Australian Mountain Bike — December 01, 2017

(Jacob Rumans) #1
http://www.ambmag.com.au - 99

TESTED


Scott are known for their bikes, but the
Swiss cycling giant have an immense range
of gear. From clothing, to backpacks, shoes
and helmets. Far from being items added
to their range to meet the needs of Scott
dealers and fans of the brand, the helmets
go through a lengthy design period to make
sure they meet the strict demands of the
part of the sport they are targeted at.

The Fuga PLUS helmet has been designed
as a cross-country or road racing helmet,
as it looks just as good without the visor.
The helmet features five massive vents
at the front, split only by a small piece of
a reinforcing cage. There are two further
vents, one on each side, plus five at the back


  • although only three of these will really see
    air flow over the top of your head and out
    the back.


The rear section of the top of the helmet is
closed, aiding aerodynamics. The shell is
in-moulded which is standard for almost any
helmet not bought at a supermarket, but it
helps with long-term durability by keeping
the hard shell attached to the foam.

Inside, the MIPS system is there to aid safety
by reducing shear forces in the event of a
crash, and Scott’s retention system, called

HITS



  • Compact, light design

  • Great ventilation

  • Very secure, and with MIPS


MISSES


  • None


RRP:$199.95
FROM:SheppardsCycles

HALO, allows easy fit adjustment within the
three helmet sizes. My ‘usually medium’
head was a perfect fit in a medium with the
HALO system moved low. The straps needed
minimal adjustment and the small visor
(which isn’t adjustable) sat out of my field
of view.

ON THE TRAIL

It sounds boring to say it – but I never
thought about the helmet when wearing it.
At 350g it neither feels ‘barely there’ or too
heavy. It vents well, the X-Static pads soaked
up sweat until they were drenched, and it
was never too hot. The straps can’t be truly
adjusted for how far below your ears they sit,
but this wasn’t a bother for me, and meant
it was one less thing to think about adjusting
periodically.

The visor is removable and if you are looking
for a helmet that you could use for cross-
country racing and general trail riding
without making a fashion faux pas then this
could well be it. Given the shape and forward
facing vents it would be a great road helmet
as well, and the vents do work better at
speed thanks to the design.

The Scott Fuga PLUS is a nice and compact
helmet, not as large as something like the
Giro Chronicle I tested earlier this year but
also without the slightly increased protection
at the rear.

Helmets should be about safety, not style and to
be sold in Australia helmets have to meet certain
standards. Clearly the Fuga PLUS does that, and
with MIPS as well there’s an added element of
safety. It does come down to fit, though, and with
three sizes most people should find one that
goes on as snugly as their hair.

This is an excellent mountain bike helmet that
is aimed squarely at the cross-country and trail
end of the market. If you need something with
a bigger visor or a little more protection, then
look elsewhere in their range. But whatever you
choose, make sure you do it at your local shop
so you can try your helmet on and make sure it
fits well so it is safe.

WORDS: MIKE BLEWITT IMAGES: MATT STAGGS

SCOTT FUGA PLUS HELMET

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