With the current freezing temperatures, it’s high time to start thinking about the right helmet for the cold season. Decathlon has just the thing with its BTWIN City CBH 900 cycling helmet, a model tailored specifically to commuters and everyday cyclists. The helmet has an integrated rear light, a flip-up visor and removable ear pads – ideal for winter cycling. We took a closer look at the helmet.
Design
Regardless of its numerous features, the City CBH 900 impresses with its modern appearance. The combination of matt and glossy surface finishes gives it a high-quality, urban look. A real design highlight is the continuous LED light strip on the back.
The test model is officially described as white, but in practice it appears more eggshell-coloured or beige. The straps and inner padding are in a warm brown tone to match. Those who prefer a more neutral look can opt for the completely black version instead.
180° LED lighting
The wide LED light strip is one of the biggest advantages of this helmet. It is highly visible not only from behind but also from the side, which leads to a noticeable increase in safety in road traffic. The lighting is controlled by a button on the back, which first activates continuous light and then flashing light. The pressure point is well chosen, so that it can be operated easily even when wearing gloves. However, due to the position of the switch, it is advisable to switch on the light before putting on the helmet.
Lighting duration is approximately five hours in continuous light mode and around ten hours in flashing mode. The battery is permanently integrated and is charged via a micro USB port. However, given the modern and now widespread use of USB-C, this port no longer seems entirely up to date.
Comfort
A big plus is the removable and washable inner padding, as it can get quite warm even at low temperatures when riding at a sportier pace. The removable ear pads are also washable and make wearing the helmet much more comfortable in winter.
At around 560 grams, the City CBH 900 is one of the heavier helmet models, but this is not surprising given its extensive features, including a visor and ear pads. In testing, it nevertheless proved to be comfortable to wear and offered a good fit even on longer journeys.
Winter use in practice
The helmet’s integrated features really come into their own in cold weather. The ear pads reliably block out wind and keep your ears comfortably warm without significantly restricting your perception of traffic noise. The flip-up visor provides reliable protection from wind and rain, which is particularly advantageous in changeable winter weather.
However, there is a slight disadvantage for glasses wearers: the visor sits relatively close to the face, meaning that wearing glasses at the same time is not always possible without problems.
The predominantly closed helmet surface ensures good heat retention, which is appreciated in cooler temperatures. Two closable ventilation slots in the front area offer some flexibility for ventilation, although the front slot is covered from the inside when the visor is folded down. Overall, the helmet is therefore ideal for cold to cool temperatures and offers clear added value for winter commuters.
Conclusion
The Decathlon BTWIN City CBH 900 is an impressive helmet for anyone who cycles regularly, even in winter. Ear pads and a visor offer reliable protection in almost all weather conditions, and the excellent visibility provided by the wide LED rear light ensures additional safety. Considering its extensive features, the price of around 110 euros seems absolutely fair. The helmet is available here directly from Decathlon, including the all-black version.
