Having had Giro helmets for a while, and my Helios hat being about 5 years old, I decided to buy a new hat a few months ago. I've worn it sevaral times a week for a while now, so thought I'd let you know about it !
The current advice on changing your bicycle helmet is to replace it after 5 years or so, even if it hasn't been involved in a crash, since pollution, UV light and weathering can apparently weaken its component parts over time. Not sure if this is just marketing hype to make us all spend more money (!), but I've only got one head, and wouldn't want to damage it over being stingy !
Giro has been making quality light-weight cycling helmets since 1985. Giro is the helmet of choice for world famous seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, as it is for winners of mountain bike world championships, cyclocross world championships, Triathlon and Iron Man world championships.
The Atmos is Giro's current top of the range model, primarily targetted at road cyclists, although just as suitable for mountain-or leisure-bikers - there's no peak though...
Colour options (as you can see in the picture) are Team Rabobank (blue/orange), Team Fassa Bortolo (blue/white), White/silver, Team Discovery (blue/white/yellow), and black. These all look great, but I chose the white one. I think there are also a few "limited edition" colours that are available in certainl places, but these may cost you a few more ££...
In between whatever colour you choose for the helmet shell are 26 "Wind Tunnel" design vents that draw air through the helmet for excellent cooling whilst riding, and although I have only used this hat in the not so hot UK winter/Spring 2006, I can certainly confirm that there's a lot of ventilation and look forward to using it in the summer - Watch this space for an update...
In-mould Carbon Reinforcment ("I.C.R") inserts not only look fantastic, but with the "advanced internal Roll Cage" add extra reinforcement without excess bulk or weight (total weight = 270 grams). Even at this light weight, the 2006 Atmos meets the CE EN1078 safety certification, so you can be confident that should you fall off, this helmet will protect you.
A good-fitting helmet will be snug, but not tight, and should sit level on your head (not tilted back) with the front edge no more than 1 inch above your eyebrows. The Atmos's "RocLoc 4" adjustment at the back allows you to tune the fit exactly with both lateral and vertical adjustment. You can also adjust the straps so the buckle is just under your chin.
This helmet comes in three sizes: Small, (51-55cm / 20-21.75" head circumference), Medium (55-59cm / 21.75-23.25") and Large (59-63cm / 23.25-24.75"). I tried on both a medium (towards the big end of the possiblke adjustment) and a large (very much at the small end), and finally opted for the medium on the (quite correct, I think) advice of the salesman in the shop that one should always pick a smaller option.
Yes, it is an expensive hat (check bikepimp.co.uk to find a bargain), but you're paying for top quality design, and lightweight protection, plus the kudos of wearing the same hat as Lance Armstrong - if you're into that kind of thing...
The Atmos comes with some replacement pads for the inside of the helmet - so you can replace them when they get all rotten from being washed too often to get rid of the smell of sweat/rain/mud etc (!). In the box is also a "helmet pod", a kind of zip up black case to protect the helmet when not in use - there's a buckle up handle and also space for cycling gloves and glasses to keep everything safe and together - a rather good idea. These sell for £20 odd by themselves !
There's also a small orange ID sticker, for you to fill in all your details and stick on the inside of the helmet just in case, although whether any paramedic type person will take any notice, or even see it, is another thing. I've not bothered.
Buying a Giro hat avails you of the excellent Giro Crash Replacement Programme. Anyone with a Giro helmet up to three years old can replace it at a reduced price (-20% I think) if it has been involved in an accident. The replacement will always be the same model as the original or the nearest current equivalent if the original is no longer available. I've never had to use this - luckily - but it's a good offer I think.
Overall, this is a great looking, lightweight cycle helmet that should protect your bonce well in the event of a tumble, and that's worth investing a few quid for don't you think...?
