
User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
Had accident on bike where helmet structure cracked upon impact, but I received no concussion.
The MIPS probably takes the credit for my good luck.
Review by Grimes
This has been on my wish list for a while to replace my Air Attack so I grabbed one while they were on clearance. The Air Attack is a size large and it's a little big unless I wear a winter cap underneath it, so I opted for the medium Synthe. The Synthe fits snug and won't work with a winter cap, so maybe I'll keep the Air Attack around for cold days.
Overall it's a great improvement in comfort and weight. It's been too cold to test ventilation but it can't be worse than the Air Attack.
Review by justbob
When I tested this helmet in my garage wind tunnel I measured it to be 4.67% more efficient. But seriously, the helmet fits great. The Giro adjustment knob works great as usual. When I first picked it up I was surprised on how light it was. Lastly, the sunglass garage works great and keeps my glasses safely in place, unlike all of my prior helmets. Lightweight with great features and MIPS protection, how can you go wrong.
Review by Brad
The fit and feel of this helmet is supreme and a big improvement over my previous Giro helmet. Overall riding experience is great, quieter in wind noise, plenty of air flow pouring through. Having a MIPS design helmet i think is what really sets this apart in the comfort department as well, big improvement. I am very satisfied with this helmet!
Review by Anonymous
Best MIPS aero helmet! I have had a few others and none compare to this. Keeps head cool, while keeping your melon safe!
Review by Rivak
I purchased the Giro Synthe at a rocking good price. This is a gift for my wife. Not only does it look great without that mushroom profile, but it is comfortable, aero and designed well with a MIPS system for safety. I highly recommend this helmet if you want a race worthy and safe helmet. Go Giro!
Review by Zatoichi
Just FYI, if you have a large (size 7-12 or larger) head, this may not work for you, as the MIPS liner takes up room inside the shell. With a thin skullcap on my head, I was unable to get it to fit comfortably, even after adjusting the retention mechanism downward and opening the dial adjuster all the way. As a point of reference, I normally wear a large Giro Ionos or a large POC Octal (non-MIPS), both have plenty of room. BTD handled the return quickly and with no problems at all.
Review by Tobycat
After a head injury incurred in a crash I wanted a MIPS helmet when first saw them. Th Synthe was my choice. This has been my second season with it and here are my observations
Fit - typical of all Giro helmets and for me that means secure, comfortable and sleek looking. The adjustment mechanism is excellent.
Weight - not the lightest but still quite light.
Usability - sunglasses (Oakley) for perfectly - unlike POC where the glasses stems are too long for the helmet. Helmet does not slide on the head but stays comfortably snug. Airflow seems fine although I rarely feel hot due to a helmet.
Only peeve is no extra pads came with it and in spite of the pads being minimal, replacement pads seem far more expensive than those for any other Giro helmet
Review by Old Man On Wheels
I just replaced my Giro Atmos Helmet with the Synthe. My primary criteria (after certification and fit) is cooling. I picked my Atmos as the best for cooling after trying several helmets in a kind of a channeled wind generator at home. The guys at BTD said I tried out more helmets than any other customer, so I was looking to do as well or better than the Atmos. (I have high heat generation so cooling is important)
While I did not set up controlled tests like I did for my Schwalbe One's, I was able to make some good assessments on the road to validate the advertising claims for the Synthe. I assumed that impact protection was excellent and was not about to test that.
Cooling
Upon leaving my driveway, once above 8 miles per hour my head started to feel cold. This was with a Giro SPF 30 sweat cap under the helmet. The old Atmos did not feel cold even with a bare head at 8 mph. Even though it was a sticky warm day and I was hammering along, sweat never poured down my face. I took off the cap on my return trip and felt cold and dry for the last 15 miles. I stopped in my driveway at the end and did not remove my helmet. In about 30 seconds, sweat was pouring down my forehead. It cools much better than the Atmos, an excellent helmet in its own right.
Aerodynamics
Giro claims much improved airflow (lower drag) over a range of conditions and head angles. My first thought was that the difference would be academic and only of merit for advertising purposes. Much to my surprise at 18 mph and above, it did feel faster and the wind noise was less. Getting into the drops with my head down felt like a little turbo kicking in, probably since this was the lowest drag orientation for the Synthe. I did do some ride to ride comparisons on Garmin Connect for several faster downhill runs I have recorded. The runs were essentially maxed out for their %grade like terminal velocity for a sky diver. At around 35 mph I was actually about 1 mph faster than the Atmos. So from 18 to 35 mph there is a progressively increasing gain of around 1 mph. Higher speeds would show more gain. The aerodynamics claim of the Synthe has merit.
Fit
This is a personal thing, and for me the Synthe is very comfortable. The straps are easy to adjust and issues about interference with one's ears noted by other reviewers elsewhere is just helmet inexperience in my opinion.
I highly recommend the Synthe if it fits your head.
Review by A1A Rider
Best helmet yet...quiet in the wind, light, comfortable and all the other positive attributes listed in the marketing promo. I've, unfortunately, broken two Giro helmets (not this model) in crashes but didn't suffer head damage in either. Giro helmets have saved my skull. The reason this doesn't get 5 stars is due to the adjustment knob which is small and can be difficult to adjust while riding with sweaty fingers and more difficult if you're wearing gloves.
Review by explore42
I wanted a Mips helmet and this helmet has the best features of all the helmets on the market today. I also have a POC Miips helmet which I like but its not quite as nice looking and feels slightly heavier. I have owned Giro helmets in the past and this one fits as well as any high end helmet. The vents are great and the air flow has to be better than the Smith Overtake. The other thing that sold me on this helmet is its rounded back. There are articles out there that say helmet with pointed backs are more prone to stick on hitting the ground versus a rounder one which will roll.
Review by ALICE.
This is my 3rd Giro Synthe helmet. The 1st 2 were banged up in wrecks, and I am very glad I was wearing a helmet, and especially this one. I am looking forward to trying the new model that is on backorder.
Review by norman
I have used this helmet for years. they have saved my head on three occasions. they saved me from concussions.
Review by Chuckee
Use it for road biking generally every day - 100 to 150 miles weekly. The Giro Synthe MIPS Helmet is probably the most comfortable helmet I have worn in over 35 years of cycling. The adjustable knob in back makes fitting helmet to head extremely easy. The light weight is super - you don't fell like you are even wearing a helmet. There is nothing I don't like about the helmet.
Review by OKBiker
After a family member was hit by a vehicle, I spent the money on this upgrade. It is what it claims to be. It is slightly larger than my previous helmet, but with the added protection, I deemed worth that cost. Very comfortable, with slots that allow good airflow.
Review by Tedk
I have tried several helmets in the past and this is by far my favorite. The last one I had cracked during a mountain bike accident but my head survived in tact.
Review by esubi
Bought to replace non-MIPS Kask Protone. Both good helmets just preferred the updated technology. My head measures 22.5 inches and medium fits me perfectly. Light good looking helmet I hope I never have to test it.
Review by Woody
Purchased this helmet for the safety protection system. In addition it has a great fit and the airflow really does keep your head cool. It is more expensive than some other helmets but well worth the price.
Review by Kamas
Had the Cinder. Was looking for something a little lighter. This fits the bill. Less neck ache. Haven't really worked out how my Ray Bans work with the sun glass retainer. The retaining strap seems better as well. Fit is consistent with Giro.
Review by BDK
i picked this helmet because I like this MIPPS system the best and because It has better cooling than most.