Peruse the helmet department of any cycle shop and you’ll be able to spot the Italian manufactured lids a mile off, with their typically smooth lines and sleek design.

Did the Italian crafted LAS Victory road helmet live up to our reviewer, Jan Birkmyre’s initial expectations.

The LAS Victory is a top notch Italian made helmet that comes packed with so many features it is tough to know where to start. The essential stats are that you get 25 aerodynamically placed air vents that work hard to keep you from overheating.

Weighing in at 230g for the small, it’s a helmet in the lighter end of the market. There are helmets that are lighter, but in our opinion some have gone too far and you lose the sense of security that you get from the slightly heavier models, which tend to have more robust fastenings.

The helmet is really comfortable on – we haven’t found a head shape it did not work with – and it is adjusted using the LAS Cat-Eyes Evo 3D system, that allows for quick easy adjustment on the move.  Simply turn the dial at the back to tighten or loosen.  This whole system can be tightened or adjusted up or down around the base of your head (59 mm of adjustment to be exact) using one hand. It also allows you to set it just where you want on your head, which gives a really secure and safe feel.

As for extras, well settle down, because this will take a while!  The helmet comes with two inner padding options, one with and one without an anti-insect net, which stops flies, wasps and other bugs flying into your hair while you are cycling.  You only need to have had one unwelcome hitch hiker dive through the air vents to be a convert.  If we had a choice we would always have an anti-insect net and really can’t understand why more helmet manufacturers don’t offer them.

Both inner pads are airtex treated to help wick away moisture and they are particularly easy to remove and put through the wash, drying in just 30 seconds in the right conditions.

The helmet comes with a soft, draw string bag and also a semi-soft, round zip up helmet bag with a carry handle and identification tag.  This bag is big enough to comfortably house the helmet, gloves and glasses too, as well as bars and a gilet – a useful companion when you’re riding in sportives.

It also comes with a sticker for the inside of the helmet which allows you to record important emergency information; name, blood group and ICE number, and finally it comes with the obligatory removable peak for riding off road.

We haven’t gone as far as falling off in this helmet (there are limits to our testing!), but all the indications are that it would do just what it is supposed to do and that is save you from serious injury.

Our helmet was individualised with a Femme Fatale kit, a sticker set that allows you to customise your helmet in a feminine way that is not over-the-top girly.  My test helmet included a silver heart, a strip of diamante and a Femme Fatale sticker.

If I am honest I wasn’t entirely sold on the concept until I saw it and I found the effect was really subtle.  Actually, I have always liked adding a bit of bling to our cycling lives and this was perfect for that!

Verdict

This race level, Italian made helmet comes packed with unique features and extras that make it a really great addition to your cycling kit.

Pros

– Lightweight while still feeling sturdy
– Clasp fastener manageable with gloves
– Wide range of adjustment
– Various padding options with ‘bug net’ included

Cons

– Slightly narrower fit than other helmets on market

More information: Chicken Cycles
Weight: Small: 230g, Large: 270g includes padding, fitting and straps.
Sizes: Small 53-59cm, 57-62cm
Colours: White/black/silver, White/red/black, Blue/white/black, White
Price: £164.99 (Victory Femme Fatale)
UK Distributor: www.chickencycles.co.uk – helmets

What LAS says about the Victory road helmet