When we checked out Bern's helmets at this year's Interbike show in Las Vegas, winter seemed a long way away. With the nights drawing in and the mercury falling (in the UK at least), our attention has been drawn to two features that should appeal to cycle commuters.
The men's G2 and women's Cougar 2 lids both use Bern's Zip Mold in-mould construction process and detachable soft-peaked liner. What sets them apart from the rest of the range is the three-position air vent slider on top.
Warm day? Leave the vents open to suck in cooling air. Wet or cold? Close the vents to keep wind and water out. Both helmets are available in a choice of five colours and meet the CPSC, ASTM F 2040 and EN1078 standards. Claimed weights are 17.8-18.2oz for the G2 (£89) and 16.4oz for the Cougar (£89).
If closing the vents isn't enough to keep your head warm, fear not – both lids are also compatible with Bern's £40 Winter Knit liner. This replaces the standard peaked Summer Visor liner or peakless Summer Liner and adds a fleece-lined skullcap and earflaps for maximum toastiness.
Originally developed for snowboarders, various styles are available and the liners are also compatible with Bern's bike-specific Macon and Brentwood men's helmets, Berkeley and Brighton women's models, and children's Nino and Nina lids. Bern helmets are available in the UK via Ultra Sport Europe.
