First Look: 2015 Troy Lee Designs Helmet Line Up

Spring is almost in the air, and it's time to start looking forward to the upcoming season. And of course a new season means new gear! Few collections are as hotly anticipated each year as Troy Lee's helmets, and today we're stoked to be able to share with you the fresh new A1, D3, and D2 lids ready to adorn your noggin as you get down and dirty in 2015.

Creating a new collection is always a challenge, but 2014 was extra difficult for Troy Lee in person. He took a bad crash riding moto back in May which resulted a shattered hip and broken vertebrae. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but as early as two weeks after the crash Troy was meeting with the TLD team in his home, eager to keep on top of things and continuing to drive the company forward, as is his habit. Against the doctor's orders, he was hitting the trails on an ebike just as soon as he could, and he is now back to pedaling his trail bike too. In his own words:

“Man, this collection, more than ever means a lot to me, 2014 was the hardest year of my life personally, suffering from a bad crash in the spring, I spent more time in hospitals and wheelchairs than I have in my life drowned out by a lot of pain killers too! So it’s a testament to the designers and their work, and a true testament to the paint shop for giving birth to a lot of these helmet designs as I rolled around here in a wheelchair working with everyone. We implemented a few refinements to make the helmets safer, like adding a composite filament layer on the A1, something you won’t see, but, layered in between the EPS and the shell, to further protect against impact. A redesign of the way the helmet straps are anchored into the EPS, and new certification in Australia as well. We are constantly testing our helmets against the competition and always trying to innovate and that never will stop. I hope you enjoy this collection of helmets, they were made from overcoming adversity and reinvention.”

2015 TLD A1

Ever since it was first introduced in early 2013, TLD's A1 helmet has been a popular choice among riders looking for a bit of extra protection in an open-face, breathable and lightweight package. Something that can be worn all day yet will allow you to take on faster and burlier trails when such opportunities present themselves. Since TLD takes pride in making gear "For The World's Fastest Racers", it goes without saying that the rise of the A1 also seems to go hand in hand with a certain racing discipline beginning with "E". In fact, you'll see Mr. Enduro himself, Jerome Clementz rocking an A1 lid in the Enduro World Series for 2015.

For 2015, the A1 sees some minor design/construction improvements as described by Troy Lee himself above, and of course, a slew of new paint jobs, ranging from the sober and discreet to the distinctly more colorful. Certain 2014 colors were also carried over, leaving us with a grand total of 11 different versions for 2015 (up from 7 in 2014). Keep your eyes peeled for limited editions dropping throughout the year too.

2015 TLD A1 Highlights

• Certified to the following safety standards: CPSC 1203, CE EN1078, AS NZ 2063:2008
• Superior comfort due to a premium thickness helmet liner developed to cover entire interior of the A1 helmet
• Liner made of anti-microbial moisture wicking material
• Full spectrum adjustable visor with 1” (25-mm) range of motion
• Multi position cam lock adjustable rear stabilizer with +/- 20-mm range (60-mm horizontal | 20-mm vertical)
• Reinforced polycarbonate shell
• Anodized aluminum hardware
• 8 pressurizing intake passages
• 8 rear vacuum vortex outlets
• MSRP: Drone Versions: $139, Galaxy (Limited Edition) and Pinstripe versions: $165 USD

2015 TLD D3

Few helmets have achieved such iconic status as the D3. Packed with features and sporting a distinctive look, it can be found on the heads of riders from a long list of World Cup DH racers and world class freeriders as well as weekend bike park warriors. If your riding leaves you needing a full face helmet, chances are you would have considered a D3 at some point. Yes, the D3 is one of the most expensive helmets on the market, but considering the amount of safety and comfort features and the extra little touches like the replacement visor and the robust helmet bag that are delivered with each helmet, it offers market-leading value too. Although having your portrait painted like Peaty is extra.

There are no major improvements or alterations to the D3 for 2015, but of course, a number of new designs to feast our eyes on. "Squirt" and "EVO" are new graphics designations, while "Speeda"  and "Pinstripe" remain. In total, there are 5 carbon models and 3 composite models to choose from for 2015, and there is promise of limited editions to drop as well.

2015 TLD D3 Highlights

• Technologically advanced aerospace carbon/composite shell construction
• Exceeds CPSC 1203, CE EN1078, ASTM F1952, ASTM F2032, and  ASTM F2040
• Includes 2 fully adjustable, graphic matching D3 visors
• Machined titanium visor screws for reduced weight
• Dual Density Shock Pad System
• 20 high-flow intake and exhaust ports for maximum ventilation
• Removable/washable comfort liner with CoolMax™ and Dri-Lex™
• Three EPS shell sizes for greater range of fitment, with 6 sizes of pads from XS-XXL
• Titanium D-ring chin strap fastener
• TLD D3 Custom Helmet bag kit included
• (4) Carbon shell colors: Speeda Yellow, Squirt Orange, EVO grey, Pinstripe II
• (3) Composite shell colors: Speeda White, Squirt White, EVO Red
• MSRP: Carbon: $450, Composite: $395 USD

2015 TLD D2

The D2 was the D3's predecessor, but it has remained in the catalogue ever since, as a more wallet-friendly alternative to the top-of-the-line D3. With classic styling and a number of advanced features, the D2 will keep your head safe and your banker happy. Five all-new 2015 designs join the classic Midnight Black for a total of six models to choose from.

2015 TLD D2 Highlights

• Aerospace composite shell
• Meets ASTM F2032-00 and F1952-00 standards, CPSC standard, 16 CFR part 1203 & CE EN 1078
• Large eyeport allows for easy fitting of all goggle shapes and sizes
• Adjustable Orbit ™ visor allows for custom height placement
• Features machined cross-top aluminum visor screws
• Hi-flow ventilation system incorporated into shell and liner
• Removable and washable comfort liner and cheek pads
• MSRP: $228 for Proven and Galaxy, $198 USD for Midnight

The 2015 helmets will be available from finer dealers worldwide as of today, February 16. For more information, check out http://www.troyleedesigns.com/helmets/bicycle/, and stay tuned for the 2015 apparel range to launch soon as well!

Troy Lee Designs 2015 Athlete and Ambassador Roster

GRAVITY
Aaron Gwin
Bas Van Steenbergen
Brendan Fairclough
Jono Jones
Luca Shaw
Luke Strobel
Sam Hill
Steve Peat
Walker Shaw
Amanda Cordell
Anne Galyean
Danielle Beecroft
Emilie Siegenthaler
Lauren Daney
Micayla Gatto
SPS Syndicate
SRAM/TLD Racing

FREERIDE
Brandon Semenuk
Cam Zink
Kyle Jameson
Logan Peat
Tom Van Steenbergen

ENDURO
Bryan Regnier
Cody Kelley
Curtis Keene
Jerome Clementz
Neil Donoghue
Rachel Throop

GROMS
Ethan Shandro
Finn Finestone
Julien Markewitz
McKenna Merten

Brand Ambassadors
Dave Cullinan
Duncan Riffle
Eric Carter
Greg Herbold
Leigh Donovan
Lorraine Blancher
Rob Warner
Tyler Morland