The Urge Treps Eco Helmet is a $185 mountain biking helmet designed for riders who value performance and eco-consciousness. It’s made with over 90% recycled and bio-based materials, including recycled plastics, a bamboo fiber liner, and a recycled polycarbonate shell. Key safety features include Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) for impact protection, a detachable visor to reduce crash-related whiplash, and a magnetic chinstrap buckle for convenience.

Comfort is enhanced with bamboo padding for moisture control, an adjustable fit system, and ventilation channels, though airflow can feel limited during slower climbs. With CE certification, a crash replacement program offering 50% off for five years, and sustainable packaging, it balances protection, comfort, and environmental responsibility. However, limited sizing and eyewear compatibility may not suit all riders.

This helmet is ideal for trail and enduro riders who prioritize sustainability and protection but may not suit those needing exceptional ventilation or broader size options.

URGE (SUSTAINABLE) Bike Helmets – Papingo (road,gravel) and Cab ERT (urban)

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Materials and Environmental Impact

Urge has taken a forward-thinking approach by blending advanced safety design with eco-conscious materials, reflecting a strong commitment to both performance and sustainability. Over 90% of the helmet’s materials are either recycled or bio-based, with the shock-absorbing liner crafted from automotive waste. This approach reduces both resource consumption and energy use. In 2024, the brand introduced a recycled Polycarbonate (PC) shell, achieving nearly 100% recycled content – though currently limited to darker shades.

"By using recycled EPS in our helmet production, we can offer durable and reliable products without compromising on performance." – Urge Bike Products

The helmet’s eco-friendly design extends to its straps, which are made from recycled PET, and ABS plastic components, creating a closed-loop system. Additionally, a bamboo fiber liner enhances moisture-wicking and temperature regulation. These material choices not only align with sustainability goals but also improve overall helmet performance.

Urge emphasizes that recycled materials meet the same durability, impact resistance, and safety standards as virgin materials. The helmet’s CE certification ensures compliance with rigorous safety benchmarks. Beyond the helmet itself, Urge demonstrates environmental responsibility through sustainable packaging, which includes FSC-certified boxes, home-compostable corn starch bags, and low-VOC water-based or UV inks. Together, these innovations highlight Urge’s dedication to reducing environmental impact without sacrificing quality.

Comfort and Fit

The Urge Treps helmet is designed with comfort in mind, thanks to its bamboo fiber padding and a precision-engineered fit system. The bamboo-lined padding is not just soft – it actively wicks away moisture, regulates temperature, and fights odor buildup naturally. This thoughtful material choice supports an internal system that takes comfort to the next level.

"Bamboo fibers offer a remarkable solution for inner pads in helmets due to their exceptional properties. Unlike traditional materials, they provide a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and comfort." – Urge Bike Products

Adding to the comfort, the helmet features an Energy Reduction Technology (ERT) system, which uses flexible polymer pads to evenly distribute support. Testers repeatedly highlighted this as a standout feature. Robert Johnston from The Loam Wolf shared his experience: "From the first time I slipped the Urge Treps on my head, I was provided an extremely comfortable fit and feeling". The thicker-than-average padding enhances this comfort, creating a "cushioned" and secure feel that riders appreciated.

The helmet’s adjustable design further refines the fit. It includes a micrometric occipital dial, which allows for precise adjustments and can be height-adjusted to tailor the fit at the back of the head. For convenience, the Fidlock magnetic buckle offers quick, one-handed operation – even while wearing gloves. The helmet comes in two sizes: S/M (54-58 cm) and L/XL (58-61 cm), with a slightly oval shape inside to better suit that head profile.

To keep riders cool, the helmet incorporates 10 ventilation openings and deep internal channels that direct airflow across the scalp. While this system works effectively at moderate to high speeds, some reviewers noted that the helmet tends to feel warm during slower, steep climbs where airflow is limited.

Durability, Safety, and Performance

This helmet stands out for its eco-friendly construction, using over 90% recycled materials like EPS foam, PET straps, and ABS plastic. It’s designed to last, with UV-resistant ink that prevents color fading and bamboo-fiber padding that resists odor and keeps its shape over time. A standout feature is the 3-position Pop-Off visor, which detaches during crashes to lower the risk of neck injuries while also boosting durability. These features reflect Urge’s commitment to combining sustainability with reliable performance.

