Test: Urge's helmets stand out. On the one hand due to their individual design, but also due to the high wearing comfort. The latest helmet from the French helmet brand, the Urge Seriall, differs in one respect from the brand's well-known models.
Urge Bike Products was founded in 2008 by a handful of fellow downhill enthusiasts. Today, the small French helmet manufacturer is the only manufacturer in the world that specializes exclusively in the production of mountain bike helmets. The image is characterized by a strong enduro culture. From the very beginning, the protagonists around the 3-times downhill world champion Fabien Barel pursued an environmentally friendly and sustainable concept. Urge only uses PET-recycled straps and EPS-recycled inner shells. The French even use linen instead of carbon fiber for their Archi-Enduro models.
One percent of the company's turnover flows into the "1% for the planet" initiative every year, which supports non-profit organizations.
The Urge Seriall is not only the latest helmet from the French, it is also visually less idiosyncratic than most of the company's previous helmets. You should be able to use it for most applications. I enjoyed it both on the Gravel grinder and the MTB hardtail, as well as on the trail fully. Its design, and I mean that in a positive way, is similar to many other helmets on the market. Previous Urge helmets polarized strongly, the Seriall polarized far less and has what it takes to please many riders. There are no typical round ventilation openings on the helmet. The sign and some other details clearly show the origin.
The red reflector point can also be found on the width adjustment wheel on the back of the helmet. The visor mentioned is securely fixed with 2 screws on each side, it is made of a very elastic recycled ABS material. The width adjustment system is easy to operate using a rotary wheel on the back.
There are two sizes, that has to be enough. 54-57 centimeters head circumference and 58-61 centimeters. We had the larger one, because of the adjustment it really does fit very different heads. For me, I usually need a 59 helmet and have a rather round head, it fitted perfectly. So covering most sizes could work with the two models offered. The cut is different than other Urge models, these were often very "round". This means that some riders had air left and right in the helmet if it was sitting correctly on the forehead and back of the head.
The straps and the adjustment are also based on proven and well-known products. It can also happen with the Urge Seriall that you occasionally correct the straps and their adjustment, but that's easy and problem-free and everything can be adjusted very comfortably and pleasantly, as various test subjects confirm. Convenient and comfortable, you can generally attest to the helmet. The various pads also contribute to this model, which enable great adjustment. As usual from the brand.
I haven't tested the protective effect of the helmet, fortunately, but the helmet meets the EN1078 standard. So you shouldn't have to worry much about the function. What was immediately noticeable are the numerous ventilation openings of the Urge Seriall. Plenty of air now penetrates the head through 19 openings. This is also an improvement over previous models where a few round openings could cause heat to build up. To throw a malicious swipe: If you have an old Urge model, you can get the new Seriall, then you have a winter and a summer helmet.
By the way, there are 4 colors, so everyone can find something for their taste.
The weight of 319 grams (weighed) is perfectly fine, as it is cheap and should cover many areas of use, including the occasional visit to the bike park.
