This lid tops out the Giro range and the company clearly value comfort above all else – it’s where the Ionos excels. It’s no featherweight, coming in at more than 300g when many high-end helmets are about 250g, but this isn’t noticeable.
What is noticeable is that the Ionos now features the Roc Loc 5 fitting system, which means you get an extremely convenient dial adjustment at the back and can also tweak where the harness sits on the back of your head.
Full-depth temple and scalp coverage makes for a protected and universally comfortable fit. By moulding the body around a composite framework, Giro can use extended forehead-to-crown and temple vents without any safety or structural compromises.
Massive exhaust vents under the rear spoiler create a Dyson-like through-draft for a dramatic cooling effect. In fact, it’s so cold in wintery conditions that Giro have made a special protective skull cap insert you can fit instead of the standard pads.
The chin straps and internal padding are well placed and the latter is woven with silver to kill bacteria – a welcome addition if it works. Also available in a Lance Armstrong edition, there should be plenty of riders willing to meet the tall asking price.
