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On test: Spiuk Nexion, June 5, 2008
A Spanish option for your noggin
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The Basque region of Spain has produced a number of legendary climbers but also some notable bicycle and accessory companies as well. Jonathan Devich wraps his head inside the Nexion, the flagship helmet from Spiuk and team helmet for Ag2r/La Mondiale, Agritubel and Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast.
Things can get awfully hot in the Pyrenees so it should come as no surprise that Spiuk outfits its top-end Nexion over two dozen vents to help keep your noggin cool. Longer vents are placed throughout the front to channel air in while the rest of the openings act more as exhaust ports. Contrary to other premium helmets currently on the market, though, the Nexion makes do without any internal reinforcement structure so while the number of vents is impressive, they're also necessarily a bit on the small side in order to maintain structural integrity during a crash.
We reviewed the Nexion back in 2005 and found it to be among the best helmets available at the time but other makers have taken significant strides since then. The Nexion's air conditioning is still very good and feels ample enough in most conditions but its relative lack of interior channeling highlights the competition's ability to provide better cooling on really hot days.
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The cooling issue is further exacerbated by the unique one-piece removable pad system whose mesh panels effectively shield the vents from intruding bugs but also partially block incoming airflow and restrict it from circulating once inside. On the plus side, the one-piece insert is easily removed for washing and makes for superb comfort, especially on close-shaven heads.
A less expensive alternative
For those of you on a more restricted budget, the newer Spiuk Zirion offers the same co-molded construction method, Compactfix retention system and comfortable one-piece mesh-equipped liner but at a far less expensive US$79.99 that also includes a removable visor. The lower cost does come at the expense of fewer vents as the Zirion is equipped with 18 of them instead of the Nexion's 25. However, the Zirion's vents are longer and wider so the quality of ventilation feels about the same on the road (which is to say good, but not fantastic). From a purely subjective standpoint, the Zirion also has more of a recreational look about it relative to the more pro racer appearance of the Nexion. Spiuk partially makes up for Zirion's somewhat homely lines with a healthy array of nine color options and curiously, two shell sizes instead of the far more expensive Nexion's one. If the look suits you, the Zirion strikes us as the far better value. Price: US$79.99 |
More comfort points are gained with Spiuk's Compactfix retention system which never produced any hot spots throughout testing. Two fingers are all that are needed for adjustments and the system provides an impressively wide range of fit, a good thing since the Nexion is available only in a single M/L size shell. About the only issue we had with the Compactfix system was some interference with most sunglass arms.
What the Nexion lacks in sizing options, though, it more than makes up in aesthetic variety. Spiuk caters to the fashion conscious with no less than 21 color combinations including the 3 team designs.
Play off the beaten path
In spite of its aging design, the Nexion still ranks as one of the most comfortable helmets we've tried to date. Air flow is decent, the fit system works well and the one-piece liner proved to be a surprisingly appealing feature especially for those living in buggier climates. While Spiuk could push forward with a little new technology in the construction, the Nexion still makes for a well rounded helmet that fits great, looks good and is more than likely to land you a unique look at the next group ride.
Price: US$139.99
Weight: 318g (M/L, without visor)
Pros: Good looks, comfortable fit, handy one-piece liner, included visor
Cons: Older technology has fallen behind the competition, expensive for
the technology included, some interference with sunglasses
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.dpmsports.com
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- The Spiuk Nexion sits at the top of range and still provides a good performing lid after a few years in service but other companies have made big strides in recent years.
- The Nexion is equipped with a whopping 25 vents to help bring in cooling air.
- An array of ports at the rear help exhaust hot air.
- Spiuk's Compactfix retention system is comfortable and easy to use.
- The unique one-piece pad system keeps stinging bugs off your head and is superbly comfortable but restricts airflow.
- The Spiuk Zirion is far less expensive than the Nexion yet offers nearly the same level of performance.
- The Zirion has fewer vents but they're bigger than those on the Nexion.
