Giro Synthe
Giro named this helmet the Synthe because they believe it’s the perfect synthesis between the four key elements of a helmet: at 208g for our small test lid, it’s super- low-weight; an array of 26 vents and internal channelling provide plenty of ventilation; a Roc Loc Air retention system ensures a comfy, stable fit; and Giro say their wind-tunnel testing has revealed the Synthe to be very slippery indeed.
We’ve been riding the Synthe for the past six months now, in a review period that included hundreds of kilometres on the road, as well as the 2016 Absa Cape Epic; and we believe Giro have indeed achieved their goal. The Synthe is an incredibly versatile helmet, for both onand off-road riders. Counting against it, however, is the hefty price tag: over R4k.
IT’S ALL IN THE FIT
The Roc Loc Air fit system makes a major contribution to the Synthe’s comfort and air flow. Adjusted via a traditional dial, the flexible plastic cradle attaches at the rear of the helmet (offering three height positions) and at the temples, and runs along the side of your cranium to form a continuous fit around the circumference of your head.
We found the Roc Loc Air’s cradle design benefits you in three ways. Firstly the fit is very versatile, and works with heads of all shapes and sizes. Secondly, the webbing suspends the Synthe’s EPS (expanded polystyrene) body above your head, making the helmet feel extremely light; and it noticeably improves ventilation, by allowing air to flow better through the internal channels. Thirdly, the need for padding is substantially reduced – the Synthe comes with just two pads: a small one in the centre-back position, and a pad along your brow line.
KEEPING THE FLOW
In terms of ventilation, the Synthe’s forward-facing vents combine with a labyrinth of internal channelling (as well as the Roc Loc Air) to provide a direct path for hot air to move quickly through the shell, and out through rear-facing exhaust ports.
The vents have been designed and positioned to maximise the balance between airflow and aerodynamics. While we couldn’t verify Giro’s windtunnel testing, the Synthe’s slim profile and clipped tail do provide visual cues to a helmet that is extremely slippery – and importantly, it achieves this without looking like you’re wearing a mushroom on top of your head.
Giro’s range- topping helmet focuses on delivering breezy ventilation while maintaining aerodynamic performance We found the Roc Loc Air fit system, which suspends the Synthe slightly above your skull, enhanced air-flow, fit comfort, and stability Weight: 208g (size small) Counting against the Synthe is its hefty price tag