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MET Debuts Manta, Rivale super lightweight & wind tunnel-proven helmets in TDF peloton

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MET_Manta_MES_Helmet_0021

Team MTN Qhubeka has been sporting some very heavy hitting, though lightweight, new speed gear in this year’s Tour. MET’s new MANTA closed aero helmet provides impressive aerodynamic performance for the gram while the Rivale is designed around maximal ventilation to keep hot heads cool in the Peloton. Both are designed for high speed safety utilizing MET’s HES impact distributing construction. Peek under the bonnet for more details…

MET_Manta_MES_Helmet_0022

Coming in at a claimed 200g, the MANTA is undeniably lightweight – the “lightest closed aero helmet on the market” according to MET. The shape and vents are the big story. Wind tunnel proven, MET claim the shape provides a savings of 10 watts at 50km/h. Though it doesn’t feature aggressive front venting, the front facing Airflow Coverge vents of the helmet open to a smart network of internal cooling channels.

MET_Manta_MES_Helmet_0020

The retention system is MET’s Safe T Advanced. Though minimal, it manages to remain comfortable by using a large cradling surface area, which assists with air flow around the head. With no detail too minimal, MANTA’s lightweight Airlite straps claim a weight savings of 15% over typical strap material as well as an aerodynamic benefit.

Coming in at 230g, the relatively highly vented Rivale isn’t a slacker in the weight department either. While designed for maximum air intake with extra vents in the front, the Rivale still offers an aerodynamic savings of 3 watts at 50km/h.

MET_Rivale_MES_Helmet_0020

The MANTA and the Rivale share retention systems, as well as construction method. Third party test verified HES construction distributes impact across a large area of the helmet, ensuring that the force from impact is not focused on a single region – critical for impacts at the high speeds for which this helmet is designed.

MET_Rivale_MES_Helmet_0021

Both the MANTA and Rivale will be available at retail this October.

Met-Helmets.com

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riley martin
riley martin
8 years ago

of all the aero road helmets we’ve seen so far…this one looks badass! yes that’s right this is a “like”!!

Matt
Matt
8 years ago

Like

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

To give you an idea I had a UVEX BOSS RACE road helmet and that came in at 215 grams and you could feel how light it was. The MET at 200grams is going to be amazing. I currently ride in a MET Stradivarius road helmet and is extremely comfortable.

Cannot wait to get one or both of these.

a
a
8 years ago

i wonder how good these light helmets are for impact protection these days. this one sure looks cooler than the rest

WG
WG
8 years ago

@a – safety standards haven’t changed, every helmet has to meet them before it is even allowed on any market.

Speaking of helmets – these are by far the best looking aero lids I’ve seen so far. Absolutely lovely!

Andy Mac
Andy Mac
8 years ago

like who rides at 50 km/h other than A pro sprinter winding it up!!?

So what is the saving at a typical 30 km/h going to be? Love to know the answer to that question.

BillBob
8 years ago

That’s a good looking helmet and even better looking aero helmet. I was rocking a LG Cronoleggera before aero helmets were even cool, but even today it still looks obnoxious and is heavy. I might spring for this Manta though. Great design. I wonder how the two compare in actual aero properties though.

Mike
Mike
8 years ago

Saves 10 watts at 50km/h compared to ?

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
8 years ago

Andy Mac…the savings would be smaller, that’s for sure. (deleted)

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
8 years ago

Are we supposed to care what other riders look like? Man, I guess I better start looking more closely at the kit other riders using and start judging them for it. I guess I’ve been doing the cycling thing all wrong.

Matt
Matt
8 years ago

@Vegan, I think part of how cool this helmet is, is the fact that it does not look like an TT helmet, but rather just a very good looking road helmet. Yeah, you show up with a TT helmet or Tri-bars to the group ride, and well, you probably aren’t going to be riding with the group. But this helmet looks good with some aero properties.

RC Speed
RC Speed
8 years ago

Real question is who in the U.S. carries or is the dist for the MET helmets?
Its one thing to want something…it is another to actually be able to get it.

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

RC Speed. So Todson the distributor for Topeak, Velox, and Onguard locks is the US distributor for MET. I know that they just started distributing the helmets less than a year ago. The best thing to do if you want one of these helmets is go to your local shop and request them. Shops will cary and consider products if they know that there is real interest from the consumer.

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