Met says that its updated Rivale helmet is safer, more comfortable and more efficient. At £140, it’s Met’s mid-priced lid, slotting in below the £240 Trenta MIPS worn by Tadej Pogačar at the Tour de France.
Met says that Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates will be wearing the Rivale in an exclusive version on Stage 16 tomorrow once the Tour restarts.
The new Rivale includes the option of MIPS. This system uses a sliding insert that is claimed to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash.
Met says that it’s increased the Rivale’s comfort too. Although the outside shape looks similar to its predecessor, with a compact design that fits close to the head, it’s changed the inside shape, claiming that the new fit is “revolutionary”.
That’s in part due to the new retention system. Called Safe-T Upsilon by Met, it’s designed to ensure stability without pressure points, with easy vertical adjustment.
Met has redesigned the front venting on the new Rivale too, making the slots longer and wider for better airflow – and making it easier to perch your sunnies. There’s internal channelling to help air flow smoothly over your head.
At the rear, Met says its signature NACA vent, with a slot on the top towards the rear of the helmet helps exhaust air to flow out more smoothly. It’s lower profile than on the predecessor helmet, making the new Rivale more aero while improving ventilation.
With 18 vents in total, the interior of the Rivale includes gel pads for added comfort. It’s ponytail compatible and has reflective details at the rear. You can order Met’s DualGel forehead pad separately, for a more comfortable fit over the brow and less tendency for sweat to drip into your eyes
Met claims a weight of 240g for a size small Rivale MIPS, 250g for a medium and 270g for a large. There’s a non-MIPS Rivale available too, saving you around 20g in weight and £20. Availability of the Met Rivale is slated for mid-October.
Met Rivale MIPS road helmet specifications
- Weight: 250g (size M)
- Price: £140 / €150 / US$180 / CAD$250 / AUS$250
- Sizes: S (52-56cm) / M (56-58cm) / L (58-61cm)
- Availability: Mid-October 2020
