The Uvex FP1 Race may not be the most costly helmet we’ve ever tested, but it’s certainly among that exclusive company – £110 is a lot of money for a lid. So, just what do you get for your dosh? Well, just picking this up you’ll notice that the FP1 is not just light, but very light. Our 55/59cm model – the larger of the two sizes available – came in at 246g (just over 8oz); the 50/55cm helmet has a claimed weight of just 205g.
We found it very comfortable to wear, the retention system at the back adjusting simply for differing head sizes. Its 20 vents also mean that you’re not in danger of overheating during warmer rides.
The construction is pretty standard for a modern helmet, with an expanded polystyrene inner shell and a hard outer made from Bayer’s Makrolon – an extremely tough and weather-resistant material. Construction quality, as you’d expect from a product boasting that it’s ‘made in Germany’, feels extremely good.
We do have a couple of criticisms though: several of our testers weren’t keen on the chinstrap, which has a button to release it. It’s more akin to a seat belt than a standard buckle, but while it doesn’t feel intuitive, we expect you’d get used to it.
Then there’s the price. We’re fans of the FP1 Race’s matt finish, but the FP1 is available in other colour schemes from £89.99 and even the helmet in Française des Jeux’s team colours comes in more cheaply at £99.99.
As far as safety standards go, it meets CE, EN DIN 1078 and Germany’s TÜV GS.
