A bicycle helmet can save your life in the event of a serious incident, but up until recently they’ve not been the most stylish of items. Thankfully times are changing, and over recent years helmets have become more breathable, more attractive and more aerodynamic – and sometimes you can even get all three at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

The MET Strale is the brand new addition to the Italian brand’s road helmet family, retailing at just £79.99 which is impressive for a premium looking lid. At 255g in a size Medium, it’s not a heavy weight either.

The Strale is only available in a Medium and Large size, but the Medium comes in at 52-58cm which is fairly compact. Most brands confirm that their research shows no difference between men’s and women’s heads, aside from size, so provided the circumference runs small enough women will be well catered for in the unisex range.

Fewer vents, more breathability

The Strale has been designed to provide ‘ultra-comfortable and super ventilated riding’ – but MET haven’t created the ventilation by inserting lots of little channels. Instead, they’ve worked with just fourteen vents to move airflow more effectively.

The central cut out – called the NACA vent – has been designed around the ‘Venturi effect’. We didn’t know what that meant either, but apparently it refers to the reduction in pressure when a fluid flows through a constricted area – or choke pipe. So effectively the front vent acts like a narrow pipe, allowing cool air to flow in, whilst nasty warm air is pushed out the back.

There are side vents, too – and MET claim the system provides ‘exceptional’ ventilation. We’ve yet to try one, but the design looks good at first glance.