The Savant will be a road helmet using Mips technology. Mountain and urban helments will also be availible.
It would appear as if the issue of safety is finally sexy when marketing helmets.
Last February, we examined the new technology going into Kali Protectives helmets for increased safety. Many other companies have also been working to improve helmet safety, especially with MIPS technology (see our look at the POC Trabec MIPS in Issue 23, and the Lazer’s Nut’z MIPS for kids in our Gift Guide).
Giro is the most recent company to push beyond the safety standards currently imposed on helmets, also utilizing MIPS technology with models for road and mountain biking, as well as urban oriented models.
Press Release as Follows:
(August 26, 2014– Scotts Valley, CA) – Giro Sport Design has announced a new partnership with MIPS Technologies. After years of collaboration researching and validating new technologies to further reduce impact energy, Giro will introduce new helmets in three key categories (Road, Mountain and Urban) that employ Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS) slip plane technology. The Sutton MIPS, Feature MIPS, Feather MIPS, Savant MIPS and Sonnet MIPS will be available worldwide in late fall 2014.
“Giro has long been an industry leader of helmet safety research, design, and testing,” said Giro Executive Vice President Greg Shapleigh. “For several years we have collaborated with MIPS to validate and explore ways to further reduce rotational impact energy. We feel that this slip-plane technology can offer reduced rotational impact energy transmission in certain impacts. That’s why we’re pleased to introduce MIPS-equipped versions of helmets for the urban, mountain bike, and road markets.”
“With their extensive experience and depth of resources, Giro brings a unique understanding of our technology,” said MIPS founder and CEO Johan Thiel. “MIPS grew directly out of research and the possibility of partnering with a manufacturer that uses active research to drive their helmet design is a great opportunity.”
All Giro helmets are designed to reduce as much energy as possible while meeting and exceeding stringent safety standards. The goal of Giro’s MIPS-equipped helmets is to further reduce rotational forces. There are three main components to a MIPS-equipped helmet: the EPS liner, the Low Friction Liner and an elastomeric attachment system between them. In an impact, the elastomeric attachment system stretches to allow the EPS liner to rotate independently around the rider’s head. Although the system only moves a few millimeters, Giro believes that helmets equipped with this technology can reduce the amount of rotational force that may be transferred to rider’s brain in certain impacts.
Giro has selected five new models to debut MIPS:
Sutton MIPS MSRP $100 The Sutton™ is a low-profile design loaded with clever features like a detachable/integrated light clip, a soft leather visor, and reinforced vents that double as Lock Ports to help urban riders and commuters get more out of their ride.
Feature/ Feather MIPS MSRP $95 The Feature™ delivers a low-profile shape with more coverage than traditional XC helmets, plus channeled vents that radiate heat up and out when you’re climbing at lower speeds. A single-piece In-Mold shell enhances durability, yet keeps weight to a minimum, and our rugged In-Form fit system offers one-handed fit and stability adjustment. The Feather™ offers delivers the same functionality as part of our Women’s Series Collection.
Savant/ Sonnet MIPS MSRP $110 The Savant™ offers a slim design that combines impressive ventilation from 25 Wind Tunnel™ vents. This helmet benefits from the secure feel and convenience of the adjustable Roc Loc® 5 fit and stability system, and the lightweight and durability of In-Mold™ construction. The Sonnet™ offers delivers the same functionality as part of our Women’s Series Collection.
Giro helmets featuring MIPS will be available worldwide in late Fall 2014.
Video – Giro and MIPS: http://youtu.be/
More information may be found at www.giro.com/mips.
