Reevu Rear-View Helmet

Triathlon Forum
1

I think this is pretty cool. A cycling helmet that provides a view of the road behind you…anyone on ST have one of these things? I don’t think they are available in the US, but are available in Europe and Asia.

http://www.togoparts.com/showroom/articles/resized-20031113111219686.jpg
http://www.petersreviews.com/reevu03a.jpg
http://www.togoparts.com/showroom/articles/resized-20031113111733564.jpg

"Reevu has two models of rear vision cycling helmets available, namely the RV-LX1 and RV-DLX. The RV-LX1 is design with the leisure cyclists in mind while the RV-DLX is design to meet the vigorous demands of the cycling enthusiasts.

Both models come with the patented Reevu Rear Vision system and a quality adjustable fit system to ensure comfort and safety. The RV-DLX goes a step further with an upgraded fit system as well as additional vents to meet the exhaustive demands of road and cross-country racers.

The design and construction of Reevu helmet goes beyond just having a rear view mirror. Loads of research was done to ensure Reevu helmets meet international drop test requirement. A critical safety part is the helmet’s raised cap section, which houses the mirror system. Reevu has employed the use of DuPont Zytel® Super Tough (ST) nylon resin in their construction of the raised section. The outstanding toughness, impact resistance, and lightweight of the material made it the ideal choice for such an application. The properties of Zytel® ST will not be affected by extreme change in temperatures, which makes the helmet suitable for use all year round.

  1. The world’s first and only rear vision helmet designed for the cyclist and inline skaters
  2. In-built optical system that allows user to see what’s behind without turning round. (Most accidents occur when a rider turns around to look out for traffic coming from behind).
    The “mirrors” are made of bullet-proof material that are light yet strong and will not shatter on impact. The mirrors are highly polished to offer a vision that is clear and distortion free.
  3. The optical system has dimming quality to prevent glare in the eye.
  4. Air vents at the side and air channel at the top of the helmet (where optical system is housed)
  5. Reevu helmet has safety certification from US (CPSC), UK, Europe (EN cose), Australia (ANSI), Korea and Japan.
  6. Aerodynamic design that also shield the eyes from the sun.
  7. One size fits all through the Universal Fit System. Through a smart fitting mechanism, the helmets can be fitted on a person from 8 years and above.
    8. Competitive edge - Although designed for safety, the helmet’s revolutionary rear vision capability gives competitive cyclist the edge. Through the rear vision optical system, the competition cyclist will now be able to assess the “chasing pack”.
  8. Reevu helmet comes in a range of stylish modern colours and quality finish.
  9. Reevu and its rear vision capability is internationally patented."
2

Hello Mojozenmaster and All,

I like it!! Excellent idea … But I do not want to give up my aero helmet - perhaps in the future the aero helmets will incorporate a rear view.

This review is 2005 so the helmet may have evolved since it was written:

http://www.helmets.org/reevu.htm

We bought a sample of the Reevu RV LX1 363 in early 2005 to test. It was expensive, but part of that was shipping from England, the only place we could find one.

The Reevu apparently does not meet the US CPSC bicycle helmet standard. We would not recommend it for that reason alone.

The Reevu has an over-the-top mirror system. It has a black plastic housing on the surface. Inside is a piece of polycarbonate with a mirror finish that bounces the image from behind over the helmet and to the section of mirror that hangs just above your normal sight line.

The concept is interesting, but there are some problems. The polycarbonate mirror is not as efficient as a glass mirror, and it has to be bounced two extra times. As a result the image in the Reevu is not as clear or detailed as a glass mirror that bounces the image only once. We noticed right away that the image was a little dimmer, even on a bright day, and becomes hard to use on a cloudy one or in twilight. We also noticed that it did not meet our critical standard for evaluating mirrors–it was not clear enough to check out the anatomy of runners on a trail after passing.

(continued)

Cheers,

Neal

3

http://www.houseofchuckles.com/lf/79-0001.jpg
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4

8. Competitive edge - Although designed for safety, the helmet’s revolutionary rear vision capability gives competitive cyclist the edge. Through the rear vision optical system, the competition cyclist will now be able to assess the “chasing pack”.

I believe any mirro is illegal in a sanctioned race, including Ironman. I recall a discussion regarding a multii-year age-group winner in the “near-geriatric” division who was told by the head ref he would be DQ’ed if he wore it this year at Kona.

5

Anyone remember the pro from the 80’s that used a mirror device while on the bike that allowed him to ride with his head down, and still be able to see the road in front of him? Cool, way cool. I would not do it…but cool nonetheless.

6

I’ve got one. It’s the best solution I’ve found to seeing behind you. I originally got it a few summers ago when I rode a triple bike across the country with my kids. It was a lifesave for that. I wear it all the time now when I’m training on my road bike. Doesn’t work for tt bikes and isn’t needed for mountain bikes. If you’re in a pack, you get a closeup of the guy right behind you blowing snot, which isn’t great. Very hard to find. I ordered mine from the UK.