“Style over speed.” The tagline of the new Giro helmet says it all. Where many mountain bike helmets are designed for racing, the new Tyrant is more about flow – and added protection when your flow hits a speed bump.
Giro already has the Disciple, which is a dedicated full face helmet. They also have the Switchblade which is a full face that is convertible to a “full-cut” helmet without the chin bar. But the Tyrant is something quite a bit different. While it has a similar full-cut profile as the Switchblade without the chin bar, this helmet has been designed from the ground up without any additional frontal protection. That allowed it to be built lighter and better ventilated. In addition to 14 vents with internal channeling, the helmet uses what Giro calls Channeled Stack ventilation at the brow line to ensure the helmet won’t melt your brain on hot days.
It’s also built with MIPS Spherical which was first introduced on the Giro Aether. The concept uses two separate foam layers which act as a sort of ball and socket with the stretchy bands in between the layers. These two layers are made from different foams with the outer one made from EPS for high speed crashes, and the inner made from EPP for lower speed crashes. The EPP is a lower density foam with “rebound characteristics to address low-speed, roll-around-in-the-dirt-type spills.”
The outer layer is in-molded with a polycarbonate “Hardbody” lower wrap. The mix of style and protection extends down over the ears with minimal cheek padding to keep things as cool as possible. There are also two different sets of cheek pads included for adjusting your fit.
The bolt on visor is adjustable without preset heights, and you can comfortably stash a pair of goggles underneath if desired.
The main fit adjustment is provided through the newest version of the Roc Loc DH fit system which adjusts with a single dial.
Offered in four colors and three sizes, the helmet will sell this fall for $150.
