The new Bern Allston helmet is a first, because surprisingly, Bern had never made a cycling specific helmet until now. So, to make a helmet that would suit the needs of commuters, Bern developed the Allston working with some of the best bicycle messengers and cyclocross racers in the world. Out of this collaborative design process, the Allston was born. The helmet is made from Bern’s exclusive ZipMold technology, which results in a remarkably strong helmet. It meets ASTM F 2040, CPSC and EN 1078 standards for bike and skate, but still only weighs 13 oz. The helmet has an incredibly low profile making for a lid that doesn’t scream for attention. There are 16 vents for exceptional airflow and cooling. One neat trick is the interchangeable liner system consisting of a summer liner, a liner with an integrated flip visor, and a liner with ear protection for colder weather. I’ve been using the Allston in matte black for commuting this week, and so far I am quite impressed with Bern’s design work. The helmet is very comfortable and has a perfect fit. The ventilation is indeed excellent, and doesn’t leave me wishing for a lighter color. The clean aesthetic is perfect for my sensibility, and the adjustment of the straps is simple. I can see this helmet becoming my choice for the daily commute, and at $90.00, the helmet is also easy on the budget. The Bern Allston is an excellent option for those looking for an all around high performing helmet.