Spotted: New Troy Lee A3 Helmet?

Feb 23, 2021
by Henry Quinney  
In a recent YouTube video, we believe we may have spotted what appears to be the new Troy Lee Designs A3 helmet being worn by Brendan Fairclough. The Troy Lee open-face helmets can trace their lineage back to 2013, when the A1 was the brand's first foray into the open face trail helmet. The A2 came next and seemed like a refinement to the A1 and was similar in terms of shape and venting. This new helmet looks to be a continuation of that.

<Deleted photo>
<Deleted photo>
The helmets we've seen have been muted in their colourway, save for the neon-green Monster logos.

It looks to be smoother in terms of its overall shape and lacks the distinctive chiselled look of the A2. The venting also seems ever so slightly different, with some of them taking on a more rectangular shape. It also looks like the new helmet could do away with the shark fin styling at the back, but yet again it's hard to say.

Troy Lee Designs A2
The current A2.

It appeared Brendan isn't the only one to be sporting the new helmet. Steve Peat, another athlete supported by Monster also appears to have the helmet in a recent vlog. A quick Instagram scour of some of TLD's top athlete's suggest others are on board too. It's hard to say for sure but Mitch Repolato looks also to be wearing one in a recent post.

In another video on Fairclough's channel, we can see Peaty and Warner argue out a trials game with subtle differences to their headwear.
<Deleted photo>

We've reached out to Global Bicycle Brand Director, Craig “Stikman” Glaspell, for comment.

bigquotesWell, I won’t be super vague, but we are launching an all new trail helmet in 2021. It should have globally launched by now, but global supply chain hurdles for everyone has made ‘launching’ slightly more challenging. But what I can say March 18th, an all-new evolution in bike helmets (truly, not just a new headset standard haha), that will be so comfortable you’ll never take it off.—Craig “Stikman” Glaspell


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Spotted Helmets Troy Lee Designs A2 Brendan Fairclough Rob Warner Steve Peat


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128 Comments

  • 131 0
 Now we're hyping spy shots of.. Helmets?
  • 76 6
 Sometimes i hate this “sport” and “industry”

CLICK HERE FUR YOUR NEW HELMET!? YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT FAIRCLOUGH DOES!!!

Spend spend spend buy buy buy, you wont ride good if you dont. You must purchase to play, you must be cooler than the old.
  • 16 2
 @Rocktheeps: I can agree to disagree. While having all this new gear being released is overwhelming in an obnoxious way, as long as you have a solid setup there truly is no reason to purchase it. I think posts like this are more for entertainment purposes.
  • 2 0
 your new lockdown hobby... LOL
  • 8 0
 @shred14: I think there are three ways to look at it. 1) the journalists and magazines, they want to have "a first" and post spy shots. 2) the industry, that might WANT spy shots to be posted to gain attention. 3) it's us: we need to ask ourselves if we really need new stuff. a) do we need new stuff to be different fom our riding mates? or b) do we need new stuff, because our old stuff is really in a bad state? I think 3b "happens" not too often
  • 3 1
 There’s nothing more annoying than limited hype culture. Counting down the days till a drop and people setting alarms and eventually an item sells out in twenty minutes. I’m guilty of partaking, but it is popping up everywhere.
  • 2 0
 Also my post has nothing to do with the TLD spy shots, just venting.
  • 3 0
 @browntown40: Didn’t get those retro Jordans on SNKRS, either, huh?
  • 3 3
 Paid ad trust me.
  • 2 0
 m.youtube.com/watch?v=xIukfIqU9L0
  • 1 0
 @Rocktheeps: If you don't want advertising you may need to wrap your head in tinfoil and disconnect from the internet, TV and print media.

Or change to a pay per use system where they black out all logos etc....

