There seemed to be a lot of new products at Eurobike when it came to helmets – and many of those were from Giro. We had already gotten a sneak peek at their biggest news before the show, but there was a lot more to see than just the new Aether. Along the same lines asthe new MIPS – Boa collaboration, Giro had a trio of new helmets which use their own version of a MIPS – retention system hybrid.
Sold in three separate versions, the new Syntax MIPS, Seyen MIPS, and Artex MIPS are all based off the same platform which includes the Roc Loc 5 Air MIPS system. Essentially, the Roc Loc adjustment system and the MIPS Low Friction Liner are one and the same, with the Roc Loc dial cinching the LFL around your head for a better fit. That LFL is then connected to the helmet shell with the same elastomers that give the MIPS system its characteristic 10-15mm of rotational movement in an impact.
And get used to seeing Giro helmets with MIPS systems in the future – we’re told that from now on, every new Giro helmet will be MIPS only. That’s how much they believe in the system even though they no longer have a financial stake in the company.
For men, the Syntax will be a feature packed, affordable road helmet with six color ways and four sizes for $100.
Women get the same protection in the Seyen MIPS, with only three color ways and four sizes, also for $100.
For $10 more, you can get the same helmet with a visor in the new Artex at $110. All three helmets include CoolFit anti-microbial padding, a full hardbody wrap with in-mold PC shell and EPS liner, Slimline buckle, and the Roc Loc 5 Air MIPS system with 25 vents and four sizes.
In an effort to make reflectivity a bit more bold, Giro also has an all new Reflective collection highlighted by the new Aether MIPS. The reflective soft goods include the wild Chrono Expert Wind Jacket or Vest (men’s or women’s), Chrono Expert Bib or halter bib, cycling cap, and Empire SLX shoe. Each piece is fairly muted under normal light conditions, but as soon as a light source hits it, they explode with patterns and color.
The Reflective collection is just one of the many limited edition series that Giro has put together that include matching kits, shoes, socks, gloves, and helmets.
Over on the commuter helmet side, Giro had new additions including the Caden MIPS, Cormick MIPS, and Crossley MIPS which all range from $55-80.
But what really caught our eye was the Bexley MIPS with its huge integrated rear light. This helmet isn’t super new, but it was my first time seeing it in person and it seems like a good way to integrate lighting into the helmet. Apparently studies have shown that the bigger the light, the more it will get drivers’ attention so the Bexley lights up a big portion of the rear shell turning the helmet shell into the light. Pretty slick.
There were a ton of other additions to the Giro line up, so we had to stick to some of the highlights like the new Privateer Lace men’s and Manta Lace women’s gravel shoes. Designed to be a walkable shoe for SPD cleats, both models will run $139 and will be available this fall.
Giro’s Rumble VR gets a styling update that gives the spinning/commuting shoe improved style.
And if you’re into the lace up style Chamber II for trail/enduro/DH riding like we are, then this new Aaron Gwin signature might catch your eye. For a guy who isn’t the biggest fan of lace ups, I’ve been super happy with the new Chamber II and it’s turned into my go-to choice for trail and enduro riding and even some DH and park laps. This new black/white color way is looking pretty great – I’m just curious how long that outsole will stay white.
And since gloves with faux leather palms seemed to be a popular new thing at the show, Giro had this new Trail Builder model which will soon join the line up.