Safety is another key focus, with advanced impact protection built into the design. The helmet is CE-certified and incorporates Energy Reduction Technology (ERT), which uses soft polymer lattice inserts to handle both low-speed and high-energy impacts. Deven McCoy, Editor at BikeMag, highlights this technology, stating:

"ERT is engineered to offer additional protection against these significant low‐energy impacts".

By blending recycled materials with cutting-edge safety features, the Urge Treps creates a new benchmark for eco-conscious performance. The recycled EPS foam absorbs impacts from high-speed crashes, while ERT addresses rotational and linear forces, forming a comprehensive protection system.

Performance Metrics

The helmet is tailored for trail and enduro riders, with a balanced design that prioritizes both safety and comfort. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key features:

The helmet’s recycled PET straps, made from repurposed water bottles, achieve a lighter weight without compromising on safety. To back its durability, Urge offers a crash replacement program with a 50% discount for up to five years after purchase. Weighing just 13.4 oz in the S/M size, it strikes a thoughtful balance between robust protection and a lightweight feel, ideal for aggressive trail and light enduro riding.

Pros and Cons

The Urge Treps Eco Helmet offers a mix of eco-conscious design, solid safety features, and performance, all for a reasonable $185. However, some limitations – like ventilation issues and restricted sizing – might impact certain riders. Here’s a closer look at its strengths and drawbacks.

One of the helmet’s standout features is its environmentally friendly construction. With over 90% recycled materials, a bamboo liner, and compostable packaging, it’s a great choice for riders who prioritize sustainability. The addition of water-based inks further underscores its eco-conscious approach. Plus, the crash replacement program – offering 50% off a new helmet for up to five years – adds long-term value.

Comfort-wise, the helmet has its ups and downs. The thick bamboo padding and ERT inserts distribute pressure more evenly, enhancing support. But ventilation can be a problem, especially during slower climbs, where sweat can saturate the padding. While the Fidlock magnetic buckle makes securing the helmet simple and quick, the adjustment dial feels a bit fragile and may occasionally pop out of place.

Eyewear compatibility is another area where the helmet stumbles. Although it includes storage under the visor for glasses, riders with long or straight-legged frames may find the helmet shell behind the ears interferes with their fit due to limited temple clearance. Sizing is also restrictive, with only two options – S/M (21.3–22.8 inches) and L/XL (22.8–24 inches) – which might not suit those on the smaller or larger ends of the spectrum.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points:

While the helmet excels in eco-friendliness and safety, its comfort and fit could be a dealbreaker for some riders, particularly those outside the standard size range or who need better ventilation during long rides.

Conclusion

The Urge Treps helmet combines eco-friendly design with advanced safety features, making it an appealing choice for riders who care about the environment. Priced at around $185, it’s crafted with over 90% recycled materials, features bio-sourced bamboo padding, and comes in eco-conscious packaging. Plus, its Energy Reduction Technology helps reduce both linear and rotational impacts during low-energy crashes.

That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. The limited sizing options (S/M and L/XL), reduced airflow during slow climbs, and potential eyewear compatibility issues with specific frame styles might be dealbreakers for some riders.

"The TREPS is a very well-executed helmet, which, like any great product, becomes unnoticeable during use. Focus on your ride – Urge takes care of protecting your head and the planet." – Urge Bike Products

For mountain bikers who value sustainability and mostly ride in moderate climates, the Treps strikes a great balance between eco-consciousness and performance. The five-year crash replacement program, offering 50% off a new helmet, adds even more value to the purchase. If you’re looking for a helmet that prioritizes both safety and environmental responsibility, the Urge Treps is a reliable option worth considering.

FAQs

Is ERT like MIPS?

ERT (Energy Reduction Technology) and MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) both aim to make helmets safer, but they tackle the challenge in different ways.

MIPS is designed to reduce rotational forces. It does this by allowing the helmet to move slightly in relation to the head during an impact. This movement helps minimize the rotational energy transferred to the brain.

ERT, on the other hand, focuses on absorbing both linear and rotational impact forces. It achieves this through specialized padding that cushions the head more effectively during a crash.

While both technologies share the same goal – improving helmet safety – their approaches and areas of emphasis set them apart.

Will it fit my glasses?

The Urge Treps helmet is compatible with most glasses, including those with short or hooked legs. However, it might not provide enough room for glasses that have long, straight legs.

Is it too hot for summer rides?

The helmet’s bio-sourced bamboo padding might make it feel a bit warm during summer rides, as it works to regulate both temperature and moisture. That said, the 19 large vents are designed to deliver great ventilation, ensuring steady airflow and keeping you cooler.

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