Giro Ionos: In depth review
Giro Ionos (Giro©.)
After three years of research and development the new Giro Ionos is available. But was it worth the wait? We examine the evidence.
Internal structure
Improving ventilation by increasing the size of holes without compromising crash protection is a tricky balancing act. Giro have therefore employed various technologies to increase airflow and still keep the Ionos safe:
- like its stablemate the Atmos, the Ionos uses a carbon and composite sub frame. You can see part of this in the form of silver Kevlar strips that cover the exposed EPS frame.
- a composite weave is used to reinforce the largest vents with internal strips of carbon fibre and fibreglass composite further increasing the tensile strength of the helmet.
- the composite/carbon structure sits inside the helmet's EPS inner (the black stuff that looks like polystyrene). A shiny exoskeleton is then fused to the EPS layer to improve durability
- the outer shell extends underneath the front of the helmet for better protection from day to day wear and the rear also receives more coverage than the current Atmos model.
Better fit
Giro is making a big noise about improving the fit on the new Ionos and it certainly does feel different to the Atmos. It's always horses for courses when it comes to helmet fit, what's right for one head often isn't for another but the Ionos feels like it offers greater coverage. It sits lower on the head, providing a more 'enclosed' feel and a more comfortable fit.
Securing the helmet at the back is Giro's Roc Loc 4 system. Rightly touted as the benchmark retention system it's quick and easy to adjust and provides excellent hold without crushing your head.
Another new feature is the antibacterial, anti-odour X-Static pads which are designed to reduce odours and prevent germs from getting a foothold. The pads may be a small detail, but often it's little features like this that make a big difference when it come to using a helmet on a daily basis.
Improved ventilation
The 21 vents provide noticeably more cooling than the current Atmos thanks to whopping great vents at the front and a re-designed rear exhaust. We tested the Ionos during the start of the cold season and switching between an Atmos, the new Specialized 2D and the Ionos we can positively say that the Ionos is the coolest of the three. In fact cooling was so efficient that a cap had to be worn underneath to prevent windchill during the crisper autumn mornings and it's perhaps no surprise that Giro provides a natty, insulated skullcap for such days. It looks a bit odd and we preferred to stick with a standard cycling cap, but it's certainly an indication as to how well ventilated the Ionos is.
Weight
At race level a lot is often made about the weight of helmets and a most manufacturers make a big thing about offering the lightest lid.
At 302g for the medium size the Ionos is light, but not the lightest helmet around. We don't really care. You're talking about grams here and it really doesn't make that much difference at this performance level. We'd rather have a better ventilated more comfortable helmet than one that weighs a few grams lighter.
And if the marketeers tend to major on the theory that lightest is best, here's our own little theory when it comes to helmets:
A mouthful of water weighs 20-30g. If you're cooler because you've got a better ventilated helmet then you're going to sweat less which means you drink less, which in turn means you need to carry less water. We sweat approximately 2% of our body weight (figure derived from the internet and various sports scientists - so don't quote us on it). Add up all that sweat and water on a long, hot ride and your talking quite a few extra grams.
There's nothing like a bit of pseudo-science to cloud the issue but there is some logic to our theory. What we're basically saying is: give us a well ventilated helmet any day.
Verdict
More than just a facelift. Improved ventilation and fit make the Ionos our current favourite race helmet, more.
© BikeRadar 2007
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