There are a lot of race-focused helmets out there, but the helmets from Thousand take a much different approach. Designed to be stylish yet functional, the original Thousand Heritage helmet stood out from a sea of aggressively styled helmets.
Like any product though, improvements can be made. One of the biggest improvements that Thousand wanted to make to the helmet was making it fit more riders in an effort to be more inclusive to all. That meant introducing what they’re calling a “unique hybrid head form that is designed with both the Asian (round) and European (oval) head shapes.” Thousand points out that most helmet companies fit the latter headform, so the new Thousand headform should comfortably fit more riders globally.
In terms of sizing, the Heritage 2.0 is offered in three sizes, Small (54-57cm), Medium (57-59cm), and Large (59-62cm). The fit is certainly different from a lot of helmets that I’ve tried – at 56cm, I’m typically on the small side of a medium. The size guide for Thousand puts me in a small, which just fits but it’s a little tight at the temples. However, my wife whose head measures 55cm (and is more oval shaped) fits perfectly in the small.
I would say that the sizing is generally a bit bigger than other helmets out there, though I think I would still prefer the medium for my head. Adjustments are made with the dial fit system and internal cradle that offers three vertical positions. The vegan leather straps don’t have any ear cradle adjustment, but they’re well-positioned and fasten with a magnetic Fidlock buckle.
Improved Ventilation
Outside of the change in fit profile, the outer shell has been updated as well. Increased ventilation at the top of the helmet should make it a bit more comfortable in hot weather. While the front of the helmet lacks any visible venting, the inner brow of the helmet has internally molded channels that allow air to flow from the front of the helmet, and out the top and back. All together, Thousand claims this is responsible for a whopping 70% increase in ventilation from the original Heritgage helmet.
PopLock Still Popping
Unlike many of the helmets on the market, the Heritage 2.0 is not an in-molded design meaning there is a hard plastic outer shell with an inner EPS layer. That makes it more durable for daily use including locking it up to the bike – which is a perfect time to use their patented PopLock.
The magnetic PopLock cover is tethered to the helmet, so you can easily pop it out, thread your lock through it, and lock it to the bike.
Increased Visibility
The Heritage 2.0 gets another magnetic party trick as well with the addition of a new magnetic tail light. When available this summer, the light will be sold separately for $25 and will simply pop onto the back of the helmet. Then you can easily remove it when locking up the helmet or to recharge it.
Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet Actual Weight
A non-in-molded helmet will typically be heavier, and that’s the case with the Heritage 2.0. At 455g, the helmet is on the heavier side, but it’s both CPSC certified for bikes and ASTM F1492-15 certified for skateboarding and roller skating.
Pricing, Colors, & Availability
Offered in eight standard colors with additional seasonal colors coming soon, the Heritage 2.0 is available now for $99 with the option to add a monogram for $17-19. You also get their free accident replacement program where if you have an accident and your helmet is damaged, they’ll replace it for free. Also, each helmet ships in an environmentally friendly bamboo fiber bag, and Thousand has been a Climate Positive business since 2020 by offsetting 110% of their carbon emissions.
