Want to learn the differences between the Synthe and the Syntax? Our Giro helmets range overview will prov𒀰ide all the 💯information you need
(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)
When it comes to the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best road bike helmets, few names spring to mind as quickly as Giro. Founded in 1985 by Jim Gentes, Giro pioneered the concept and contributed to the prevalence of bicycle helmets in the peloton before they eventually became compulsory. Jim’s lo⛦ve affair with cycling and design gave rise to the original Giro Prolight helmet. It was avant-garde at the t🍸ime, featuring both ventilation and aerodynamic properties, lightweight EPS-foam construction and a design that appealed to the masses.
Long before helmets were made compulsory by the UCI, Giro was already an establishe🐎d brand, having celebrated major success throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. It was Greg Lemond who showcased the aerodynamic and performance benefits of the helmet - the Giro Aerohead, when he famously snatched the yellow jersey from Laurent Fignon in the final time trial of the 1989 Tour de France.
The past decade has seen helmet technology progress even further with lighter, brighter and safer technologies coming to the fore, such as MIPS, a Swedish innovation that protects the brain against the rotational motion caused by crashes or collisions. It comes as no surprise that Giro was an early adopter of this technology, having✨ worked together with MIPS in developing waܫys to make its helmets safer and more comfortable to wear.
So if you're in the market for a new Giro road 🔜bike helmet, here's a full range overview ✱to help you decide which is the one for you.
Sharing a large portion of its design DNA with the Synthe, the Giro ♚Aether represents the zenith of Giro’s contemporary road helmet range.
The key differences between the Aether and its siblings is the manner in which Giro has managed to seamlessly combine a♏ttributes such as performance, comfort and safety.
It employs the latest iteration o𝔍f MIPS called Spherical technology: a two-part, dual-density foam built-in to the helmet that redirects energy during angled impacts.
The Aether follows very much a form-over-function approach in terms of aesthetics, with shatterproof, transparent arches running perpendicular to the venting slats for improved struct꧙ural integrity and visual clout.
Offering stellar looks and a great fit, the Syntax is Giro’s best-kept secret
The Giro Syntax MIPS offers a host of features usually reserved for helmets twice its value, while standing head and shoulders above its rivals. 𓂃It's a well-ventilated and low-profile helmet that looks good and feels comfortable.
Seven premium colourways are available to match any style or preference. Visually, the Syntax loo🌳ks aggressive, with 25 large vents that provide both an aerodynamic and cooling effect.
Like most helmets in the Giro range, it benefits from the Roc Loc/MIPS retention system. At 260g (medium), the Syntax also represents a happy medium in terms of weight, coming𒁃 in lighter than the more premium Vanquish.
(Image credit: Giro)
Giro Helios Spherical
A road helmet also at home on gravel adventures
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Weight: 270g (medium)
Rotational safety: MIPS
Aero: No
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: 7
Price: £229.99 / $250 / €250
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Giro's Helios Spherical helmet is designed for use both on road and off, making it a great option for anyone who likes to zip along tarmac while knitting together multiple grave🦩l segments.
It comes with MIPS spherical tech, and features 15 ventilation openings for natural cooling. Inside you'll find antimicrobial Ionic + cushioning for absorbing swea🐲t and maintaining comfort, while the who⛦le thing can be adjusted with the brand's Roc Loc 5 Air system.
At home in a road ra🉐ce, cyclocroꦓss race, or on a gravel adventure, the Helios is one of Giro's most versatile road helmets in its range.
(Image credit: Giro)
Giro Vanquish
It’s slippery, looks menacing and comes with a removable Zeiss magnetic-shield lens
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Weight: 305g (medium, without shield), 355g (medium, with shꦯield)
Rotational safety: MIPS
Aero: Yes
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: 6
Price: £219.99 / $300.00 / €280.00
The Giro Vanquish is an out-a🙈nd-out race helmet offering improved aerodynamics and a comfy fit. It also uses MIPS, which has been neatly and effectively integrated into the R༺oc Loc Air fit system so as not to alter the fit.
