We caught a glimpse of the Giro Montaro Pro at Sea Otter, so we’ve known that it’s coming; we just didn’t know when. We still haven’t gotten a media kit or official launch date yet, but when poking around the Giro website yesterday, we saw that the Montaro Pro was already listed and available for purchase. This new model essentially replaces the long-standing Manifest Spherical as the top-tier half-shell in the Giro lineup.
The Manifest Spherical has been considered by many to be one of the best mountain bike helmets on the market since it came out all the way back in 2020. Six years is a long time for any cycling product, so the Manifest was certainly due for an update. With the Montaro Pro, it appears that Giro is combining the Manifest’s low-profile shape, MIPS Spherical, ventilation, and features with a more aggressive design language consistent with the new Montaro III. Let’s check it out.
Giro Montaro Pro Details
The new Montaro Pro has a similar, low-profile silhouette to the Manifest Spherical, which does a good job of hiding the dual-shell MIPS Spherical rotational impact protection system. Giro has been using Spherical Technology for a while now, and it is a ball-and-socket design with inner and outer shells that rotate independently to redirect impact forces in a crash. Additionally, Giro has included its Aura II Arch, a translucent, shatter-resistant reinforcement that runs throughout the helmet for structural support.
The Aura II Reinforcement Arch adds structural integrity, which allows for 23 “Wind Tunnel” vents. The Manifest was a well-ventilated helmet, and it appears that Giro intends for the Montaro Pro to carry that torch. Eyewear grippers in the front vents provide a place to stash your glasses, while a goggle gripper keeps your goggle strap from shifting. Inside, the silver incorporated in the Ionic+ padding is naturally odor-resistant.
As is the current trend, the Montaro Pro’s visor appears to be positioned a bit higher up on the helmet, similar to the visor on the Montaro III. Giro says the visor is adjustable with two positions for blocking the sun or stashing your eyewear. The magnetic Fidlock buckle makes securing the chinstrap a snap, and Giro’s RocLoc Trail Air adjustment system allows riders to snug up the helmet for security and stability on the trail.
As of today, the new Montaro Pro does not appear in Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Ratings, so unfortunately, we don’t have that information to compare it with other helmets. That said, it is certified to the NTA 8776 e-bike standard, meaning it offers enhanced protection against higher impact speeds associated with electric bicycles.
The new Montaro Pro is available in S, M, and L sizes, which should cover head circumferences between 51 and 63cm. It comes in seven colorways: Matte White, Matte Black, Stone, Black/Frequency Orange, Frequency Blue, Sapphire, and Sky Blue. Unfortunately, Giro does not have the Montaro Pro’s weight listed yet.
Pricing and Availability
The new Montaro Pro has a retail price of $299.95, landing it squarely in the high end of the half-shell helmet market. It is currently available for purchase directly from Giro through the brand’s website. We’d expect it to hit online and brick-and-mortar retailers soon, too.
