MASSA MARITTIMA (GR) – HJC, a Korean brand, is relaunching its cycling segment by also offering an urban helmet . A renowned motorsports brand, alongside the professionals of the French TotalEnergies team, it is aiming for a significant relaunch across all cycling categories.
At the Tuscan presentation held at the Il Cicalino estate , we previewed the new Bellus 2 model, a sort of all-round helmet, and the urban Route . It's on the latter that we're focusing our attention.
100% urban helmet with something extra
The HJC Route enriches the urban helmet category , bringing a renewed, fresher and more modern design that draws inspiration from (and is similar to) the equestrian segment. The integrated front visor is an example of this . Design and shape certainly matter, but the second theme is integration . The HJC Route integrates a rear LED, which can be removed based on needs and preferences . And then there's the Velcro visor, a "trendy" solution that aims to push this urban helmet towards a younger audience as well.
Of course, safety remains paramount. The visor itself replaces the cap often worn between the head and the helmet. This improves comfort, as does thermoregulation on the hottest days.
The main focus of Route
HJC Route was designed, created and produced for an occasional user, who mainly rides in an urban context (city with different subjects) who wants safety first of all, who loves at the same time a product with an image and comfort.
Route partially inherits some technical details from Calido and Coban, the two urban helmets already included in the HJC range, but is decidedly more up-to-date in terms of design and technology . Following this development path, Route itself was designed using the wind tunnel , a tool that contributed above all to making the shape and everything concerning ventilation functional.
How it's done
The rigid shell completely envelops the internal mold , from front to back and along the entire perimeter. There are four vents in total, between the hot air inlet and outlet. The openings align with internal channels that distribute ventilation optimally and precisely.
The same internal pads (padding), developed on the basis of the Iconic+ with permanent antibacterial finish and treatment , become a symbol of attention to detail.
A super security system
It is essentially divided into three parts and is structured thanks to the buckles, the rear cage and the upper arch with Slid "shock absorbers" . Starting from the latter, it is a real insert with four arms anchored to the internal mold , on four different sides. " 3 cushions" are positioned in the center and the whole is aimed at stabilizing the helmet without it moving forward, backward or sideways, even when riding on rough surfaces (for example, on city cobblestones).
The rear cage is height-adjustable thanks to a rotor that acts as a size regulator. Finally, there are the soft and adjustable buckles. The list price is interesting, 69 euros. Five colors are available and three sizes: small (51/56), medium (55/59), and large (58/62).