Designed to deliver greater depth and contrast to your vision, the removable Zeiss-developed lens can be stowed 🔴away by flipping it upside down or ditched entirely for regular shades, it’s your choice.
The progressive d൩esign has positioned it more as an everyday lid rather than an event-specific helmet, but the lack of ventilation could pose an issue when used throughout the warmer months.
(Image credit: Giro)
Giro Synthe MIPS II
The Giro Synthe looks, feels and performs like a segment-leader
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Weight: 250g, medium
Rotational safety: MIPS
Aero: No
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: 10
Price: £179.99 / $261.00 / €200.00
It might be over five years old now, but the Giro 🔥Synthe has earned a reputation for its stellar looks, comfortable 💝fit and performance-orientated bent.
Featuring no less than 26 cooling vents Giro claims it’s ဣmore aerodynamic than the esteemed Air Attack, the predecessor of the Vanquish — which comes down to the use of some clever airflow trickery around the ꧋helmet’s frontal area.
The biggest drawcard is the improved Roc Loc Air fit system which supplies three different height positions to accommo𒁏date a broader range of head sizes as well as a better fit with less restriction around the contact areas.
The Synthe’s proven reputation at the pinnacle of the sport makes it a no-brainer for those looki🐽ng for marginal gains.
(Image credit: Giro)
Giro Cinder
A cheaper and worthy alternative to the mighty Giro Synthe
The Cinder offers a lot more than a comfortable fit. For starters, it looks more like a Synthe 2.0 than brand-new design but closer inspection reveals several cost-cutting differences like Giro vinyl stickers and t🦩he absence of honeycomb mesh on the flanks. But to dismiss the Cinder based purely on a few visual discrepancieꦓs could be considered a mistake.
Utilising a R🌟oc Loc 5 retention sys🎶tem, the Cinder is close to Giro’s best-fitting helmet thanks in part to the MIPS cradle system slotting in behind the foam padding.
At over 300g, it’s a little on the heavy side but what it gains in grams it makes up for in style, performance and fi𝔍t.
(Image credit: Giro)
Giro Agilis MIPS
Increased protection rides that take on more than tarmac
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Weight: 280g, medium
Rotational safety: MIPS
Aero: No
Sizes: S, M, L
Colours: 7
Price: £89.99 / $100.00 / €110.00
The Agilis MIPS steps beyond the road, combining design cues from the Synthe and Giro's mountain bike range to create a road styled h🐻elmet with increased levels of protection. This extra coverage extends down the rear of the helmet for protection against impacts caused from rocks, roots and other off-road debris.
As expected Giro's Roc Loc system is used for retention ﷺand the helmet utilises MIPS to address rotational-impact forces. The vents may be smaller compared to other Giro offerings but they are plentiful with 36 slats positioned across the helmet and linked u𝄹p with internal channelling.
Giro Isode MIPS
The most affordable MIPS helmet is Giro's range
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Weight: 285g (universal)
Rotational safety: MIPS
Aero: No
Sizes: Universal
Colours: 5
Price: £69.99 / $60.00 / €80.00
Whet♉her you're new to road cycling, more of a commuter, or just not wanting to spend a huge amount of money on the latest tech, Gi▨ro's Isolde is an excellent budget-friendly and entry-level option. It's the most affordable MIPS helmet in the range, and its simple design makes it versatile enough to use in varying situations.
It comes in one universal size, and uses the Roc Loc Sport MIPS adjustment system to help you achieve the fit you need. It also features reflective details for visibility in low light conditions, quick-drying internal padding, an insect net to keep critters out of your locks, and a ratchet loc�꧙�k for easy securing.
Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spa𝓡nned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitꩵive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022, 2023, 2024 UCI eSports World Championships.
