Trail riders. Freeride heroes. Long-travel joyriders. They all want a helmet that balances the ventilation of an XC helmet with the style and deep coverage of a skate lid.
Submitted by
Hentaiboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, SA, Australia Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Hedgehog Bikes, NZ
Strengths:
Most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. After 5 minutes riding I forget it's even on my head. Stays horizontal (other helmets tip forward with the visor obscuring vision). Lightweight and reasonably cool. Got a great deal on an '08 model. Mine is the 'Fabric G' which really stands out from the masses and their camo helmets.
Weaknesses:
Because there are only 3 sizes, fitting can be a bit tricky. I am right in the middle of M & L (59cm). Tried an L first, looked like a mushroom head. M is perfect with the adjustment system all the way open.
Similar Products Used:
Various (cheap) Bell helmets.
Bike Setup:
'09 Stumpy
Bottom Line:
It's an expensive helmet and I have my concerns about the strap mounting system but at the price I got it it's a no-brainer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BarBender
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Vegas, Wanaka and Riverhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Waitakere Avanti +
Strengths:
Aesthetics
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Too many to mention
Bottom Line:
The last helmet I bought
The only helmet I'll ever buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chino
a Weekend Warrior
from Draper, Utah Date Reviewed: October 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Draper (Corner Canyon Trails)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
This helmet provides good coverage, doesn't weigh too much and is pretty cool in hot weather. Plus, the adjustment allow for somethin' underneath in cold weather.
Weaknesses:
A bit pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Havoc, Specialized something or other.
Bike Setup:
2007 Yeti ASR 575.
Bottom Line:
This is the best helmet ever. I think it looks the coolest out of all the lids out there. Giro also has some cool color and graphic options available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cesalec
a Weekend Warrior
from Chihuahua (Mex) / Innsbruck (Aut) Date Reviewed: August 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lanserkopf over the Vogelehütte
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$173.00
Purchased At:
chainreactioncycles.
Strengths:
- it looks cool
- it is light
- ventilation
Weaknesses:
PRICE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Bell something
Bike Setup:
CUBE LTD CC ´08
Giant Reign 0 ´08
Bottom Line:
I love this helmet, I feel more protected that with my old bell, it doesn´t get as hot as the Bell, and the ventilation is amazing!
This will be my helmet from now on...
I will take 2 value chilis away, only because of the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tbaier
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Fit system.
Weaknesses:
Price.
Bottom Line:
You're probably here trying to decide whether its worth it to spend the extra dough on the Xen. The short answer is: probably not.
Is this a really nice helmet? Yes. Obviously it protects well, but more than that you want a helmet to fit right and the fit system is one of the best around. Better than the "center screw" type units that are quite prevalent. Ventilation is decent though its not as good as some reviewers say. Heck, its not even as good as the 10 year old Bell it replaced.
So here's the rub: I compared this to the Hex which is $50 cheaper and its pretty much exactly the same helmet. What exactly makes the Xen worth the money? I can't find it in practice. The only reason I have the Xen is because I got a fantastic deal on it and it wound up being cheaper than the Hex.
In short this is a great helmet, but buy the Hex, save some $$$ and be just as happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AsianPersuasion
a Weekend Warrior
from Flushing NY Date Reviewed: June 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Currently Cunningham
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Strong, Good coverage and protection, looks pretty good, fits very well.
Weaknesses:
Looks big, a touch heavy. Strap retention pins, came loose on one of them (quality control issue)
Similar Products Used:
Various models of the Giro line. Plus various helmets from Trek, schwinn, Bell, 661 and Vigor
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler built for AM
DEAN Ace built for XC
Bottom Line:
I AM ON MY FOURTH GIRO XEN!!!
I used to be very hard on gear because I used to be very hard on my riding. My third Xen was actually broken in a crash which I fractured my neck. And now that I am a much more conservative rider, I still rely on the dependability of the Xen for the "just in case" moment.
Helmets are a personal preference with FIT being key. Then Xen fit me as well as any of the Giro line. I stick with Giro as a whole because of it. I think the Roc-Loc has worked well for me since the original series back in my college days. The adjustablity is as good as most people will ever need.
Price is high for styrofoam but do you really want to skimp on what protects your melon? Again, I crashed hard enough, piledriven into the ground from 5+ feet up, fracturing my neck and compressing 3 discs. The helmet did crack as expected but I was able to leave the trail with a mild concussion instead of spilled grey matter. I have seen them on sale for as kow as $60 depending on the size you need. Considering what it protects, price is not really an issue.
