Sena S1 Smart Cycling Helmet Review: Listen to Everything
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Rating:
8/10
WIRED
Light. Aerodynamic. Easy to hear ambient noise. Easy to use and set up.
TIRED
Audio is nothing to write home about. Remembering which button to use is confusing.
One of the most important senses we have as bike riders is our hearing. Whether you're in a group ride, where other riders are calling out road and traffic hazards, or alone, to keep ears out for vehicles or other rides coming from our rear, our ears are nearly as essential as our eyes.
Bone-conduction headphones–which sit outside the ears and deliver sound through vibration–have been around for some time. But Irvine, California-based Sena has consistently raised the bar on bicycling helmets with integrated speakers. Their newest offering, the S1, blends Sena’s audio technology with aerodynamic advantages craved by many road cyclists.
Wind Resistance
With a smooth outer shell, the Sena S1 looks, fits, and feels every bit the aero road helmet that has boomed in popularity over the last decade. It’s sleek, with front-facing vents and a pair out the back to keep your head cool during hot rides. Its mixture of flat and gloss finishes gives the helmet a modern contrasting style that fits in the Tour de France peloton.
It’s light, weighing just 360 grams, and at $229, it’s priced like a higher-end aero helmet, despite being equipped with a pair of over-ear speakers and a microphone, Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in taillight, and Sena’s proprietary Mesh Intercom system, which allows you to communicate with other riders wearing any variety of Sena helmets.
I tested the Sena S1 on one of the most challenging rides: a hundred miles around a quarter-mile asphalt track near my home. For a ride as monotonous as this ¼-mile century, I needed a bit of distraction. Luckily, I had a Sena S1 sitting in my office.
I’ve been wary of headphones while biking primarily for safety–I prefer hearing my surroundings. For me, hearing ambient sounds is as integral to the bike-riding experience as the act of pedaling. However, with the challenge of 400 laps ahead, I set up the S1 for some music and conversation.
Getting my new S1 up and running was smooth. After a two-and-a-half-hour full charge, the helmet paired effortlessly with my phone. I enjoyed music and podcasts during my endless loops and calls from my wife, who checked in for updates on my ride.
If I was doing anything other than those endless left turns, the Sena S1 could have delivered turn-by-turn directions to my ears. Anything your phone or bike computer can do via audio, an S1 can relay.
Despite rolling between 17 and 20 mph and combatting a headwind, call clarity was astounding, with the helmet’s microphone picking up my voice clearly. Remarkably, I could hear everything happening around me even while listening to music, which is crucial.
Together Forever
Ahead of my ride, I invited my local cycling community to join me for some or all of the laps. A friend, a local racer, joined me to test the Sena S1’s mesh intercom feature. Even from opposite ends of the track, we chatted about various topics and the clarity was impressive as the mics counteracted ambient wind noise.
If you’re seeking premium sound quality, note that the S1’s audiophile appeal is limited, as the audio quality is modest. Still, expecting high-grade sound from bike helmet speakers seems unreasonable. These are incredible times we are living in. Enjoy them.
I encountered a minor issue: the helmet's four-button setup–volume up, volume down, multifunction, and light–assigns several functions to each button across quick presses and holds. The learning curve for button commands was brief but noticeable.
Overall, the Sena S1 is a remarkable piece of technology. For those who enjoy entertainment on their rides, it’s worth the investment. Unless you're planning a century in a tiny loop, it's crucial.
Gear Newsletter: Reviews, Guides, and Deals
Upgrade your life with our buying guides, deals, and how-to guides, all tested by experts.
Sign up
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
