Fallen leaves on a corner, a sudden bump in the asphalt, or icy road surfaces on a cold morning—unexpected accidents can appear out of nowhere. A helmet is an essential item for protecting yourself from such accidents.
For that reason, helmets are first and foremost designed for safety. Beyond that, they are expected to offer functionality such as aerodynamics, breathability, and light weight.
Of course, each brand also has its own personality in terms of design—what you might call "looks"—and those looks are often the deciding factor in a purchase. Currently, one brand with a look that has garnered popularity among many people, and which is also a favorite here at Circles, is the Taiwan-based brand KPLUS.
We began stocking KPLUS last year, and many people have been captivated by their aesthetics. Another reason for their popularity is their shape; they are wide and deep—what is known as an Asian Fit—providing a comfortable and secure fit that is easy to wear.
KPLUS has now launched their new model, the Alpha. This time, wanting as many people as possible to try out the Alpha, we have decided to hold a KPLUS POP UP STORE in our shop.
【KPLUS POP UP STORE】
Dates: December 18 (Saturday) – December 26 (Sunday)
Benefit: Receive a Champion System neck gaiter with the purchase of an Alpha during the event period.
During the event, we will have Alpha fitting samples available so you can check the fit and color. Once you have decided on the model you like, you can pay for it, and we will arrange to hand the product over to you at a later date. For customers visiting from afar, we can also ship the product to you, so please let us know if you would like that option.
At Circles, we carry helmets from several manufacturers besides KPLUS, such as GIRO, POC, and SMITH OPTICS, so many customers come in looking for a helmet. Naturally, everyone has their own preferences, but unlike hats, helmets do not change their shape to fit you. While the first impression—the look—is very important, how comfortable it is to wear is even more crucial. For this reason, we often encourage customers who visit us to try on helmets other than the model they originally intended to buy.
As a result, a great many people choose KPLUS. It seems to be a perfect match for those with an Asian-style head shape—whether it be wider, with prominent parietal bones, or a flatter occipital region. Being one of those people myself, I have experienced firsthand how easy they are to wear. Furthermore, the currently popular Nova features a unique side profile that creates a clean, sharp silhouette on anyone who wears it.
The Alpha is the higher-grade model above the Nova. Since it is a model designed with aerodynamic performance in mind, the sides are bound to have a bit more volume, but my expectations were high. Or rather, it lived up to those expectations.
As there are few stores that carry these, and it is a product you rarely get the chance to come across, I hope many of you will take this opportunity to try one on.
KPLUS Alpha
PRICE : ¥29,700 (tax included)
SIZE : S(53~56cm), M(56~59cm), L(59~62cm)
COLOR : White, Black, Titanium Grey, Aurora Blue, Lava Red
Excellent functionality and a refined, beautiful form
The Alpha, combining excellent functionality with a refined, beautiful form, is a new helmet from KPLUS that achieves a high level of safety, fit, breathability, aerodynamics, and design.
It provides many cyclists with faster, more comfortable, and safer rides, making it a great choice for every situation, from on-road to gravel rides.
The new Mips® Air protection system
Mips® stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is a system that protects the head from impacts received from multiple directions and plays a role in dispersing the shock to the head during crashes. While many manufacturers now incorporate this system, the Mips® Air found in the Alpha features a different structure from previous Mips® systems.
This Mips® Air is the lightest and most breathable model within the Mips® system. It is joined to the main helmet body by a specially designed mechanism; when an impact occurs, the top part of the helmet liner slides in all directions, reducing the risk of sustaining serious head injuries.
K2 Fit System
The Alpha adopts the K2 Fit System, KPLUS's new fitting system. The dial is designed with an appropriate thickness and size, making it easy to grip and turn. Its shape was inspired by the tourbillon, one of the structures found in mechanical watchmaking.
When you turn the dial, the plate that secures the head moves back and forth to adjust the circumference. Thanks to the movement of this plate, it fits firmly regardless of the head shape.
Magnetic buckle for easy fastening and release
Many of the helmets in the KPLUS lineup feature the patented FIDLOCK® magnetic buckle made in Germany. Characterized by strong magnetic force and intuitive operation, the buckle clicks shut just by bringing the parts close together. It can also be easily detached by simply sliding the top and bottom parts.
High breathability through a precisely calculated hole layout
The Alpha is characterized by a combination of fluid frame lines that flow from front to back and calculated ventilation holes, which achieve a high level of balance between breathability and aerodynamics.
There are 17 ventilation holes laid out in various sections, each angled specifically to intake air through the front aero holes and realize smooth airflow toward the side and rear ventilation holes. This optimized airflow removes heat and humidity from inside the helmet, keeping you in a comfortable condition at all times.
Center of gravity designed to make you forget the weight
Furthermore, the Alpha is not only finished to be lightweight, but it is also designed with weight distribution balanced so that the center of gravity sits near the upper cervical spine when in a riding position. Because of this, it is designed so you are less likely to feel the burden of its weight, preventing neck fatigue even during long rides.
Of course, this Alpha can also be purchased through our WEB SHOP.
【KPLUS】Alpha
PRICE : ¥29,700 (tax included)
SIZE : S(53~56cm), M(56~59cm), L(59~62cm)
COLOR : White, Black, Titanium Grey, Aurora Blue, Lava Red
However, please note that the neck gaiter, which is the POP UP benefit, is a gift only for customers who purchase the Alpha in-store during the event period.
I immediately tried on the Alpha that arrived. The color is Titanium Grey, size M… this is the one.
