USE YOUR HEAD
Trust the Swedes to come up with an innovative solution to one of cycling’s biggest problems: how can a helmet not ruin your hairstyle? The Hövding airbag-style helmet replaces the traditional hard-shell format with a system that’s worn around the cyclist’s neck and offers nine hours of safer cycling on one charge. When activated, sensors record movements 200 times a second to detect anything that may indicate a crash (while not affecting regular activity), inflating in 0.1 seconds to form a hood that secures the neck and absorbs shock and impact. Research by Stanford University, in the US, has shown that the airbag technology is up to eight times more effective at reducing the risk of concussion (and therefore brain damage) than standard helmets, and almost completely eliminates the risk of skull fracture. There’s also a range of colourful and patterned covers to customise your helmet. Price: £219, plus £15 for covers. hovding.com