Thousand Helmet Review: Finally a bike helmet you actually want to wear

Mr. We Tried It

Thousand Review: TL;DR

Thousand Helmet nails both style and safety with a magnetic latch and safety certifications. The Heritage 2.0 wins for style and budget, while Chapter MIPS takes the cake for safety features.

Thousand helmet review: Finally, a bike helmet that doesn’t look dorky. These retro-inspired helmets not only look great, but they also are full of features designed to make the helmet easier to wear – including the revolutionary magnetic latch (no more pinched skin!).

Thousand Bike Helmet Review

Our favorite bike helmet
Thousand Bike Helmet
$99

The best bike helmet? One you will actually wear. That's why we love the stylish Thousand Bike Helmets. They look good and feature a magnetic latch - no more pinched chins.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

What makes these helmets unique?

If you want a bike helmet that is well made, innovative, and looks good (in other words: it doesn’t look like it’s from an 80s Sci-Fi Movie) then check out Thousand Bike Helmets. Thousand is driven to save 1,000 lives (hence the name) by people actually wearing a helmet, because they aren’t embarrassed by it (and replacing it if it breaks in an accident), they are well on their way.

We love the Thousand Helmets for their looks, but they also have incredible functionality. The Magnetic Latch will save you (and your kids – now they offer a kids version of the helmet) from the dreaded pinches on your neck and chin from the pinching chin strap.

While these bike helmets are more expensive than ones you’d find at Wal-Mart or Target – the only bike helmets that can save your life (literally) and get a helmet that you will actually wear.

Video Thousand Bike Helmets Review

About Thousand Bike Helmets

Thousand helmets started on Kickstarter. They developed the Heritage Collection (the same helmet we tried) to be as environmentally friendly as possible with a shippable container and vegan leather straps.

We wanted to try Thousand Helmets after we tried the RadRover 5 (see our RadRover 5 Review and our Rad Power Bikes Review) and didn’t want a dorky helmet to go with our cool new bikes. Also, check out our brand new RadTrike Review.

A notable beginning:

Not technically a skateboard helmet, but a great skate-style helmet for men and women.

Thousand didn’t just start to make a better bike helmet, they started to save lives. Here’s what the founder of Thousand said about why they started the bike helmet brand:

Before starting Thousand, I never wore a helmet, even though I was a longtime cyclist. They were too bulky, too inconvenient, and too futuristic-looking. But when I lost a friend to a fatal bike accident, I knew I had to change. Instead of settling for the “sci-fi” looking helmets on the market, I got to work designing one.

We named our company “Thousand” as a goal of helping to save 1000 lives by making helmets people actually want to wear. Our name serves as a daily reminder of why we do what we do.

Designed for urban cycling and skating, the minimalist Heritage bike helmets are the original collection, inspired by the simplicity of vintage moto lids and heritage colors from the 1950s to the 1960s.

How Thousand Bike Helmets Are Unique

Thousand Helmets don’t just look better than cheapo “Bell” helmets, they are also loaded with a ton of features!

Besides simply looking cooler (in hope more people will wear helmets), thousand has reimagined almost every aspect of bike helmet design. They started with the same bicycle helmet we use: the thousand heritage helmet.

We recently upgraded with the new Heritage 2.0

The biggest difference: the magnetic latch!

thousand helmet review - the magnetic latch
The magnetic latch is really the killer feature here, besides the style.

Do you ever review a product and there is such a simple feature that you can’t believe is in more products. That is the case with these bike helmets and the killer feature: the magnetic chin latch.

Are you afraid you are going to pinch your chin with a buckle? Well, there is no reason to have that fear with the thousand heritage helmet.

The amazing magnetic latch system replaces the clunky strap you see on many bicycle helmet styles you see. Just get the latch close to the other end and the magnet catches. Just like that the helmet is snug, fits well, and stays firmly on your head.

Seriously… how cool does this eBike helmet look? They even make a kids bike helmet in the same skate style helmets design as the adults.

Accident Replacement

Thousand hopes you never have an accident while riding your bike, but if you ever do and your helmet is damaged, reach out to Thousand and they will replace your helmet for free.

This all goes back to the mission of thousand – to save lives. They know that you are less likely to buy another helmet if you break yours. A compromised helmet from an accident can also not be strong and safe.

You should replace your helmet if there is any damage – regardless if it is from thousand or another manufacturer.

Poplock

The Poplock looks like a logo, but is also a way to secure your helmet when it’s not on your head. It’s part of the anti theft system, too.

To be honest with you, if I’m just running a quick errand, I’ll actually leave my thousand helmet on. Sure, it may not look 100% cool, but it’s not as bad as some of the ugly helmets you’ll see.

But if you do leave your Thousand Bike Helmet behind on your bike, the Poplock is the most convenient way to leave your helmet behind.

You can access the hidden channel behind the logo mark. Simply pop your U-Lock or chain lock through the magnetic hole. If someone steals your Thousand Helmet, it’s back by their Anti-Theft Guarantee.

Just contact thousand and they will replace your helmet if it gets stolen. That’s even better!

Dial Fit System

The fit system is great on thousand helmets – also shown is the vegan leather straps

Some bike helmets don’t fit very well.

Thousand does come in three different sizes (Small, Medium, and Large, in addition to kids sizes) but the fit is important to make sure your noggin is safe.

Each Thousand Helmet comes with an easily adjustable fit system, so you can be confident that your helmet is snug and secure.

