Just last month, we told you about the Kranium – a prototype bicycle helmet with a core made from cardboard instead of the usual expanded foam. Well, we obviously weren’t the only ones impressed by it. German security devices manufacturer Abus has picked up the design, resulting in the Kranium AKS 1 helmet now being available in the UK.
To recap our previous article, the Kranium was designed by Royal College of Art student Anirudha Surabhi, who was inspired by the corrugated cartilage structure that protects the woodpecker’s skull against heavy impacts made by its beak as it pecks.
He proceeded to create a bike helmet with a honeycomb cardboard structure dubbed “Dual Density Honey Comb Board,” or D2. Like Abus’ commercial version, Surabhi’s prototype was reportedly 15 percent lighter than similar foam-cored helmets, and – thanks to its ability to flex somewhat – was able to withstand three times as much impact energy.
According to Velorution, the London cycling store now pre-selling a limited edition introductory model of the AKS 1, the helmet can also stand up to repeated impacts. In testing, one of the helmets was said to still pass British safety standards after five impacts – users of traditional helmets, by contrast, are advised to replace their helmets after even one impact.
The Abus Kranium AKS 1 is available now for pre-order, and is priced at £79.99 (US$129).
Source: Velorution via BikeRadar