Your choice
  • 75 6
 “Spotted” - standing right next to and filming the person wearing it
  • 12 0
 It's more of an interrogation of the helmet
  • 17 0
 @Waldon83, I don't think that's how screenshots work.
  • 1 6
flag racecase (Feb 23, 2021 at 20:58) (Below Threshold)
 ya did see it weeks ago here?
www.pinkbike.com/photo/20162117
  • 43 1
 How did Tonkatruck fly to the UK so fast?
  • 1 2
 @tonkatruck
  • 5 24
flag jaydawg69 (Feb 23, 2021 at 18:34) (Below Threshold)
 special discount on "small penis syndrome"
  • 3 0
 @jaydawg69: LOL
  • 11 2
 @jaydawg69: How much did you save?
  • 3 1
 @jaydawg69: who would pay for that? i got it for free.
  • 20 1
 so im like the new "looks like a session" or "tonkatruck shot that" ? hahaha
  • 3 58
flag jaydawg69 (Feb 23, 2021 at 20:00) (Below Threshold)
 @tonkatruck: nah, your just have low self-esteem so you post proto bikes to be cool... sad.
  • 13 0
 @jaydawg69: dude you’re a pussy
  • 8 1
 @jaydawg69: he obviously has a gold-star membership to that, all he talks about. I think you meant to login on fairydyk not pinkbike noh?
  • 13 3
 @jaydawg69: I actually have lots, I mean I was hungry, wanted some food, saw that proto at the corner of my eye in a split second, made the decision DURING that time to turn around, take my phone, drive slowly, navigate traffic take some pictures, then go get pizza...

You probably cant do 2 of those on your best day. now that is sad
  • 2 0
 @tonkatruck: well said chum
  • 5 1
 @jaydawg69: Now I see this is a reoccurring, cross-thread theme with you. Even higher on the cringe scale now. :-/
  • 35 0
 I got better spy pictures

www.summitcycles.bike/product/troy-lee-designs-a3-mips-helmet-2021
  • 6 0
 220 quid for an open face lid? For real?
  • 2 0
 @rudymedea: It's crazy isn't it? I fully understand the worth of the safety of the helmet, and won't jinx myself, but 220 is really pushing it TLD
  • 1 0
 @rudymedea: right, wtf?

I initially was thinking dollars and was like 220 dollars , hell to the no

But 200£ is like 400 dollars, yes? Lol right then
  • 2 0
 Well that’s embarrassing...
  • 7 3
 @ethlikesbikes: more safety and tech features than the giro manifest, bell super air, smith forefront, and a few others that do retail for more.
  • 2 0
 @troyleedesigns:
Amazing looking helmet that’s for sure! Damn! ????
  • 1 0
 @troyleedesigns: What is MSRP on the A3?
  • 1 0
 My embarrassing comment is RE: a post about "spy shots" of a product already for sale online.
  • 20 0
 Now they have deliberate "spy" shots of MTB equipment. Lol.

I do have to say, the helmet looks slacker, longer reach, and more enduro-bro.
  • 16 0
 You guys forgot Vali Holl's instagram....come on PB sleuths! ;-)
  • 2 0
 @troyleedesigns your Link is not working Wink
  • 13 0
 SPOTTED: New POC Kortal Race Helmet www.biketiresdirect.com/product/poc-kortal-race-mips-mtb-helmet

