It still features Acu-Loc fit system, In-Mold construction, 21 vents and a snap-fit visor. The one thing that changed is the lower price. Weight 11 oz. / 312g
Submitted by
dsnow23
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Downieville downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
It's pretty comfortable and not difficult to adjust and offers decent ventilation.
Weaknesses:
The back cracked when I dropped it when it was almost brand new. The back of the helmet doesn't have the thin layer of plastic covering it, so it will crack with minimal impact.
Similar Products Used:
Other Giro and Specialized cross country helmets.
Bike Setup:
Niner Rip
Bottom Line:
Probably not bad for the price, but I can't recommend it since mine broke so easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cycle.tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The secret trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
J&S Cyclery
Strengths:
Light and big vents
Weaknesses:
Straps are not long enough
Similar Products Used:
Treck helmet
Bike Setup:
Trance X1
Bottom Line:
I just couldn't bring myself to shell out 100+ dollars for a helmet. As a result I road around with my Treck helmet for the past 3 years. I finally broke down though and started trying on some new helmets and the Encinal was the best for me. I like the tensioner in the back, it's much better than the ones where you have to squeeze the two sides together. It's very light as well, you can barely tell you are wearing it. By far though, the best part about this helmet though is the big vents. Not so much because they are great for air flow but because I can get my fingers through them to itch my head. I would have to take my old helmet off at times when my head would itch and I couldn't scratch it. Those times are over now. My one grip is that the straps to go around your chin are too short. I have the straps maxed out for length and the the helmet just fits. I do not have a longer than normal head either so I don't know what the deal is. Anyways, I would recommned this helmet to anyone, it's great and the price isn't so bad either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a
from Long Grove Ia US Date Reviewed: December 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
See botton line
Weaknesses:
See bottom line
Bottom Line:
I have a problem with the plastic band of the helmet, over my ear, touching the top of my ear. At the bike store I tried on the most expensive Giro to the least expensive. The Encinal band doesn't rest or touch my ear and it felt very confortable. I've been riding for about 30 years and this helmet is as confortable as any I have worn. On the single track trails it has samed me several serious headaches.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flip
a Cross Country Rider
from Wichita Falls Date Reviewed: November 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Saved my but
Weaknesses:
Not the best looking helmet out there but it saved my but. Oh, I already said that.
Similar Products Used:
specialized
Bottom Line:
I was riding in my first race on my home trail last weekend after having this helmet going on for two years. I picked the wrong line going into a deep ditch that I've rode into numerous times in the past. I stopped dead cold at the bottom after hitting something and endo'd over my bars slamming into the dirt incline on the other side. I ended up bruising some ribs on my right lower back, hitting my head thus cracking the helmet and destroying a Mavic Crosstrail front wheel. My head feels great but my ribs will take a while to heal. This helmet did what it was supposed to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jess
a
from Philadelphia, PA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Schukyill River
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Unisex, variable sizing, comfortable, good color
Weaknesses:
Nothing that any other helmet wouldn't have
Bike Setup:
Marin Bear Valley
Bottom Line:
It's a great deal for a good helmet that'll keep you safe. There's no need to buy an expensive helmet, since it's gonna get scratched and maybe cracked in a crash. Buy a name brand though from a reputable bike shop and make sure it has CPSC or ANSI ratings and a Snell rating if you really want to protect your noggin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from lompoc, ca Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sycamore canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
pretty comfortable, looks good
Weaknesses:
visor support pegs are weak. straps are difficult if not impossible to adjust to lay flat around back of ears. foam inserts fall apart.
Similar Products Used:
trek vapor 3, lemond (cheapo from target)
Bike Setup:
the helmet dosent care what the bike is
Bottom Line:
this is a followup to a posting i did 13 months ago. my previous review was really positive, because the initial fit and quality was great. the helmet is now a hair over a year old and 6 months ago one of the upper support pegs to the visor broke. followed a couple of months later by the other one, allowing the visor to flop upward when i get moving. the padding inserts are all splitting at the edge seams and have gone pretty flat. the styrofoam has held up well enough. on longer rides, the helmet starts hurting a bit. after just over a year of use, the helmet has held up ok with some gripes. not too bad, but long term reliability is not the best. I dont abuse helmets, but do ride pretty regularly (3-ish times a week)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Petergal
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Busse Lake, Elk Grove Village
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Village Cyclesport
Strengths:
Comfortable enough to make you wear it. Strong enough to protect you. Cheap enough to replace when needed.
