Description:

T3’s development focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by hand-cyclists. By consulting athletes, engineers, and para-sport experts, recurring issues were identified and addressed through targeted feature development.

T3 is the world's first purpose-built and designed helmet, for hand cycling. It considers the specific needs of elite-level hand cyclists, and focuses on improving safety, comfort, performance and usability. T3 allows riders to trust their equipment to perform and frees them to focus on the race.

T3 utilises enhanced side and back protection for commonly impacted areas in handcycling crashes, a car detection system using mm-wave radar alerts riders to approaching vehicles, and a Fidlock Snap 20 chinstrap angled forward by 33º aligns with the reclined position of hand cyclists, reducing choking risks. A headrest-compatible connection for seamless integration, with a flatter adjustment toggle to prevent discomfort from digging into the head. The optimised Voronoi structure ventilation with large front and rear vents and internal channels for sweat management, improving aerodynamic efficiency, and being aesthetically interesting. A magnetic removable visor, created a sleek and professional aesthetic for the dual purpose of training and competition use.

In an interview with a former Paralympic trainer, it was identified that there is a lack of care and innovation in helmets that are specifically designed for handcycling. The crux of the issue was that athletes were stuck using helmets designed for ‘upright’ cycling, whereas hand cyclists compete in a recumbent position. Handcycling crashes most commonly involve side and back of head trauma due to their low position, yet most helmets only protect the front and top of the head. Additionally, some hand cyclists cannot sweat due to spinal cord injuries (SCI). Most ‘best performing’ aerodynamic helmets didn’t feature many, if any, vents that allow for cooling, as they were designed for indoor (short) sprint races. Handcycling races, however, are long outdoor events, covering distances from 11km up to 81km.

Using the Voronoi structure in the helmet achieved form and function through enhancing performance. They are incredibly strong and have great energy displacement. The open nature of Voronoi allows for more efficient cooling and helps air to flow in the front of the helmet, over the head, and out the back.

A small MM-wave radar placed in a detachable clip is located at the top rear of the helmet. It detects approaching cars at distances of up to 300m away and alerts the rider with small LEDS in the rider's peripherals. The detachable aspect of the unit means it complies with the UCI (World Cycling Body) handcycling competition rule of no onboard computers during competition (excluding heart rate monitors).

The black and white colour choices speak to its New Zealand origin. Jono Nelson, five-time New Zealand handcycling champion, labelled it as a “game changer” and expressed wanting a prototype. T3 provides hand cyclists with a safer, comfortable, aerodynamic and practical helmet option that speaks to their needs, meaning these world-class athletes can finally have world-class gear.