Rudy Project’s Sterling Road Helmet
By Darren Dencklau
Helmets are a personal choice for most any cyclist. From racers and wannabe racers to fixed gear fashionistas, they are a statement of who you are both on and off the bike. Whether that preference leans toward traditional cycling helmets or something along the lines of a skateboard helmet, it’s important to protect the most important part of you body, your head.
Rudy Project is perhaps best known for their sunglasses and goggles, but they also make high-quality helmets. Although the Italian-based company doesn’t have as many models to choose from as some of their competitors, they do cover the bases, offering a line of time trial, road and mountain biking helmets, among others. I have been using their Sterling Road Helmet the past six months and I couldn’t be happier.
Photo courtesy of Rudy Project
You know how a lot of cycling helmets look extremely, dare I say, bulbous? The type that makes some cyclists look like a caricature drawing or one of those ‘70s-era bobble heads? Well, the Sterling defies the “more is safer” mentality I feel other manufacturers stress — in fact, its racer-like profile is quite flattering.
The Sterling comes in two sizes: small/medium (tested) and medium/large. When I removed the helmet from its included soft storage bag and tried it on I realized it was tight, even after loosening the RSR7 retention system all the way. I almost sent it back to exchange it for a larger size but decided to let it break in a bit, which proved to be the right decision.
The shell features 18 vents and does a more-than-adequate job of letting air flow through it. In between the vents are plastic bridges (exogrid frames), which offer additional protection. The bridges also double as a place to attach the included visor for mountain bike rides and an”eyewear dock” to securely place glasses when they are not needed. It’s these little details that make this model stand apart from the others.
The padding inside the Sterling is all one piece and lines the front 3/4 of the helmet. Mesh is integrated in between the padded sections, which is designed to keep insects such as bees from nestling in your hair and possibly stinging at inopportune moments like during a screaming descent; it can be removed and washed as well.
For weight weenies, it’s a little heavier than other helmets in its price range, but I feel the articulate design features are well worth the extra ounce or two. While it took a few rides to get used to the fit, the Sterling is now my go-to helmet for road, mountain and commuting excursions.
MSRP for the Sterling is $224.99. To find out more visit www.e-rudy.com
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