Weaknesses:
Straps don't lay quite flat around the ears.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Atmos, Bell cheapo
Bike Setup:
Trek Pilot 2.1
Bottom Line:
Thank you for my life, Giro. I was riding home from work on a hot day, sweating a bit but still comfortable. Next thing I knew, I woke up looking at the sky. I had hit a hole in the pavement which had knocked my handlebars 90 deg. sideways, causing INSTANT crash to the left side. My ankle was sprained, I had a 12" diameter bruise on my left hip, sprained shoulder, and some fingers. Skin loss on knee, thigh and shoulder. Helmet cracked and scraped.
I sustained a minor concussion when my head hit the curb and bounced in the gutter (so I was told by good samaritans, I don't remember it too well). Without head protection, you wouldn't be reading this review, you'd be reading my obit.
I will NEVER get on a bike without a helmet, nor should you. I was going less than 5 mph! My new Encinal looks good, fits great. Hope I never have to replace it again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Vero Beach, Florida Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Color matches my new bike.
Weaknesses:
Straps are LOUSY and the visor is VERY cheap
Similar Products Used:
Other cheaply made Giro's
Bike Setup:
Hey, this is about the helmet.
Bottom Line:
I just purchased this to go with my new bike. If I didn't have to use the straps, the helmet would fit nice, but the straps are LOUSY ... worst Giro yet. I can't get the straps to lay flat and to prevent the helmet from moving up from the front, I have to make the straps so tight that I can't swallow while the helmet is buckled ... ovbiously designed by a woman or a girly man with no Adam's apple. On top of that, the brand new helmet had a cockeyed visor. I applied VERY little pressure trying to straighten the visor and one of the center tabs broke off (the visor was straight once the tab broke off). Afterwards, I used a LOT of pressure to remove the now broken visor but none of the remaining tabs broke off ... looks to me like it was defective. So now I have a brand new helmet with a broken visor and straps that don't allow me to swallow ... not impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bromley Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Worked well for me in accidents. Has an integrated visor.
Weaknesses:
Did not fit well. I have a big head, diameter-wise that is, and this helmet never quite fit right. Caused fairly consistant pain in the temple area.
Similar Products Used:
Bell Ukon
Bike Setup:
does it matter...we're talking about helmets
Bottom Line:
I really have no complaints other than the fact that it never really fit right. It was the first helmet that I purchased and seemed to be fine in the store, but after wearing it for a while, created a throbbing pain in my temple area. So, it you've got a large noggin' like me, look elswhere. Switched to a universal fit Bell helmet and it is much more comfortable. I am still going to give it three chilis because it did keep me from busting my head open on a couple of occassions. Primary fault for me was fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from lala land, ca Date Reviewed: December 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
light, very comfortable, looks pretty good, keeps cool. easily adjustable
Weaknesses:
visor not break-away, in case i smack it on something.
Similar Products Used:
le monde from target (nothing to do with le monde bicycle company). painful but durable
this is a great helmet. i tried everything in the store and this was the BEST compromise of price, fit, features, and styling. i would absolutely buy it again. i was skeptical about "universal fit" but it fits perfectly and adjusted easily to my head.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cogginssr@vcu.edu
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Rowlett's
Strengths:
Great fit. Lightweight. comfortable. great colors
Weaknesses:
none that i can think of
Bottom Line:
A great bike helmet for the money. you can always spend the extra 50 buks and get a better one but for 50 buks u cant beat this helmet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock TX Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Accu-loc system has been great, although I think it would wear too fast and stop functioning if I were to adjust it more often, overall a great brain bucket for the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kayu
a Cross Country Rider
from Penang Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
It's a Giro. Light, Fashion, Nice Looking.
