Josh Valcarcel/WIRED
Traditionally, vent-filled helmets that keep your head cool are costly in terms of drag. Conversely, super aerodynamic models can be stifling sweatboxes for your noggin. Thanks to an innovative new design, Giro’s latest helmet doesn’t suffer from either problem. It’s able to cool your head better than its lightweight, well ventilated Aeon model, and be “faster” than the Air Attack, the company’s aero road helmet.
Giro bases this claim on wind tunnel testing results and a formula that factors in 72 different yaw angles for a rider going 25 mph with a 30 degree head angle (the most common head angle whether riding in the hoods or drops). Based on those calculations, the Synthe had less drag than the Air Attack and six other unidentified competitors. And while the Aeon proved cooler for the first 10 or so minutes of a ride, the Synthe ends up being less toasty as a ride extends to 30 minutes.
Part of the secret is in the aero mesh panels along the sides of the helmet, which also conveniently house a dedicated eyewear dock for stashing your shades on your head. A total of 19 vents, focused at its fore and aft, and internal channeling funnel air through the 250 gram helmet as you ride. The Aeon, by comparison, has 24 vents and weighs 222 grams. While heftier than the Aeon, the Synthe is 13 percent lighter than the 288 gram Air Attack and comparably aero.
If you’re hoping to strap it on, you’ll have to save it for your holiday wish list, though. The $250 Synthe, while debuting on the domes of three teams at the Tour de France, won’t be available to us mortals until December. It will come in seven different color varieties, plus a limited edition highlight yellow and black “splatter” design.
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