The Giro Atmos continues to set the standard for high performance, matchless style, and a comfortable fit. It's low profile silhouette, 26 Wind Tunnel vents, and carbon reinforced Roll Cage make it a top choice for road, cross, and XC riders alike.
Strengths: PROTECTION,
lightweight,
excellent fit,
aesthetics,
ventilation,
ease of adjustment,
Weaknesses: Noisy
not good for cold weather riding
Bottom Line:
I should be dead, and not from your standard hit your head accident...
I won't go into comfort- it's as comfortable as any helmet I had before. I won't go into aesthetics... those are self evident. Those aren't the purpose of a helmet anyway. A helmet's purpose is to protect, and the Atmos protected me in the worst case scenario of an accident. On September 18, 2011, I fell off a mountain, landing head first on granite boulders 30 feet below.
I was riding my bicycle on Mount Evans, the highest paved road in North America. During my descent, the winds became unusual (and I'd ridden this mountain MANY times). Perhaps a thermal eddy, maybe something else. All I know is on a straight section I was fighting a headwind, and then I wasn't, with a curve coming up fast. the winds had reversed direction, causing my speed to go from 30 MPH to 50 MPH in seconds. I tried to slow, but began to skid, so reduced pressure to my brakes to maintain proper control. I couldn't slow enough. I left the road... and fell off the mountain, landing on granite boulders 30 feet below.
Ultimately, I sustained 9 spinal fractures, 3 in my neck and 6 in my upper back. My rib cage and right scapula were shattered. Both lungs were punctured and I came as close to losing my left kidney and my spleen as anyone can come w/o losing them. My head... even though I landed on my head & upper back... escaped with a concussion. My helmet was completely destroyed. My Atmos saved my life in an accident that by all reckoning ought to have killed me... it very nearly did, even without head injury. I still live with severe pain from the spinal fractures, bit beyond all odds I'm walking, and even starting to get back on my repaired bicycle!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Road Racer
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2011
Bottom Line:
This helmet saved my life, no question I would be dead. This is direct impact with the road at 52 mph, coming down the fastest section of Independence Pass in Aspen (no joke; witnesses saw me hit directly on my right-side forehead in the first bounce). Comparing the damaged side with the other clean side, the foam compressed about 60-70% before the entire shell failed. I've been wearing Giro helmets for at least 15 years and am now shopping for a new one. My take on the 3 Giro's: it's worth mentioning that the Aeon is substantially thicker at the front and a bit thicker at the forehead sides, so I assume it would take even MORE compression before it would collapse. Looks larger and a little more mushroom head effect because of the added material - but its also a bit lighter. The Prolight is sized very differently; a medium Prolight fits tighter than a SMALL in any of their other models. All of them are great, but for me I'm getting another Atmos because it has much better venting than a Prolight and is noticeably smaller, more compact profile than the new Aeon.
Strengths: Very breezy and light. If it wasn't for the safety endorsements, I'd have to wonder if it's actually effective as a helmet, but of course it is! Also, it looks pretty trick.
Weaknesses: I find the locking mechanism a little chintzy for the price. I ended up buying a Bell Ghisallo, which matches the Atmos on everything, and still has a better locking mechanism. It's more durable, and has a more positive actuation compared to the Atmos. Also, the Bell came with two sets of replacement pads, and they're washable.
Bottom Line:
Overall very good in almost all the areas that matter to me (ventilation, weight, looks). Could do better on the fit, but I suppose that's a personal choice.
Given to my wife after settling on a Bell Ghisallo.
Similar Products Used: Bell Ghisallo, Bell Sweep. Specialized Decibel.
Bike Setup: custom built: Giant TCR C1 frame. All Ultegra, except for a Dura Ace cassette. Easton Tempest II Carbon wheels. FSA carbon wing bar and stem. Giant carbon seatpost. Specialized Alias saddle. Look Keo Sprint pedals.
Just purchased this helmet last weekend. Wore this helmet 3 times, one ride being a century on Sunday. Awesome ventilation compared to my Bell. The fit is perfect. The helmet is also very light and very cool looking.
