Kask has launched the Nirvana, claiming the aero helmet offers “game-changing aerodynamic performance”, superior ventilation and “next-level” safety.
Ineos Grenadiers, the Kask-sponsored WorldTour team, have been riding the Nirvana, with its distinctive ear tip covers, in public since January.
As we reported at the time, the new aero helmet’s pattern of front vents mimic the lightweight Utopia Y. Meanwhile, the sides, which cover the tops of the wearer’s ears, and the rear bob-tail recall the Bambino.
Kask pitches the Nirvana, which it claims minimises drag and optimises comfort, at road and track cyclists – and triathletes seeking "maximum performance".
The Kask Nirvana is available to buy now for £320 / $400 / €360 / AU$570, in medium (52-58cm) and large (59-62cm) sizes.
It comes in five colours: White Matt, Black Matt, Cherry Red, Blueberry Fade and Ultra-Violet.
The fastest and coolest aero helmet
Kask claims the Nirvana is 19 per cent better ventilated and 35 per cent more aerodynamic than the best aero helmets. However, the Italian brand will not share evidence to support this claim.
Relative to its own road bike helmets, Kask says the Nirvana is cooler than the Utopia Y, but not as well ventilated as the Protone Icon, Valegro and Elemento.
Kask says it used computational fluid dynamics to test the aerodynamics of the Nirvana being worn by a digital model of a rider.
At a wind speed of 45kph, and at wind angles of 0, 10 and 20 degrees, Kask claims it found the Nirvana produces less drag than the Utopia Y.
The Nirvana saves 4.4W or 72 seconds over 180km at 45kph, 6W or 7.2 seconds over 20km at 50kph and 10.4W or 1.2 seconds over 4km at 60kph, according to the brand.
Kask says the European version of the Nirvana weighs 270g, while the American and Australian model weighs 290g. The discrepancy owes to different helmet safety standards in North America and Oceania.
Kask Nirvana specs
The Kask Nirvana features the brand’s Octofit+ retention system (a two-way dial at the back of the helmet). This is claimed to improve fit and comfort, while letting longer hair pass through the back of the helmet.
However, Kask admits the Nirvana’s ear tip covers won’t suit people with large ears.
The sunglasses port at the front of the helmet is optimised for cycling sunglasses from Koo, Kask’s in-house brand. But Ineos Grenadiers’ SunGod sunglasses appear to fit fine.
Kask says the Nirvana meets its own WG11 safety standard. The Italian brand uses this instead of MIPS and is waiting for a rating from Virginia Tech.
By absorbing 10 per cent more energy from impacts, Multipod, Kask’s own 3D-printed internal padding, “strengthens the helmet against linear and rotational impacts”, according to the brand.
Kask says Multipod is an isotropic material, meaning it reacts in the same way to force from any direction. This can minimise shear stress between the head and inside of the helmet, according to the brand.
You can also fit a reflective insert into the back of the helmet. Kask claims the helmet’s logos also improve visibility.
The faux leather chin strap is washable, comfortable and shouldn’t irritate skin, according to Kask.