Comfort wise, it is comparable to most. A cross between a skate lid and an xc helmet so you feel more stuff on your head in comparison to other xc lids. A little heavier due to the rear coverage. Ventilation is also slightly affected by that as well. Sure, I wish it's as light and vents as well as my road helmet, Giro Atmos. I also wish my bikes weigh as little as my road bike. It's designed use is just different and the penalty is minimal.
I did have 2 bad experience with the Xen. My first one was stolen. Never good. Who would steal a sweatty helmet? My second one had a strap pin come out of the shell. The little pin that keeps the strap attached to the styrofoam ripped out after a very light crash. I glued it back in but a few weeks later, another one did the same. I contacted Giro by email with pictures and after speaking to a rep, and filling out the necessary forms, they sent me a replacement under warranty.
I am sold on this lid. I will probably be replacing my Xedn with yet another Xen when it comes time. I'm just hoping it's later instead of sooner. I don't think this old body can handle the type of riding that warrants a yearly helmet replacement anymore. And I'm not too thrilled with the current season's color selection...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Triggerwave
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Syrgery
Strengths:
Light, good ventilation, adjustable visor, looks great, excellent safety certifications, and it's really well made.
Weaknesses:
Price, it's still a cycle helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized std. helment - makes youlook a prick into "just cycling along". The Fox Flux - nice but bulky. The Protect Cyphon - nice but bulky.
Bike Setup:
Urban fixie.
Bottom Line:
If you gotta wear a lid in town and you've got the money then Giro Xen is one of the coolest (in both senses) and safest helmets around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kitty
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Spooky Woods, Glentress
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Chain reaction
Strengths:
good fit, flows loadsa air, Good looks,Survived big impact. Good Quality build and control on 2006 model
Weaknesses:
Totally unacceptably poor build standard and quality control for 2008 model. Have Giro been corner cutting to maximixe profits at the expense of their Customers' safety?
On just the 2nd day of riding the 'Roc Loc' system broke whilst just standing around chatting to a friend then one of the tension adjusters broke off. It is sooo bad that i'll be demanding a Fox Flux rather than a replacement Zen.
Also i suspect the Zen is too rigid and rather than crack whilst absorbing the energy of an impact it stays intact and transfers a lot of energy to the user's head.
Similar Products Used:
Met 5th element, Met Zolfo, Bell Bellistic
Bottom Line:
I'm really torn on this one. I had a 2006 Zen and had it for 2 years, great helmet. By using the adjusters at the back you could ride XC with the forhead band backed off a notch or 2 but come the downhill you could easily one-handedly ratchet it up for a nice tight fit and then back off a little for until the next DH. I had doubts, at first, whether the ratchet would last using it in this way but it has. I only had one major impact with this helmet and it appeared completely undamaged whereas i had a headache for 2 days. Previously i had used Met 5th Elements and went through 5 of them when significant impacts left them with cracks and me with no headache.In each case the impact was such that i would have changed the lid cracks or no cracks. Sooo is the Zen too rigid and transfers too much shock? hmmm the jury's out as you could say that a 5th elements might be smashed to bits in the one in a lifetime mother of all crashes leaving you with head injuries and the Zen might be cracked and you'd have a headache. Tricky decision.
HOWEVER, as with all major impacts i bought a new helmet after 1st Zen and the 2008 model may as well be a collander with a liquerice bootlace strap. Despite looking the same as the 2006 model this one has hideously poor build quality. On the second day of wearing it there i was chatting to a mate when i felt the tension in the 'Roc Loc' suddenly slacken so that if i tipped my head it wouldn't even stay on my head. I found that 2 of the anchor points near your temples are 'press stud' style attachments. The piece that bonds into the helmet was cracked on one of these locations and would not hold the press stud. Looking at the other posts on this website this is not an uncommon problem. The only way i could continue the ride was to use cable ties to hold the press stud in.REMEMBER this was only my second day wearing this Zen!!! later in the ride i was chatting to another biker and noticed his Zen had a cable tie in the same position and, lo and behold, his had done the same!!! Later on i loosened the adjuster at the back of the helmet after a downhill and one of the adjuster levers fell off. Remember my 2006 model never did either of these in 2 years yet my 2008 model breaks in 2 completetly different ways on only the 2nd day of riding with it. Therefore i summise that quality is now rock bottom therefore my grading is acorrdingly for their newest build.
