Giro Monza

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Ribble cycles online

Favorite Ride:
w.e

Bike Setup:
531 awesome geared
501 fixed
lots of folding bikes and 2 moultons

Summary:
Just got this lid through the post today - not to happy with it, first it took about an hour to get the straps so they werent totally scratching my ears/chin etc cant say what its like on a bike yet but its not exactly the comfy-iest helmet i have had - time will tell whether its any good. . .

Strengths:
looks ok

Weaknesses:
fitting system takes AGESSS to adjust

Similar Products Used:
Cheapo met helmet

Price Paid:  $65.00 at Earl's Cyclery, Sout

Favorite Ride:
Santa Fe Winsor Trail

Bike Setup:
I have a Ted Wojcik hardtail 1x9 that is too short on me but I love it for tight singletrack. I also have a Specialized Enduro that just rips when the going gets rough which I like for longer rides cuz it doesn't beat me silly like the hardtails do.

Summary:
Helmets are funny, kind of like the heads they go on: they are not all the same size and shape and what fits you may not fit me. Individuality is a sought after trait in this culture but it makes for a problem for helmet manufacturers. At this point in the game 'they' have established different categories of head shapes and corresponding sizes. I bought this helmet because it fit my head. In fact it was the only helmet in the store that did. There were others that I liked better and would have purchased but they didn't fit and when it comes to gear: function always leads the way.

Strengths:
I like the way the RocLoc keeps the helmet from twisting. It feels secure without squeezing. The straps are adjustable and I can figure it out. I won't say it is easy but ... it is better than helmets of the past: god forbid you need to adjust them on the trail, be dark before you figured it out.

Weaknesses:
No visor. I know it's a 'road' helmet and somehow roadies are too cool for visors yet somehow it is cool for the dirt crowd. I went to a shop and they had a Giro visor in the back and just gave it to me. I punched some holes and installed the visor and it looks like it came with one now. I like a visor, road or dirt. Especially in New Mexico where I am now.

Similar Products Used:
I have used many helmets over the years and I like Giro products. I have also used Specialized helmets. I had a Sub 6 back in the day and I loved that helmet too. This is is better but the Sub 6 is an old helmet now.

Price Paid:  $85.00 at La Bicicletta (Toron

Bike Setup:
mid-90s Marinoni Special.

Summary:
I have a large noggin, so finding a comfortable helmet is a bit of a challenge. I read a review of the Monza in Bicycling, and seemed a good bet.

Strengths:
I LOVE the Monza's fit system. It's far and away the most comfortable helmet I've ever tried.

Way sleeker than the old picnic cooler I was wearing on my head.

Weaknesses:
Not cheap.

Similar Products Used:
Bell Triton (universal large)

Price Paid:  $90.00

Favorite Ride:
up

Bike Setup:
4130, rubber side down.

Summary:
monza is a really nice looking, nice feeling helmet. so comfortable, i usually forget its there. Giro customer service is excellent. i have called them twice for replacement liners (the velcro padded thing inside) and they send it totally for free. a helmet is just a piece of styrofoam, but a company like Giro is much more. when mine wears out i will not hesitate to buy it again. thanks.

Strengths:
comfort.

Weaknesses:
none.

Price Paid:  $65.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Newman Lake-Hauser Lake

Bike Setup:
cervelo soloist, full dura-ace, michelin tires, neuvation wheelset

Summary:
This helmet perfomed its job perfectly well last weekend. While riding in a race, I was involved in a crash at 30 mph and my head was what hit the pavement first. The helmet cracked but my head didn't :) Save for a minot concussion and road rash I came out great. This helmet is what saved me.

Strengths:
Good crash protection, good looking helmet.

Weaknesses:
none