I talked to a French competitor wearing a Helite external Airvest at the Manx Grand Prix in 2019 and he was very enthusiastic about the benefits of the product.

Therefore, when I came across the Helite UK stand at the Bristol Classic Bike Show at Shepton in February 2020 I was already fairly well sold on the idea of buying one for myself. As I had a couple of my race bikes on display at the show they were more than happy to allow me to borrow a vest and go and sit on my bike and get a ‘feel’ for how comfortable the vest was, and to check it didn’t interfere with moving around on the bike. It certainly created a few inquisitive stares from passers-by wondering what the crazy guy on the static bike was up to….

However, it was enough to convince me to go back, hand over the cash and take one away with me.

A few months later, during one of the Isle of Man’s early Covid-19 outbreaks, the island authorities introduced maximum speed restrictions on the Isle of Man, initially a blanket 40mph max that was later increased to 60mph. Foolishly, believing riding my road bike at less than 60mph would not present much of a risk, I had an unanticipated ‘mechanical’ incident and low-sided at around 40mph resulting in damage to my shoulder and a broken rib or two. Needless to say I was cursing having not worn my new Airvest. 

Subsequently, I competed at three ARA race meetings in 2021 at Jurby in the Isle of Man without incident but a trip to the two day BHR meeting at Pembrey in July 2021 was a different matter. During my third race of the day I suffered another ‘mechanical’ on the very fast, sweeping Carter’s Curve and was spat off my bike at high speed, having fortunately run-off the track and onto the grass. My Airvest was deployed and I am convinced my injuries would have been far worse if I hadn’t been wearing the vest. Although a little sore in places I was fit enough to be back racing the following day and, even better still, I found fitting the new gas cylinder to the Airvest a quick and simple process. 

Therefore, I thoroughly recommend this product to not only fellow bike racers but also all road riders