Giro's Synthe Helmet represents the best of the new style aero helmets that deliver aerodynamic benefits without sacrificing ventilation, comfort, and wearable aesthetics. Now the MIPS (Multiple-directional Impact System) has been integrated to Synthe, offering new levels of safety and head protection to Giro's superb road helmet. MIPS is a technology that was developed by Swedish scientists from 19 years of research. The resulting MIPS institute collaborates with helmet companies to deliver safety for cycling, snow, and other action action sports. With the Synthe, shape and function hasn't changed, but the helmet now provides a major upgrade in safety. Several of Giro's Tour de France teams wore the MIPS version for added protection, again proving riders value safety along with speed and comfort.

The integration with the MIPS protection system takes place under the helmet's shell. MIPS separates the fit lining and carriage of the helmet from the shell. The two are connected at four points with a stretch material. In normal use the shell is stable. But what MIPS researchers, and others, have learned about collision and impact has to do with the movement of the brain within the skull at impact. Torsional force can damage the brain as much or more than a direct impact. When cycling, certainly there can be an helmet impact. However, there are also many ways for the skull to suffer a torsional injury from a strike to the side or from a low angle. In isolating the shell from the fit system, MIPS allows the shell to move- from impact, or torsion, 10-15mm independently from the skull. This drastically reduces the impact and rebound forces that cause brain injuries. While there are no guarantees, MIPS has greatly improved the level of protection that a helmet can provide.

The Synthe design itself began with the focus on aerodynamics. For the last few years helmet companies have studied aero capacity of standard road helmets. Not surprisingly, the large vents that are crucial to cooling turned out to add drag. The trade-off has been worth it for most riders, even professionals. But what if a helmet could manage air flow and temperature and be aerodynamically sound? Well, it turns out these two missions are compatible, however the earliest designs were not all that attractive. And let’s face it, the look of a helmet matters. When Giro designed the Synthe in the wind tunnel, the team reshaped and sculpted a design that reminded of the neo-classic road helmets of the 2000’s, but had a more streamlined shape and air vents that blended more into the overall aesthetic of the aero shell. An egg no more, the Synthe is the new classic design. Still, the challenge of temperature management remained. Giro applied new material technologies and construction to keep the cyclist comfortable and safe, yet the aerodynamics have been nailed, and the aero-mesh panel on either side is functional and distinctive.... Read More