Thousand Helmets Review: Stylishly Safe & Sustainable Bike Helmets
If you‘re in the market for a bike helmet that seamlessly blends style, safety, and sustainability, look no further than Thousand Helmets. Created with the mission to save lives by making helmets people actually want to wear, Thousand has become a top choice for fashion-forward cyclists.
In this comprehensive Thousand Helmets review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s story, helmet collections, key features, customer opinions, and overall value. By the end, you‘ll have all the info needed to decide if a Thousand helmet deserves a spot on your head for your next bike adventure.
The Thousand Story: Helmets to Save Lives
Thousand Helmets was born out of a tragic loss. In 2015, founder Gloria Hwang lost a close friend to a fatal cycling accident—an accident that could have been prevented with a proper helmet. Grappling with grief, Hwang uncovered a shocking statistic: almost 97% of cycling fatalities are caused by head injuries.
She made it her mission to combat the main reasons people avoid helmets, like discomfort and unappealing style. With the goal of saving a thousand lives by creating helmets people actually want to wear, Thousand launched via a successful Kickstarter.
From humble beginnings shipping Heritage helmets from Hwang‘s garage to over 40 countries, Thousand has grown into a leader in sustainable cycling safety. Today, Hwang and her team remain dedicated to empowering people to get around cities safely while building a more climate-positive business.
Thousand Helmet Collections
Thousand currently offers three main helmet collections: the Heritage, the Chapter, and the Thousand Jr. All are unisex and certified safe for cycling and skating. Let‘s take a closer look.
Heritage Bike & Skate Helmet
The Heritage is Thousand‘s flagship helmet that started it all. With a classic, rounded silhouette inspired by vintage moto lids, it offers old-school cool for the modern urban cyclist. Beneath the stylish exterior, you get top-notch safety features:
- Secret Poplock to thread your bike lock through the helmet
- Magnetic buckle for one-handed fastening
- Vegan leather straps with cooling channels
- 7 air vents and internal cooling channels
- Integrated dial fit system for a perfect fit
- Lightweight multi-use design
Choose from 12 matte and metallic colors to match your bike. Sizes range from S-L to fit most adult heads. Prices start at $89.
Chapter MIPS Helmet
For even more advanced protection, the Chapter helmet includes MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). This extra safety tech helps reduce rotational forces to the brain from angled impacts.
The Chapter maintains a similarly rounded, vintage-inspired shape to the Heritage. However, it‘s even lighter weight and includes extra features like:
- Attachable visors in tortoise shell, black, and rose gold
- Magnetic tail light for night visibility
- Slightly more ventilation with 8 air vents
The Chapter comes in 3 sleek colors and the same S-L sizing. It‘s priced at $145, a bit more than the Heritage due to the MIPS inclusion.
Thousand Jr. Kids Bike & Skate Helmet
Thousand also offers a pint-sized version for kiddos. The Thousand Jr. is designed for children ages 5-11 looking to shred safely. While a scaled-down take on the adult models, it doesn‘t skimp on the safety features:
- Durable ABS shell and EPS foam liner for impact protection
- Adjustable dial fit system for room to grow
- Soft chin straps with pinch-free magnetic buckle
- 7 air vents to beat the heat
- Complimentary pack of reflective stickers for creativity and visibility
Available in 4 fun colors and XS sizing to fit heads 49-54cm. MSRP is $60.
Customization and Accessories
Beyond picking your colorway, Thousand lets you personalize your helmet even more. Add a monogram for $15 to rep your initials. Or grab a set of reflective lightning bolt, swallow, or cactus stickers for $5.
Thousand also sells a handy Bike Helmet Case for $65. Made of recycled nylon, it neatly stores your helmet, biking gloves, and other small essentials. Toss it in your trunk or check it for air travel to keep your helmet protected when not in use.
Sustainability Initiatives
Thousand doesn‘t just want to protect riders—it wants to protect the planet too. As a certified Climate Positive business, Thousand goes beyond net zero to offset 110% of its carbon emissions.
Through its partnership with EcoCart, Thousand has offset emissions equivalent to over 300 acres of forest in the past year alone. The brand has also opened an EU warehouse to reduce international shipping distances.
When it comes to packaging and materials, Thousand opts for recycled and natural components like:
- Recycled EPS foam liners
- Vegan microfiber straps
- Recycled nylon helmet case
- Minimal packaging made from recycled paper
These earth-friendly practices have earned Thousand B Corp status. The company also takes part in local beach clean-ups and partners with cycling advocacy groups like People for Bikes to build a more bike-able future.
What Customers Are Saying
With thousands of 5-star reviews, Thousand helmets get plenty of praise for their unique blend of style and function. Customers frequently comment on the:
- Lightweight, barely-there feel
- Comfortable, sweat-wicking straps and interior
- Easy magnetic buckle
- Ability to lock helmet with bike
- Stylish moto-inspired look
- Fun color options
Several reviewers appreciate the helmets for travel, using them for bike shares and e-scooters on city trips. Parents also love the Jr. helmets for getting kids excited to wear head protection.
The only complaints seem to revolve around customer service delays. Some shoppers experienced long waits for responses to return or defect inquiries. However, Thousand appears to make things right in the end, honoring its anti-theft and accident replacement policies.
Overall, the vast majority of customers would recommend Thousand helmets to fellow style-conscious cyclists. The value, quality, and mission behind the helmets shine through.
Policies and Customer Service
Thousand offers free standard shipping and returns on all US orders. Expedited options are available for $10-20. International rates vary by location. Custom monogrammed helmets require an additional 7-10 business days.
As mentioned, Thousand has a generous anti-theft guarantee. If your helmet is stolen while locked up with your bike, Thousand will replace it for free. The company also offers free accident replacement if your helmet is damaged within the first year.
For non-accident returns, you have 30 days from delivery to return your helmet for a full refund. Sale and gift card purchases are not eligible.
To make a return or warranty claim, email [email protected] The Thousand team can also be reached at this address for any other questions.
Final Thoughts
After taking an in-depth look, it‘s clear Thousand has succeeded in making bike helmets you‘ll actually be stoked to strap on. With thoughtful design details, cushy comfort, and legit safety specs, its helmets check all the boxes for serious cyclists and casual commuters alike.
The fact that Thousand backs up its quality with generous theft and accident protection offers extra peace of mind. Its climate-positive initiatives are the cherry on top, letting you look good while supporting a brand that gives back.
While the price point is on the higher end for casual-use helmets, the unique style and features justify the cost. Investing in a Thousand helmet is investing in your noggin‘s safety without sacrificing an ounce of steeze.
So if you‘re ready to upgrade your helmet game, cruise on over to Thousand‘s site. Joining the head-turning Thousand squad might just be the best decision you make on two wheels.