Can I work for Pinkbike now?
  • 1 0
 That one is a bargain.
  • 1 0
 Ooh and not to detract from the A3 but that looks sweet.
  • 9 0
 Comes on up Google if you search for it (some stores must have it leaked by accident and Google indexed it), so yes, apparently they made a new helmet! www.summitcycles.bike/product/troy-lee-designs-a3-mips-helmet-2021
  • 5 0
 $318 USD?!?!?! Did I read something incorrectly or did my maths wrong?!
  • 6 0
 @longstrangetrail: The new fin design adds at least 5 watts. Sounds cheap to me.
  • 12 0
 @longstrangetrail: it shows $400.99 now. Maybe Canadian pesos? Comes in camo so the price totally makes sense.
  • 3 0
 @kanasasa: that’s in Aussie doll hairs
  • 4 0
 And Justin dollars are nearly at a 5 year high. Everything goes up when the printer goes brrrrrrr.
  • 5 3
 Good lord, TLD is doing the same "cheap beer cooler" styro-finish on the new A3 that Giro did on their latest ball-&-socket-droid Manifest helmet. In what bizarro world does it make dollars and sense to pay top dollar for something that looks like a disposable afterthought?
  • 1 0
 @kanasasa: I could only see the silver one
  • 2 0
 had the pictures and ordered them about 9 months ago, just looks like some shops are breaking NDA .
  • 9 0
 In this PB exclusive, Detective Henry Quinney and his rag tag team, has uncovered yet another secret in the cycling industry using some rather "unconventional" methods. Sources say, there had been a real struggle keeping trade secrets under wrap, especially with the likes of Detective Quinney on the prowel.
This is Peter Jennings, back from the dead, with this special report.
  • 12 0
 I don't see any spots on it.
  • 10 2
 Personally, I still really like the A1. Not only for aesthetic reasons but also because it's quite a bit cheaper. Sure the A2 is lighter and has better ventilation but it just didn't sit the same as the A1 and for the average rider, the extra price is definitely not worth it. From the looks of it, it seems like they may have taken the best bits of both the helmets, so hoping for a good one here!
  • 1 0
 I have an older A1, pre MIPS, it's really comfy, never tested its protection though. My only complaint is that it is a hot helmet, especially around the forehead/brow. I'm looking to upgrade to a Fox Speedframe pro next.
  • 10 0
 Erm, I’ve had one for about a month, in Australia, generally the last place to get new stuff!
  • 10 0
 There is a first for everything! Hope you enjoy it.
  • 11 2
 enough with the spotted crap!
  • 4 0
 Let's hope the fit is better than on the A2, I love my A1, bought a A2, hurts on 2 pressure points on my head, let's hope this one is a better fit!
  • 1 0
 You won't be disappointed.
  • 1 0
 @troyleedesigns: I hope so, could get expensive, A3, new D4.....
  • 4 0
 Virginia tech have already tested it helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
  • 4 0
 5 ***** stars!
  • 2 0
 Weird to see a new and very expensive helmet come in rated LOWER than the "old" Dropframe Pro (their highest rated). Not in any way a shot at TLD, as I LOVED my A2 until it hit a tree (with my head in it, thanks for saving my brain TLD!!!) and my Stage is my go to for night rides and anything aggressive. But I also really like my Dropframe. Maybe if it hits a tree I'll try the A3.
  • 2 1
 @troyleedesigns looks like you have been responding to a few other comments. First off, good looking helmet! Secondly, are you able to give some kind of info regarding the significant increases in either protection, weight reduction, better materials etc. There has to be something noticeably better with this iteration to justify a 65%+ increase in price from the A2 to this version. $350ish USD (according to the Australian sites) is bumping into top end full face territory on price. So what is it about this helmet that should entice me to drop that kind of coin on a half shell? This is your time to shine and market the shit out of this thing.....
  • 6 1
 @wilsonians
Global Launch is March 17th, and the USD price is nowhere near 350usd. A couple of innovations never seen before on a helmet, more features, spare parts all factors in an incredible value-according to our dealers and customers that pre ordered the helmet when they were shown samples.
  • 1 0
 @troyleedesigns: Thank you!! The ones being posted at $400 AUD were a bit concerning so good to hear they may just be off on the sites.
  • 2 0
 @wilsonians: unfortunately living in the riding heaven of NZ and cough, parts of Australia means we have to pay 3 times what the rest of the world does for cycling related items !
  • 3 1
 @troyleedesigns: Nice dodge...except that he said 'according to Australian sites'.

In fact, in NZ, it is 460 www.evocycles.co.nz/Product/379814/troy-lee-designs-a3-as-mips-helmet-proto-white.

Which is currently 342.09USD. I'd say that's "$350ish USD".

Or in AUD 400.99 www.summitcycles.bike/product/troy-lee-designs-a3-mips-helmet-2021

Which is 319.05USD. Still not far off.

"incredible value" I think not.
  • 3 0
 @Mini-Pinner: Not even close to $319 usd...try knocking another Benjamin off of that.
  • 1 0
 @troyleedesigns: so how does that explain it being $400 dollarbucks when current USD to AUD is 78c, not closer to 50 like the Oz RRP implies?