I dread to think what the quality of the 2009 model is and they're charging something like UK125!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ridefreeride
a Downhiller
from Riverside CA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Cnyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
This helmet is the strongest, lightest, most agressive XC helmet I have evr owned!
Weaknesses:
Somtimes the chin straps chafe on my eaars.
Similar Products Used:
some Bell I cant remeber what it was called, Protec skate lid
Bike Setup:
Haro x7 ODI Grips MRP Lrp Fox Van R Holzfeller Stem/Bars/Cranks
Bottom Line:
I love this Helmet. At first I wanted it in Black, but they only had Digi Camo. I didnt like it at first,but it gre on me. I got a super deal at Cambria Bike Outfitters $69.99 instead of Msrp Because I impressed the dealer(I almost got a job at the shop)
Bottom Line: Buy one of these hemets they rule!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
myitch
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose ca Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ucsc, demo
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Lightweight enough for xc rides, Strong! I know cuz I cracked mine after a crash...just like it should
Weaknesses:
pricey, but my head is expensive too
Bottom Line:
whilst traveling downhill at about 25mph, i lost control. hit my head hard enough to crack my 4 y/o Xen. the helmet cracked, just like it should and protected my head very well. no bruises, no aches on my head after. superb product. i'm buying another one right now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dontheclysdale
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: February 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
BeyondBikes
Strengths:
LOTS OF AIR FLOW! Fits VERY well.
Weaknesses:
At first it kind of feels like a big mushroom on your head...
Similar Products Used:
Various Giro and Bell
Bottom Line:
I got this helmet because I needed a new one. I wanted something that was a little different than the skinny road looking Giro's MTB helmets. Was going to get the Fox Faux but nobody had one in stock. Got a good deal on this helmet because of the color (grey and green camo.)
The thing I don't like, or should say didn't like was how big the helmet shell seemed to be when I first put it on. No big deal it kind of grew on me and I don't even notice it now. May have something to do with the lighter gray paint? Whatever the case, it's no longer an issue for me.
This thing flows some serious air. While you know you have a helmet on, this thing is as about as comfortable (in some cases more comfortable) than any other helmet I've wore or tried. Did I mention it flows air VERY well - it does! It's light enough that after a minute or two of riding you don't even notice it.
One thing that made me want to get a Fox was all the bad fitting size related reviews on this helmet. I find that the large fits and adjust just like my other Giro helmets. I wear a 7 1/4 hat and the large adjusts just fine to my head. Put the little cushions in the helmet on the shell and it fits that much better. Not sure what all the "bad sizing reviews" are about, this thing fits like a charm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
An?balPM
a Cross Country Rider
from LIMA, PERU Date Reviewed: February 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
INKA TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
REI.COM
Strengths:
for me none. the giro xen is a good piece for the garbage
Weaknesses:
Too many.
Sizes. Are not suitable nor standard sizing. The large size is smaller than the other similar helmet brands. They don't offer xl size.
Safety. The publicity says: the roc loc 4 fit system holds helmet snug against your head. But it doesn't say that the system fixing points to the helmet body are two tiny dots with weak pop locks that get loose after 1 week of use resulting in a very unsafe device.
Manufacturing. The outer plastic shell cover is limited to the external surface doesn't folds into the holes leaving the foam exposed.
Similar Products Used:
I have never used any such a bad similar product
Bottom Line:
Too expensive for nothing good. There are better options than this in the market.
To buy a helmet you have to try it in person. Do not buy it from the internet. I live in Lima, Peru, South America and have no chance to return it or get refund. It was a waste of money.
Who should buy it? Nobody.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hangtime
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Date Reviewed: January 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Crank It Up
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
X-Mas Gift
Strengths:
Fit is very good. Adjustability and coverage are top of it's class
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
E2
Bottom Line:
I love this helmet. It actually saved my life in July 08'. I crashed and rolled off the bike causing the back of my head to strike a rock on the trail. The impact cracked the back of the helmet right through in two places. It did it's job and I went right out and got another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
escapizm
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Chainreaction
Strengths:
pretty good generally however...
Weaknesses:
The poppet which holds the frame to the chasis is weak and would break one of the "quadrants".
