Urge’s Sustainable Helmet: The Treps

Eco-friendly mission

Cycling and the bike industry are closely tied to the natural world, and as such, sustainability and environmental conservation are crucial for both cyclists and the industry. French manufacturer Urge has made it a key mission to reduce the environmental impact of its products, including its helmets. For a brand specializing in helmets, this was a significant challenge because modern designs primarily use plastic, a non-renewable resource, in their construction. However, Urge has successfully implemented a range of eco-friendly features, making the Treps helmet over 90% recycled or sustainable in its construction.

Safety first

A helmet’s primary function is to protect the rider’s head in the event of an impact. The Treps helmet features Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) pads and a pop-off peak, designed to manage rotational and linear impact energy. ERT is a series of soft, polymer helmet pads engineered to provide added protection against brain injuries. Urge claims that traditional helmets are designed primarily to pass certification tests simulating worst-case impact forces in excess of 300g. However, Urge has focused on designing the Treps to mitigate the lower-impact energy often associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries and concussions. According to the Urge website, after testing at the University of Strasbourg, helmets with ERT showed better linear and rotational energy management than those without, in all crash scenarios. The helmet’s occipital adjustment system is made from 100% recycled plastic, and the pop-off peak has a default low position and a high position for storing MTB glasses or goggles underneath the peak. The pop-off peak is designed to detach during a crash, reducing the risk of facial and neck injuries by reducing forces exerted on the head and neck.

Environmental impact

Urge claims that only 10% of the components that make up the Treps helmet come from non-renewable or non-recycled sources. The remaining 90% is made up of recycled plastics and bio-materials from renewable resources. Water-based paint helps reduce the environmental impact of the helmet by using less volatile organic compounds, and the Ultra Violet ink is cured under UV rays instead of air-drying. Bamboo is an abundant and fast-growing material, but what’s that got to do with helmets? Urge has worked out a way to use bamboo in its helmet padding, which provides a unique combination of resistance, flexibility, and comfort. Bamboo fibre also offers moisture-wicking properties that help regulate the rider’s temperature, and the bamboo pads are claimed to be durable. The liner is created from recycled expanded polystyrene, and the shell is made from reground plastic. All non-safety critical parts are made from recycled ocean plastic, and the straps are made from recycled water bottles.

Buckle up

The Treps helmet features a Fidlock fastener on the chin strap, a magnetically assisted helmet catch for ease of attachment and release of the buckle. This is particularly useful with gloved hands or in cold weather. Crashes happen, and Urge seems to care about sustainability for your wallet as well as the planet, because the Treps comes with a two-year warranty and an additional crash replacement programme. This offers customers a 50% discount on a similar or equivalent helmet for up to five years.

Airflow

Urge says good helmet ventilation is defined by the ability to dissipate heat, both actively and passively. The Treps has large external vents at the front and rear for passive airflow, while internal airflow channels actively guide warm air away from the head. Compatible with goggles and glasses

Goggles or glasses can be stored under the peak in a conveniently shaped space, in case you want some extra face ventilation on the climbs.

Size and colour options

Two sizes are available: S/M (54-58cm) and L/XL (58-62cm). The colour options are cheerfully named: Bloom Beam, Sander, Verdant Spirit, Vivid Pulse, and Prime Omen.

Highlights of the Treps helmet

• Over 90% of the helmet is recycled or made from bio-sourced materials

• Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) pads and a pop-off peak for added protection

• Occipital adjustment system made from 100% recycled plastic

• Bamboo-based padding for comfort and durability

• Water-based paint and UV-cured ink for reduced environmental impact

• Compatible with goggles and glasses

• Two-year warranty and crash replacement programme

Conclusion

Urge’s Treps helmet is a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. With its impressive eco-friendly credentials, cutting-edge safety features, and comfortable design, the Treps is an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize both performance and the planet.