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The third generation of the Giro Montaro is an open-face MTB helmet showcasing the latest technology, positioned below Giro’s Manifest Spherical and Merit Spherical in terms of price.
Helmet technology is continually evolving and improving: MIPS, MIPS Integra Split and now the MIPS Evolve Core tech used in the Montaro III, as well as different energy-absorption materials, buckles and features galore.
The new Montaro also offers front and rear glasses storage, should a single pair of sunnies not be sufficient for you.
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Safety first
Technology for rider safety is evolving all the time and nowhere is this more evident than in helmets.
Materials science offers designers ever-more exotic substances to build into helmets. Meanwhile, research into CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), in conjunction with computer modelling and real-world testing, means helmet technology has never been more sophisticated.
The Montaro and Montaro II both featured MIPS, but with the Montaro III Giro claims to have taken that a step further by employing MIPS Evolve Core.
The MIPS Evolve Core system means the attachment of a low-friction layer to the inner surface of the helmet’s energy-absorbing liner. This layer can move in any direction during a crash to help divert rotational motion, which would otherwise be received by the rider’s head in certain angled impacts.
The Montaro III meets both the CPSC/ CE certification and ebike standard NTA 8776. Giro explains this is its first helmet to meet the new ebike crash certification.
Interestingly, the Montaro III doesn’t meet the top 5-star rating from Virginia Tech, because the American university recently reset its certification threshold. This meant more than 100 formerly five-star-rated helmets, including the Montaro III, were demoted to four stars.
Virginia Tech reassured us that "this is not because their performance has worsened, but rather the bar for top-tier performance has risen".
Fit and forget
Giro’s Roc Loc 5 fit system means the Montaro III is micro-adjustable to your head for a precise fit. Giro says this enables you to tune the tension and the fore-aft tilt of the helmet using one hand. It claims the system is lighter than comparable options on the market, too.
The two-position visor is claimed to be adjustable with one hand, which will be useful on bumpy transition stages during enduro competition.
Double-glasses and goggle compatibility
If you want some extra ventilation while climbing, your MTB glasses can be stored under the peak in a conveniently shaped space, and there is another store on the back.
If you’re an enduro rider who wears goggles, the new Montaro has storage on the forehead and a strap gripper so they won't slide off.
Buckle up
The Montaro III has a Fidlock fastener on the chinstrap – a magnetically assisted helmet catch for ease of attachment and release of the buckle.
The magnet guides the catch into place, which is great when using the helmet with gloved hands or in cold weather.
Construction
The Montaro III is made from 60% expanded polystyrene (EPS), 15% polycarbonate (PC), 2% polyoxymethylene (POM), 2% polyester, 19% nylon and 2% polyurethane (PU), which are all plastics. It adds up to a claimed weight of 450g for the size-medium helmet.
If you’re looking for a similarly hard-hitting helmet that boasts environmental credentials such as using 90% recycled materials, you could check out the Urge Treps.
Hygiene
Ionic+ anti-microbial moisture-wicking material should keep the minimal padding of the Montaro III hygienic and smelling fresh.
Which do you want?
The three sizes on offer are small (52-55.5cm), medium (55.5-59cm) and large (59-62.5cm). The colourways are: Dark Sage Green, Matte Black, Matte White and Stone Grey.
- £159.99 / €179.95 / $199.95
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