Today, Coros launched their Kickstarter campaign to bring their LINX smart helmet to the masses. They sent over a sample helmet to test out before the launch, and based on our early impressions, it looks like it could be the next crowdsourcing winner. BWN will be meeting with Coros co-founder Chuck Frizzle at Interbike, and we’ll have a full review of the helmet following the show.
The goal Coros had for the LINX was to blend aspects of the digital, connected lifestyle into high quality sports equipment. They achieved this by adding speakers for music and voice guided navigation, a microphone for communications, crash detection sensors, and a smart remote and app to control it all. These are all things you can find in other products in the industry, but Coros has brought them all together in one, integrated package.
“LINX is a smart cycling helmet for people who want to enjoy key features of their phone while cycling, all without the hassles of ear buds, wires, and distractions,” said Coros president and co–founder Chuck Frizelle. “Our unique approach to precision audio is akin to today’s must–haves in your car; seamless, wireless access to your personal music and calls without distraction so you can focus on the road.”
At first glance, the LINX looks like it could be a new aero road helmet, but upon closer look, you’ll find some unique features. The only things that really stick out are the bone conduction speaker pods on the front straps. These pods replace ear bud headphones that many cyclists use (BWN does not condone riding with headphones out on the road or on trails. Riding on a trainer is one thing, but always keep your ears open and be alert to your surroundings.). Beyond sound quality, there is an important safety benefit. By removing headphones, cyclists have better connection with their environment, while continuing to listen to music, take calls, or listen to route guidance notifications. With the LINX, you can enjoy your music and stay motivated while also staying alert to what is around you.
Hidden inside the front of the helmet is the microphone. It sits inside to protect it from the wind, but still picks up your voice clearly. I made a phone call while stopped, and the person on the other end thought I was speaking directly into my iPhone. I’ll have more on using it while riding in the full review.
At the back of the helmet, you’ll find the brain of the helmet, with its on/off switch, a micro-USB charging port, sensors, and its Bluetooth connection. It’s easy to access with the helmet on, and the voice of the LINX lets you know when the helmet is powered on, connected with your phone, and powered off. The remote also connects through Bluetooth and controls volume, skipping songs, incoming calls, and pausing/playing songs.
The accompanying app can be downloaded for iOS and Android, and provides mapping and voice guidance, voice queues on your ride stats at various intervals, walkie talkie like communications with other LINX users, and GPS ride recording. I haven’t had a chance to try out these features yet, but plan to and will have a report in the full review coming up.
Along with all of these smart features, lets not forget that you are getting a helmet. The design is all aero road helmet, which should appeal to the enthusiast crowd, and possibly even some endurance athletes. The shape should add some aerodynamic benefits while still ventilating well with a number of forward and rear facing vents. Two versions of padding will help keep things comfortable, and the dial retentions system will feel as solid as other top brands on the market. So far, it seems to breath well and has been pretty comfortable, but again, more to come in the full review.
As part of the Kickstarter campaign, Coros is looking to raise $50,000 between September 7th and October 22nd. Helmets are expected to hit shelves on November 1st with preorders shipping sooner. Normally, the helmet will retail for $199.99, but as a reward for supporting the campaign, Coros is offering the LINX at half price, or $99.99. The helmets are available in black with orange accents, white with orange accents, and orange with white accents. Sizes are medium and large, and should cover all but the smallest heads.
Our initial impression of the LINX is that it is a legitimate helmet that has plenty to offer the tech savvy cyclist. We’ll be riding with it and testing out its capabilities over the next few weeks. In the meantime, check out more details on their website and Kickstarter campaign pages, and look for the full review coming after Interbike.
http://www.coros.com
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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