Italian firm Zero RH+ have a new helmet in their range, the ZY, and we’ve just had the first UK sample arrive at RoadCyclingUK HQ for review.
The Zero RH+ ZY – to give the helmet its full, none-too-catchy title – has a retail price of £110, which puts it second in the Zero RH+ range of road helmets, behind the ZR, alongside the ZX and in front of the ZW.
The ZY is named so because it is the first Zero RH+ road helmet to offer both lateral and vertical adjustment, with a fit mechanism shaped roughly as a ‘Y’ at the rear of the helmet. Get it?
Zero RH+ call it the Power-Fit Double System. It offers conventional lateral adjustment via a chunky, soft touch, ergonomic dial, while the internal cradle can also be adjusted vertically, with three height settings in a design which Zero RH+ say ensures a good fit for a range of head shapes.
Otherwise, the helmet has a moulded construction, like most modern helmets, which fuses the helmet’s plastic outer shell with the internal polystyrene. There’s also a plastic inner cage which is itself embedded within the polystyrene in a design Zero RH+ claim improves the structural integrity of the helmet.
Internal padding is kept to a minimum, while the helmet is secured with a conventional chin strap, which has a generous amount of the stuff to stop it scratching against your chin.
The helmet has smooth sweeping lines from the front, which contrast with the angular, aggressive rear. Pull it out of the box and it looks a stylish lid.
First impressions are of a helmet which has a deep fit, enclosing the head as opposed to sitting on top of it, and the Power-Fit Double System offers an impressive range of adjustment. We’ll be getting to grips with it further in the weeks ahead. Check back soon for a full review.
The ZY is offered in eight colours and two sizes: XS/M (54-58cm) and L/XL (58-62cm), with claimed weights of 250g and 275g respectively, although our L/XL sample tips the RCUK scales at 293g.
Sizes: XS/M, L/XL
Price: £110
Website: Zero RH+
UK distributor: Veroli
