We were big fans of the original Spiuk Nexion, which boasted a comfortable shape, reasonable weight and was packed with features, all at a great price. So it was a surprise to find, on receiving the all-new Nexion, that every aspect of the great value original has been updated – and improved.
The new Nexion is quite striking, with seemingly more holes than helmet, and a very compact overall size. In fact, it’s so different to the old model that the only similarity is the name. The five-piece design features an extensive in-moulded shell that wraps around every aperture and extends inside the front and sides of the helmet.
As these are the areas most vulnerable to damage in transit, we’re big fans of the extra protection here. The edges of the plastic shell are moulded completely flush with the expanded polystyrene shell (EPS), giving a perfectly smooth finish.
The only size on offer is medium to large, covering a huge 53-61cm range, and it’s all adjusted by the Compactfix cradle. Two ratchet fasteners can be adjusted with one hand on-the-fly if necessary, and the cradle itself allows for some vertical adjustment by flexing after leaving its fixed mounts. Conventional webbing straps and adjusters work well and we easily achieved a good fit, albeit snug on our 60cm head, with some minor pressure at the temples from the front of the cradle. Nevertheless, it still sat low on the forehead, and fitted well all round.
The Nexion is about as compact as a road helmet can be, and the close fit means the pads and shell are in contact with your head almost all over, which is great for security. Worries about ventilation were unfounded – with 31 vents and internal channels to funnel the air through, the Nexion does a good job of keeping you cool.
Our test helmet weighed a very competitive 254g – so feathery it makes it easy to forget you’re wearing it – and is one of the lightest lids available at this price. It also comes in nine colours with a sleek clip-on peak that’s minimal in size, stylish and quick to attach, plus a secondary set of pads incorporating insect-proof netting.