Giro ionos

Triathlon Forum
1

The ionos helmet is now on sale at REI. I have seen some reviews about the fit, the ventilation and the weight, do you think it is worth the money?
thanks,
joe

2

REI has had some solid bargains on Sidi and Giro lately. They are running the Ionos for $163.49 down from $230.00. That is a solid deal on a helmet I have owned and really like.

Bell and Giro are owned by the same parent company, Bell Sports. That means the two largest cycling helmet brands in the U.S. are owned by the same parent company. The differentiation is in product and in the way they fit in my opinion. I think the Bell helmets tend to have a “rounder” fit while the giros tend to be slightly more “oval”.

I hope that helps. Here is the REI deal:

http://www.rei.com/product/750830?cm_mmc=ps_google_Action-_-Category%20-%20Cycling-_-Cycling_Brand_Giro-_-giro%20ionos&mr:adGroup=349312145&mr:ad=2901364115&mr:keyword=giro%20ionos&mr:referralID=NA&gclid=COHqhfH_opoCFR7yDAoduiHN-g

3

Thanks, that does help. I have a large melon to begin with and currently use a large bell (cant remember the name) and it is tight front to back. The giro fit better (more oval shaped head) and i would be nice not to get a headache from a tight fitting helmet.
thanks,
joe

4

Whether it’s worth the money is largely subjective. Any helmet that meets the US safety tests will do the most important thing: protect your noggin. The expensive helmets will be lighter and have more vents than the cheaper ones.

Personally, I think the cheaper ones are better in the wintertime, as the lack of vents keeps you warmer/prevents more rain from hitting your head. I also really like the fit of Giro helmets. I was riding a Pneumo for the last few years: nearly as light, cheaper, but not as many vents.

If overheating is an issue for you, the extra $$$ are more likely to be worth it. Otherwise, save a few bones with a slightly cheaper helmet, you’re not likely to notice a lot of difference once it’s on your head.

5

The ionos has a nice little skull cap insert for the chilly days. If you want to spend the $$ get it!

6

I spent 4 years using the pneumo (large) and really liked it.

Needed a new lid and bought the ionos 2 months ago. Fit is the same, and they weigh exactly the same (weighed them myself).

Didn’t think it was worth the money, even though the ionos looks better.

Then I did a 106 mile charity ride this weekend and it reached the mid 80s. My head stayed cool. In the past, my head used to sweat a lot on hot days and it would run down into my eyes. Not at all an issue with the ionos. I really think it lives up to the ventilation and cooling hype.

I am sold on it now.

7

I’ve used an Atmos previously and now own 2 ionos (not sure what plural for Ionos is!) I got them both from Amazon.com for $299.99 (alright $300.00). They usually have things deeply discounted. Of course they won’t always have the size or color you want but it’s worth checking out. For what it’s worth I don’t really notice a large difference from the Atmos. Those can be had for serious discount.

Mike

8

Agreed, no need to pay any more than 150 to 160 for the Ionos.