Award winning “industrial Designer/Artist” Philippe Starck teams up with Giro to present the S+ARCKBIKE Helmet, a sleek and chic bike helmet.
The elegant helmet was designed as an official accessory for the S+ARCKBIKE electric bicycles. The bike brand, S+ARCKBIKE was created by Philippe Starck in collaboration with cycle manufacturer Moustache. Starck approached Giro early on to develop a helmet to complement the new range of e-bikes.
As expected the S+ARCKBIKE helmet is something surely special. It has an intentionally layered, architectural-feeling take on one of the least sexy parts of riding a bike.
The Giro by S+ARCKBIKE helmet concept boasts sophisticated industrial design with unconventional materials. Moreover, the helmet was designed with the positive social and environmental impacts of cycling in mind. It features a cork liner that provides excellent impact energy management and is harvested sustainably in Portugal without damaging trees. Cork is also naturally water-resistant and offers significant anti-microbial properties.
The shell of the helmet is made off lightweight aluminum that can be easily recycled at the end of the helmet’s lifespan. The stylized vents look trim, and the mesh would certainly cut down on bee-in-bonnet accidents. Finally the S+ARCKBIKE helmet even includes a retractable face shield, even though we are not sure is you can cycle fast enough to need this feature, its certainly looks cool.
According to Giro the by S+ARCKBIKE helmet concept is the first in a line of products that includes helmets and accessories designed to make urban cycling safer, more comfortable and stylish.
Giro General Manager Greg Shapleigh was equally enthusiastic: “The chance for Giro to collaborate with a renowned designer like Philippe Starck is something special, and confirms that cycling continues to rise in the world’s consciousness” said Mr. Shapleigh. “Like Starck, we believe that bicycles and e-bikes have enormous potential to improve quality of life, health and the environment. We also believe that more environmentally sustainable design is essential to improving global society and economy.”
The materials chosen reflect Starck’s interest in both “advanced ergonomics” and renewable resources. “The increasing power of man and machine create new needs and new ergonomics that I have decided to take on with Giro, the most innovative player in this industry,” said Starck, a Harvard Excellence in Design award winner.
In our view, the goal of incorporating environmentally friendly materials into accessory design is surely a good decision. Hopefully the S+ARCKBIKE helmet will make it into production, according to statements from Giro, the helmet is “likely” to be produced for sale, price TBA.
