Giro Atmos Helmet Review

Blue/Black version.

My old Giro Pneumos helmet was getting rather past it, having been used heavily for over three years and looking rather battered, so I thought it was about time to buy a new one.  This helmet is the top of the range Giro helmet, and supposedly boasts a "carbon fibre ribcage" to help strengthen it, as well as being very light and well ventilated.

Giro Atmos Ventilation

Just like with the Pneumo, this helmet has an incredible amount of ventilation, so much so that in cooler weather at speed your head will get overly chilled.  In hot weather and on an uphill climb, the helmet still makes you much hotter than just a bare head.

Giro Helmet Straps and Adjustments

The Pneumo has two separate items holding it onto your head.  First is their Roc-Loc 4 system which is a clever and easily adjustable head size and fit adjustment at the rear.  This is surprisingly easy to use and works very well to give a comfortable fit.  You need this to be adjustable as your head size will change slightly between summer and winter due to the need to wear an insulating hat in cold weather.

Second is a relatively standard set of helmet straps that fasten under your chin.  These are easy to adjust, at least compared with many other helmets I've seen, but not particularly remarkable otherwise.

Conclusion

I like this helmet even more than the slightly lower spec Pneumo I got last time.  It's comfortable, looks good, and fits my head well, and only loses out on the fairly high cost of the helmet.  There are a couple of minor disadvantages to this Giro, in that you get some amazing helmet hair patterns from where the foam padding contacts your head.  Also, given the size of the ventilation, and the amount of time I spend outdoors, I get some unusual tanning marks.  In fairness, both these points are probably generic to all similar road racing style helmets, rather than just the Giro Atmos.

Disclaimer

Helmets don't necessarily prevent head injury, and I make no warranty that the helmet is suitable for you, that it will protect you, etc. etc.  When buying a helmet always follow the manufacturers' instructions regarding fit and suitability for the purpose you intend using it.

I'm not actually a big believer in the protective effects of helmets, surprisingly to some.  I don't wear my helmet for cycling as cycling isn't dangerous enough (actually, in the UK walking is more dangerous than cycling, believe it or not).  I do wear it for skating, partly because I feel forced to as an instructor, and partly because skating does result in more cuts and scrapes, and a helmet is probably quite good at protecting against minor injuries.  It's serious head injuries where helmets have doubtful benefts.  See www.cyclehelmets.org for more detail on this, it's an excellent and relatively unbiased site on the Great Helmet Debate.

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