If you haven’t noticed, both Giro and Bell are in the process of MIPSing their helmet line up. After announcing an investment in the Swedish protection company last year, Giro has used the opportunity to work directly with MIPS’ designers to develop new testing protocols to figure out exactly what is going on in a crash. Using new fixtures like their pendulum torso, Giro and MIPS are continually studying the effects of rotational impacts to the head.
On the product side, the result is new versions of current helmets that have been upgraded with the Multi Directional Impact Protection System. Helmets like the new Giro Synthe which was just unveiled at the Tour…
If you’re going to announce a new helmet at the Tour, the fact that one of your sponsored teams was in Yellow after the first day certainly doesn’t hurt. After a blazing time trial to kick things off, Rohan Dennis of the BMC Racing Team was crowned with a very special Yellow version of the new Giro Synthe MIPS. Also found on the heads of Team Katusha and IAM cycling, you may just see a Synthe MIPS to match all four Leader’s Jerseys.
Aside from the MIPS technology, the Synthe uses the same aerodynamic profile of the standard helmet which uses their Wind Averaged Drag formula to make the fastest helmet in more situations. By calculating 72 different yaw angles as well as a head angle of 30 degrees and a speed of 25 mph, the Synthe tests more aerodynamically efficient than even Giro’s Air Attack.
Inside, the MIPS low friction liner and elastomeric attachment system is responsible for the rotation of the helmet around the head which is said to lessen rotational impact to the brain. Combined with an in-molded polycarbonate shell and EPS foam liner, the Synthe MIPs offers aero protection at 270g (CPSC Medium, 254g for CE Medium). Held in place with the Roc Loc Air retention system, the helmet includes X-Static padding, 19 vents with internal channeling and integrated Aero Mesh panels, as well as eyewear docking ports on the outside of the lid.
Available this fall, the Synthe MIPS will be available in 8 colors and will sell for $270/ €300.