Weaknesses:
It would be perfact if the Acu Loc system could change to Roc Loc system.
Similar Products Used:
IronMag
Bike Setup:
Scott Scale 40, XTR, RockShock Reba.
Bottom Line:
Generally is a good for value helmet with the name Giro. It doesn't cost very high and feel good. Go get this helmet, you will like it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giancarlo Agar
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Not too pricey, light weight and small.
Weaknesses:
non so far
Similar Products Used:
previous giro's
Bottom Line:
it looks very reliable and i also thinks its very comfortable...esp for the price. A+
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pugzila
a Weekend Warrior
from Boyertown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The last one I rode.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike (on sale)
Strengths:
Light weight, great price, reliable manfacturer, and perfect fit after one time setup.
Weaknesses:
I can't find a single weakness to report at this time.
Similar Products Used:
Never wore a helmet before.
Bike Setup:
Giant Warp DS-2
Bottom Line:
If you want/need a helmet, get this one. Also, it come in many colors, so it'll match just about any bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter DeGeorge
a Cross Country Rider
from Metro Detroit, Michigan, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake/Bloomer/Stoney Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Main Street Bicycles (I work there)
Strengths:
The universal fit is great. Every customer that I have fitted it to, including myself, has commented on its comfortable fit. The venting technology is great. Keeps your head very cool. For the $60 price tag, it can't be beat.
Weaknesses:
Visor doesn't remove as easily as other, more expensive models.
Bottom Line:
For the price, you can't beat this helmet. 'Nuff said
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Cuthriell
a
from Smithfield, Va, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Scat Bike
Strengths:
Good Fit
Bottom Line:
In a turn, I crashed hard onto the pavement with the left back side of the helmet taking the majority of the fall force. The helmet cracked through the foam in three places, but provided protection to my head. I was able to ride home. I replaced it with the same model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from S.E. Idaho Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Scotts
Strengths:
Fits like a glove. The universal fit, venting, and its light weight.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90 with a few upgrades.
Bottom Line:
This helmet is a great helmet for the price it fits great and alows plenty of air movement. This helmet also saved my head when I bit the dirt. It worked just as it should and broke absorbing the shock instead of my head. I went and bought another one today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from Westwood, CA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike Shop
Strengths:
Fit, value, ventilation, ease of use. Simple conservative graphics (I wasn't looking for some skull and cross bones flame coming off the side).
Weaknesses:
I'd prefer a removable visor as opposed to the one that's permanently in place.
Bike Setup:
stock Gary Fisher Marlin '03
Bottom Line:
Very comfortable helmet. I never have to think about it when I'm riding which is about all you can ask for as far as fit and comfort are concerned. It comes down a bit lower in the back than a couple of other lower-priced models (Torrent) which provides more protection. I was willing to spend the extra 5 bucks for more coverage; my brain is worth at least $4.50. I just started to commute to work on my bike so I'm riding pretty regularly. I wasn't prepared to spend the big bucks for a top of the line helmet so this one was a happy medium.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dood
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverton, OR, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
Th bike gallery (bikegallery.com)
Strengths:
Fit and style. Great ventalation. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
It's a bit pricy....but then how much is my head worth? I don't like the Big huge plastic adjusters where the two straps join on each side...need to be a bit less bulky or at least less pointy.
Similar Products Used:
I also tested Trek helmates they are nice as well but went with Giro for style and color. I've been using an old bell helmate for years....peice-o-crud....kept sliding around.
Bike Setup:
plain jane Bridgstone hard tail untill I get my Trek fuel 90 real soon. :)
Bottom Line:
The best fitting helmate I've ever worn. fits my head like a glove. I was a bit sceptical at first due to the universal fit but it stays put on my head and after a while I don't even know it's their. Has really good ventalation. Botom line: Great helmate, prety decent price, killer design. Go Giro....but if you wanna save some moolah...get a Trek helmate they fit just as good but are a little cheeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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