A worthy alternative to the current crop of segment incumbents
Pros
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Affordable pricing
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Weight
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Comfortable fit
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Aesthetics
Cons
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No dedicated rotational safety
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LEM Helmets might be a relative newcomer to the cycling world but the company has, in fact, been around for over three decades already, having forged a name as an innovative motorcycle helmet manufacturer under the guidance of founder Romano Magani.
Since recently shifting its focus to cycling and location from Italy to California, LEM's portfolio now boasts helmets for every kind of rider out there - including the ardent professional. Its latest offering, the Motiv Air, looks set to raise brand perception along with providing riders with a cutting-edge helmet option at an affordable price point.
At the core of the LEM Motiv Air is a full-carbon exterior shell called exoCarbon (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Design and aesthetics
The Motiv Air is one sleek-looking lid. The design is contemporary - almost Giro-like in execution - and features a signature construction cue called 'exoCarbon technology', a carbon exterior shell. While this multi-layer exoskeleton has improved strength, reduced weight and allowed for the use of low-density EPS foam, it has also enabled the designers to play with shapes, textures and colours to craft something truly spectacular. As such, the Motiv Air features no less than 23 vents for optimised airflow and is available in six colour options, each of which contrasts the exposed carbon-lined buttresses to maximum effect.
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The low-density EPS foam has helped maximise rotational impact protection(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Internal padding is limited but has not impacted overall comfort and fit(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
23 vents help improve cooling as well as add to the visual appeal(Image credit: Basso // Javi Echevarria Ruiz)
The LEM Motiv Air helmet would be a welcome gift for any cyclist, but for even more great ideas, check out our guide to the best gifts for cyclists.
A helmet is always going to be measured by how well it fits and whether it offers decent enough levels of ventilation. The Motiv Air ticks both boxes. The fit is non-restrictive thanks to the micro adjustability of the retention system which secures it evenly to the head, and comfort is impressive despite the limited padding inside. Adjusting the lightweight straps is a straightforward task, the strapping sits flush around the cheeks and jaw for added stability.
I spent three days in Barcelona, Spain putting the Motiv Air through its paces and not once did I find it a hindrance - in fact, at times it felt as if there was nothing on my head, such was its comfort and low weight (239g on our scale). In terms of ventilation, the Motiv Air is easily one of the best helmets in its class with 23 ports for improved cooling.
The slats are strategically positioned to promote airflow and keep you from overheating - something I was able to put to the test over a very warm three days in Barcelona, Spain where the mercury touched over 30 degrees at times.
Not once did I feel as if the helmet was inhibiting my performance, nor was there any overheating during the three days of riding - instead, it kept me cool and helped with convection. The internal padding does well to absorb sweat and wick moisture away from the brow keeping the eyes moisture and salt free.
The micro adjustability of the retention system secures it evenly to the head (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
Safety
MIPS, WaveCel and SPIN are just three of the buzzwords currently doing the rounds when it comes to helmet safety. And while all three technologies are said to lessen the severity of rotational impacts caused during a crash, LEM has chosen to forgo these measures by sticking to its exoCarbon technology. LEM claims the use of a multi-layer, carbon exoskeleton together with a lower-density EPS foam structure has improved the Motiv Air's ability to deal with high- and low-energy rotational impacts.
LEM's Motiv Air helmet is a comfortable lightweight offering that can be used throughout the year - the hotter the weather the better (Image credit: Basso // Javi Echevarria Ruiz)
Verdict
In a world ruled by the perennial favourites - I'm talking Giro, Bontrager, POC, Kask, Lazer and Specialized, to name a few - the LEM Motiv Air helmet provides a worthy and quality alternative. Not only is it an appreciably competitive option, both in terms of pricing and weight, it looks the part too, boasting refined aesthetics and stealthy branding. Its versatility as a helmet is a fact that can't be ignored either. Owing to its comfortable fit and impressive, all-round ventilation it can be used for myriad disciplines ranging from cross-country mountain biking and cyclo-cross to gravel and road.
Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.
