The Faro by Unit 1 – World's Coolest Biking Helmet

Why put lights on a helmet?
Lights on a helmet (as opposed to on a bike) are higher and bigger, thus more visible. Also, with size comes the bonus of allowing turn signals.

Can you explain FARO's different light features? How powerful are they?
Each light feature on FARO has a different 'job' – the top lights are smaller but very powerful (for visibility from further away) while the hidden light is much bigger but not as powerful (for communication with drivers closer to you).

Combined, FARO has over 500 lumens to make you visible and maximize your light footprint.

Is FARO safe?
Very: FARO will not only protect you during an accident, it will also make you visible to help prevent accidents in the first place. FARO Is designed to be compliant with the following international certifications: CPSC, EN1078 and AS/NZS 2063:2008. 

Is FARO waterproof?
FARO is fully sealed and compliant with IPX-6 waterproofing ratings.

What about the Fabric?
The fabric is tear-proof and outdoor proof (sun, dust, water). It’s the same fabric used on outdoor Bluetooth speakers you can throw in the pool!

What is the battery capacity? And its duration?
The Battery on FARO is a rechargeable Lithium Polymer with a capacity of 1850 mAh. It can be fully charged in around 3 hs. Fully charged it can last from 3 to 10 hs of continued use, depending on the settings you choose (light intensity, behaviours, sensor sensitivity, etc).

In real life, this should allow 'once a week' charging for most users. As a nice bonus, when the helmet is off, passive battery consumption is close to zero so it can hold charge for a long time when off :)

Why is the Navigation Remote an add-on?
Cycling is very different for everyone. The infrastructure in your city, how experienced of a rider you are...it all comes into play. Unit 1 talked to over 300 riders from around the globe and their opinions on Turn Signals were split: many requested the feature while many others assured they wouldn’t use it.

Since they don’t want half of you guys stuck with (and paying for) an accessory you don’t want, they decided to make it an Add-on and as a bonus, make the helmet itself more affordable.

Is the battery replaceable?
The battery on FARO is not replaceable. That would require an accessible battery housing which would make the helmet heavier (fastening elements), present a waterproofing risk (accessible electronics) and even compromise the structural integrity of the helmet (which is something you don't ever want to do!).

What is the lifespan on the battery?
Its life span is not measured in time (dependent on how you use it) but on full charge cycles. Ours is estimated at +500 cycles which charging once per week yields about 9.5 years, well beyond the lifespan of the helmet itself. For reference, smartphone batteries usually last 300--500 cycles.

What is MIPS?
MIPS is a security system that improves a helmet's performance during a rotational impacts (which is the most usual kind). Essentially it's a special low friction liner that can slightly rotate in any direction at the moment of impact, absorbing some of the impact's energy. All in all, it makes the helmet safer (cause the helmet is already safe to begin with). You can read more about it on mipsprotection.com!

Available sizes
FARO will come in 3 sizes: Small (52-55.5 cm), Medium (55.5-59 cm) and Large (59-62.5cm). All sizes come with a dial fitting system on the back that can get you that last 5% required for a snug, comfortable fit.

How strong is the magnetic buckle?
Very. Just as strong (if not stronger) than a regular buckle. That thing can withstand 65kg of force without coming apart.