Giro Synthe MIPS

It ranks #3 (A tier) on our consolidated bike helmets board, drawn from 6 independent outlets.

Road riders who want a balanced all-round helmet with current protection technology. It is ranked third in A tier on our bike helmets board, with reviewers noting MIPS protection, a balanced fit, a durable shell and long-lasting safety performance. If you want the best ventilation, the Trek Velocis MIPS is the top pick. If you want an aero shape for racing, the Specialized Evade 3 is the other A tier choice.

Reviewers credit the Giro Synthe MIPS with a durable shell and long-lasting safety performance, and our research records no wear complaints. Replace it after any crash that hits the head, and expect three to five years of normal use before the foam and straps should be retired.

Balanced fit is one of the findings reviewers repeat for the Giro Synthe MIPS. Measure your head circumference above the ears and buy the matching size, then use the rear dial so the helmet sits level a finger width above the brows and does not rock.

The Giro Synthe MIPS. It sits in A tier on our board while the Giro Aether is in F tier, where a road helmet guide placed it as a lower-tier option for its heavier weight and dated slip liner compared with newer models. The Giro Eclipse Pro, in D tier, also ranks well below the Giro Synthe MIPS, with reviewers citing a premium price for minimal improvement.

MIPS is a low-friction liner between your head and the foam that lets the helmet slide a few millimetres on an angled impact, reducing the rotational force passed to the brain. It adds a little weight and a slip layer you will barely notice while riding. It is standard on current helmets from the main brands and is one of the reasons the Giro Synthe MIPS ranks above older Giro models on our board.