EDIT - scratch that, I found the MTBD link further down, please don't tell me the RRP now Frown
  • 1 0
 @troyleedesigns I loved the fit of the A1 but it ran hot for me and sweat management was an issue. Smile

The A2 fit never really won me over. Switched to Bell Sixer which is okay plus it's nice to have quick release for light or Go Pro.
  • 4 0
 I think we possibly have these in stock now....
  • 3 0
 Haha that you do for $460 NZD! Might have to wait until next pay day
  • 4 0
 @EvoCycles clever Wink
  • 1 0
 @Dexta: Bargain.
  • 1 6
flag mrfish (Feb 24, 2021 at 0:10) (Below Threshold)
 Um, no such thing with Evo cycles, “in stock” means well order it from the distributor for you and then when the helmet doesn’t fit well charge you 20% restocking fee, talking from experience !!
  • 2 0
 @mrfish: go fish.
  • 1 0
 Available in NZ for last few weeks but only from distribution centre, locally to where I live anyway. Hopefully be some reviews out soon so I can decide whether to take the risk and order one !
  • 3 0
 Just because you can, doesn't mean you should (write a "spy shot" article about a frigging helmet).
  • 1 0
 I got my hands a preproduction of the helmet 6 months ago and was really impressed with the design and features that it comes with. Been awaiting production ones to drop as with be replaced my trail lid with it for sure .
  • 1 0
 nzo ride central in rotorua new zealand posted a video on instagram with that helmet in the box and a3 on the side of the box
  • 1 0
 It’s been on the Virginia Tech helmet ratings list for a couple weeks now. Thought it was a typo when I saw it the first time.
  • 1 0
 Breaking news! TLD A2s coming to the clearance shelves at your local shop soon. Look for some killer deals on those "old crappy helmets" in APR.
  • 1 0
 @SprSonik

A1 and A2 remain in the line, as the A3 has significant feature and benefit differences.
  • 4 3
 For that kinda money, the best way to "spot" these in the wild will be on Dentist-Only rides.
  • 2 1
 I wonder if the padding will last more than a month before disintegrating with this new version?
  • 4 0
 improvements in construction, materials AND a complete spare kit comes in the box.
  • 1 0
 Hmmmm. Pretty sure that if its for sale in the shops, it might be released.Just a thought (and I have one)
  • 1 0
 I tried an A2, it kind of reminded me of a Brodie MK1 due to the strap placement. Really like my D3 though.
  • 2 0
 Who cares it doesn't even have a high pivot
  • 2 0
 Where's the water bottle holder?
  • 1 0
 Can no longer watch people ride anything other than pro XC without a full-face, and not cringe.
  • 2 0
 $400 for a trail helmet? Come on TLD, it's not April quite yet.
  • 1 0
 almost half of that price actually @matadorCE
  • 1 0
 They should be in dealers this spring. We have had them on order since the summer time.
  • 1 0
 Dammit @stikmanglaspell !!!! I wanted a new headset standard!!! 1.699!!!! lol
  • 1 0
 How is this news? They have been up for “sale” on a few retailers websites for ages now!!
  • 1 0
 Here's the VT helmet rating for it - helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
  • 8 7
 Full review coming tomorrow
  • 1 0
 @tonkatruck how are you so good at this
  • 1 0
 I have a troy lee finger painted Mona Lisa
  • 1 0
 Not exactly keeping a lid on it are they.
  • 1 0
 Please please please be available in 64/65cm size.
  • 1 0
 i wanna know where to get rob warners honda puffer coat
  • 1 0
 Hopefully the liner is updated to last longer.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh redesigned liner and materials from previous generations.
  • 1 0
 Troylee has had a good product all along. Looks good.
  • 1 0
 This is so stupid, Pinkbike
  • 2 2
 Looks like a Kali
  • 8 1
 Might wanna check your optic prescription Wink
  • 1 3
 totally, it has straps, vents, protective lining...I think they copied Kali!!!
  • 1 2
 Looks like a session…
  • 3 6
 Looks like a session
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