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