Vegan Straps

Biking can be very sweaty, but these straps are soft and eco-friendly to make biking comfortable. The straps don’t look like they are vegan, but they are “vegan leather.” I found these to be incredibly comfortable.

Vents

These helmets boast seven air vents and three cooling channels so you can keep cool, no matter the climate.

Some people have complained online that this bike helmet wasn’t ventilated enough. I had no problems with the ventilation of this bike helmet. Best of all, it looks clean.

If ventilation is your biggest concern, this bike probably isn’t for you.

What hasn’t changed: safety

Many bike helmets that you buy are certified safe. You don’t have to worry about compromising style with safety in the case of thousand’s helmets (or even the thousand heritage helmet). Thousand helmets feature the following certifications on the heritage collection.

CE 1078: Certified for cycling, skateboarding, and roller skating in Europe.

CPSC: Certified for cycling (including BMX and mountain biking) in North America.

ASTM F1492: Certified for skateboarding and roller or in-line skating in North America.

The Chapter Collection ads MIPS protection.

The Chapter Collection adds MIPS protection: Add an extra layer of protection against concussions and traumatic brain injury with integrated MIPS technology.

thousand helmet sizing Fit Guide: Make sure you get the right fit!

A snug fit is key to making sure your helmet keeps you safe. Be sure to adjust the straps so that they fit comfortably under your chin.

If the helmet is too loose, turn the dial clockwise on the fit system in the back to tighten. If it’s too tight, turn the dial counterclockwise to loosen. Your helmet should not move back and forth or side to side when it’s properly fitted. Below is the thousand fit guide, but you can also contact thousand for help with fit.

Sizing: make sure to use the handy sizing chart for the right size.

Heritage 2.0 vs. Chapter MIPS: The Quick Rundown

VS

When it comes to choosing a bike helmet, safety is a no-brainer (pun intended). But let’s be real, you also want to look good while dodging potholes and errant squirrels. Enter Thousand Helmets, a brand that’s got your noggin covered, both literally and figuratively. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between their two main helmets: the Heritage 2.0 and the Chapter MIPS. Buckle up!

Choosing a bike helmet? Let’s cut to the chase. Thousand Helmets offers two main options: the Heritage 2.0 and the Chapter MIPS. Here’s how they stack up.

Thousand heritage helmet review 2.0: The Crowd-Pleaser

Key Features

  • Active Ventilation: Keeps you cool, literally.
  • Inclusive Fit: Comfortable for all head shapes.
  • Patented PopLock: Lock it up while you sip your latte.

Why We Love It

  • It’s got that retro vibe we can’t resist. Plus, it’s easier on the wallet.
Our favorite
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet
$99

Great looks and super user friendly. This is the helmet we use almost all the time.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

thousand chapter helmet review: The Safety Guru

Key Features

  • MIPS: Extra layer of head protection.
  • Multi-use Light: Built-in 30-lumen taillight.
  • Premium Visors: Fancy finishes, if that’s your thing.

Why You Might Hesitate

  • It’s pricier and, let’s be real, the Heritage just looks better.

Which Thousand Helmet is better?

  • For Style: Heritage 2.0 wins hands down.
  • For Safety: Chapter MIPS has the edge with MIPS technology.
  • For Budget: Heritage 2.0 is the more wallet-friendly option.

So, if you’re like us and prefer the look of the Heritage 2.0, it’s a solid pick that doesn’t skimp on features or comfort.

#1 for safety
Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet
$145

If safety is your #1 priority, then you need the ultra-safe Chapter MIPS helmet.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

thousand helmet review: who they are for

If you’re looking for a stylish helmet that you won’t be embarrassed to wear, then check out thousand bicycle helmets. They are clean, retro-inspired, and most importantly: will protect your head.

thousand helmets: who are they NOT for

The only people we would not recommend the thousand heritage helmets for are someone whose number 1 concern is ventilation. If ventilation is your concern, then check out the thousand chapter helmets. This adds more vents, magnetic tail light, and switchable visors.

Sure, you can buy a cheaper helmet, but not with this many features!

Thousand Helmet Alternatives

A great Thousand Alternative
XNITO Bike Helmet
$150

Our best pick for eBike Helmets. Lightweight, safe and built-in lights make it the perfect choice for eBikes and Scooters. Use code TRIED to save 10%.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Of course, there are many Thousand Helmet Alternatives, but one of our favorites is the XNITO Helmet. Read our full XNITO Helmet Review for more information on why we love this helmet – but the biggest reason? It’s got an awesome, bright front LED and read LED light.

Thousand helmets review: the final verdict

Our favorite bike helmet
Thousand Bike Helmet
$99

The best bike helmet? One you will actually wear. That's why we love the stylish Thousand Bike Helmets. They look good and feature a magnetic latch - no more pinched chins.

Buy Now
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Biking is a great way to stay active and healthy, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re looking for an alternative solution that will keep your head safe in the event of a crash or accident, thousand helmets have what you need.

These helmets are stylish (without being dorky), comfortable (with vegan straps) and certified with three different certifications: CE 1078, CPSC and ASTM F1492 (the chapter helmet also adds MIPS technology to help reduce concussion).

In addition to these safety features, thousand offers their customers money-back guarantees if they break their thousand bike helmet while biking or if it’s stolen with the Anti-theft guarantee!

PS: It’s not just a bike helmet or an e-bike helmet (although it is one of our #1 eBike accessories), it’s also a thousand skateboard helmet!

2 thoughts on “Thousand Helmet Review: Finally a bike helmet you actually want to wear”

Leave a Reply