhaps soon foldable 😉

Modular according to desires and needs, one can, for example, add visors, lights, or innovative devices like Poc's "Crash Sensor" to certain models. This device, for example, allows a loved one to be notified in the event of a violent impact to alert emergency services more quickly.

So, whether as a fashion accessory, for performance, or simply for safety concerns, all that's left is for you to make your choice! 🚲