This very cunning looking helmet concept called the Gladiator is a latest design by Canedo Studio for cyclists. Ever rode your bike on the road to find yourself having to keep up and exhaust yourself just because cars behind you were so intimidating? Well if you worn the Gladiator Helmet, not only do you no longer need to be patronised on the road but you will be the one doing the patronising! I suspect you won’t even need to look back because the claw-like rear design of the Gladiator Helmet is already good enough to scare off any road rage!

The Gladiat8r concept is inspired by gladiator helmets of ancient Rome. Its weight is distributed across the entire surface, a carefully spaced “ribcage” ensuring the shades remain in place during use but also reduce friction from the usual support areas such as the nose-bridge and ears.

The frame comes in 3 different sizes and is adjustable through a range of rubber attachments that brace the ribs on the frame (tho I don’t see ‘em). There’s sort of this cool blend of functional utility with urban street aesthetics to give it a modern, youthful hand. I can see head ventilation won’t be a problem but the idea of each rib digging into my skull should I tumble isn’t appealing.

I really like the Oakley style shades its implemented into the Gladiator, hopefully there will be some sort of prototype at least in the near future, though I can’t say this will be at all comfortable and safe to wear!

[via Yanko]