The Kross LAKI bicycle helmet is available in several color variants. It is not the cheapest universal helmet, as I paid 27 EUR for it at the time of purchase. I bought two – a light yellow one for myself and a pink one for my wife. Interestingly, it is sold as LAKI GREEN, but it is clearly the color of a reflective safety vest.
Why I Bought the Helmet
It’s embarrassing to admit, but for the last 13 years, we have not ridden a bike with a helmet for even a minute. When I bought the Duotts C29 electric bike, which can reach speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour, I knew that before I rode it, I had to finally get a helmet. We went to Decathlon to try on various models and see what is popular on the market now. Why this store? I happen to live nearby, and it was the closest. I was particularly interested in selecting a helmet in terms of its size. I also wanted to try different types to choose the right one.
Key Features
The Kross LAKI helmet is available in various sizes. Both my wife and I bought the 55-58 cm size. I really like how they almost glow from a distance. It’s always a few points for visibility, but I particularly liked their shape and color. The helmet weighs 212 grams and has 28 ventilation holes. Inside, there are special antibacterial pads that can also be removed (Velcro fastening) and cleaned. The ventilation holes are especially useful when riding in higher temperatures. In practice, I hardly ever took off the helmet unless I planned a longer stop.
I also noticed that similar models on the market have an additional protective net inside the helmet to prevent insects from entering through the ventilation holes. Initially, I was worried about the lack of such a net in the Kross LAKI, and my fears proved to be justified. After nearly 600 kilometers of testing the electric bike, unfortunately, while riding at a higher speed on a bike path along the river, a wasp flew into one of the holes. Before I could stop and remove the helmet, I was stung several times. The mark from this encounter lasted for almost two weeks.
It’s worth noting that the helmet also has a special plastic visor at the front that can be slightly lowered. This is a shield against branches. I primarily used it as a sunshade and regret that the manufacturer didn’t make it longer and more adjustable.
Safety
I chose a branded helmet primarily for safety reasons. The Kross LAKI is made of polycarbonate and EPS (expanded polystyrene) using In-Mold technology. This construction makes the helmet excellent at absorbing shocks from falls, durable, and resistant to impacts. Besides the previously mentioned bright color, the manufacturer added additional reflective elements to improve the cyclist’s visibility at dusk. The safety standard is CE EN 1078.
Fastenings
The Kross LAKI is designed with the user’s maximum comfort in mind. The helmet features an easy and quick adjustment system that allows precise adjustment of the circumference and side straps, ensuring a perfect fit to the head. The chin buckle and detachable visor are additional conveniences that enhance the helmet’s comfort. The helmet fits well, does not press, and does not scratch. However, you need a moment to get used to the buckle system, as it fastens not symmetrically but with a slight offset on one side.