The new MET Rivale hits the road boasting improved protection, efficiency and comfort, with no weight penalty. For the first time the Rivale will be offered with MIPS safety technology that, broadly speaking, makes helmets around 10% safer than helmets of a standard construction. Let’s take a closer look at the new MET Rivale MIPS road helmet.
MET Rivale MIPS Road Helmet
The Rivale is MET’s mid-range helmet for road cycling, sat between the top-end Trenta worn by the UAE Emirates Team, and the lower end Idolo, Strale and Vinci MIPS road helmets. The new MET Rivale weighs just 230g in medium – exactly the same as its previous iteration despite the overhaul to its shape.
The new MET Rivale has undergone some serious revisions to accommodate MIPS, and claims to be more efficient and comfortable too. So what’s changed?
It now has a new fit system. It’s called the Safe-T Upsilon retention system and it is designed to improve the helmet’s stability on the rider’s head, and it’s ponytail compatible. A 360° head belt ensures there are no pressure points on the skull. Vertical adjustment leaves the rider with an individual fit.
Like the previous Rivale, the new helmet features MET’s NACA vents. No fewer than 18, in fact. These are internal air channels that help keep the rider’s head cool. The MET Rivale and MET Rivale MIPS helmets are now wider at the front to improve ventilation. This is also said to make stowage of sunglasses easier.
MET claim the new shape makes the NACA vents more efficient and the helmet more aerodynamic than its predecessor. Internal padding is gel based.
Finally, the new road helmets feature MET’s Air Lite straps with adjustable cam dividers, reflective rear decals, and space for the fitment of a rear light.
Pricing & Availability
Both Rivale helmets are available in sizes S (52-56cm), M (56-58cm) and L (58-61cm). They are CE certified according to AS/NZS and US standards.
The MET Rivale is priced at 130€ / £120 / CAD$200. The MET Rivale MIPS weighs just 20g more at 250g in medium, and will set you back 150€ / £140 / US$180 / CAD$250 / AUS$250. Availability is expected around mid-October.