Similar Products Used:
returned this for Fox Flux
Bottom Line:
:(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tombo615
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island Date Reviewed: August 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Lite, comfortable, stylish, adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Price
Bike Setup:
Marin Bobcat Trail, all stock except for crank brothers acid 2 pedals
Bottom Line:
I was alittle hesitant to spend so much money on a helmet but man was it worth it. The helmet performs just as good as it looks, and honestly its so lite you can barely tell your wearing a helmet at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hook1080
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL, GA USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Poison Spider, Fire Swamp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Fit, style, coverage, visor, pretty much everything
Weaknesses:
Sometimes I forget to take the helmet off. It's that comfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Giro E2, Giro Atmos, Bell Skate lids, Giro 9
Bike Setup:
Cannondale 2, Race Face Evolve AM stem, Hussefelt Riser bars, ODI ruffian lock ons,
Bottom Line:
This helmet IS as good as everyone says. For all-mountain coverage you can't beat it. For style, you can't beat it. For a company standing behind it's product, you guessed it... It may be a little too much for XC die hards, but if you need an excellent helmet for long days in the saddle, this is your lid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Melvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Where ever I can find one.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
- Light weight - Feels secure on my head - Well ventilated - Great waranty service
Weaknesses:
- a little expensive, but I got mine on clearance so it was considerably less expensive
Similar Products Used:
Cheep walmart helmets.
Bike Setup:
'05 Giant Trance
Bottom Line:
My dad bought me this helmet for me a couple of years ago as a birthday present. I ride pretty hard and its taken a few solid licks, but is still in great shape. Just recently I noticed that the RocLoc was broken. So, I took into a LBS and they gave me a number to call the Giro Custumer Service. I told them what the problem was and about how long I'd had the helmet. No questions asked, they shipped me a new RocLoc for free. Now, my helmet is as good as new and ready for another season of abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willem Boom
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon Date Reviewed: February 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
North Fork
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Awesome helmet! Comfortable, easy to adjust, good ventilation, and looks good.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bell helmets, other Giro products
Bike Setup:
Ventana X-5 w/the best stuff...
Bottom Line:
I crashed with this helmet in November. Over the handlebars... Broken nose, lacerations, road rash, etc.. The helmet performed great. I hit the ground really hard. No concusion! Bottom line... Saved my you know what... I have to toss it and get another. Will buy another Xen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
E bay
Strengths:
looks cool good air vents fits well
Weaknesses:
roc loc is not as strong after a crash can be $$$
Bike Setup:
2006 fuji outland RC
Bottom Line:
good helmet lets alot of air in
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Good protection, fantastic removable insert, good vents, touugh helmet.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized S1, HRC something ...
Bike Setup:
Many bikes ...
Bottom Line:
I think this helmet is amazing. It is comfortable (for my head), it has good ventilation, and provides a great level of extra protection compared to pure xc helmets.
The foam insert is one piece, and can be taken in and out easily, so you can wash it. Other helmets have individual foam inserts that seem to fall apart when you take them out. Great long lasting quality.
If you look hard, you can also regularly find them on special.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Comfort, ventillation, looks.
Weaknesses:
Pricey. Those little blue glue on pads fell off after a few rides.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Havoc
Bike Setup:
Makes no differance for this review.
Bottom Line:
Good helmet that fits well and is very comfortable. The RocLoc system makes it easy to adjust the fit and keeps the helmet in place on your head. Mine soaks up sweat and eventually lets it drip down over in to my eyes and on my sunglass lenses making it harder to see. I have to push the helmet against my forehead a couple times a ride to empty out the sweat that has collected to prevent that. Overall really good helmet that's pretty expensive with one annoyance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kel Tabbada
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Peavin-Keystone, Thomas Creek, Evans Creek, Immigrant trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Sierra Trading Post
Strengths:
It is so far the most comfortable helmet that I've used. It's very comfortable and sometimes you'll never know you're wearing it. The killer looks! It's light weight for an AM helmet. It cover the back of the head for added protection
Weaknesses:
Not as light weight as other bell and giro middle priced helmet, but still light enough though. Expensive! (you get what you pay for)
Similar Products Used:
Bell Velo and Venture, Giro Animas
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT 3.0, Marz MXC, Fox Talas RL shock, XT drivetrain, Thomson setback seatpost and stem, Race Face crankset, Race Face Diabolus haddlebar, Hayes El Camino brakeset, Mavic XM 819 w/ XT hub wheelset, IRC Mibro tires, WTB Laser V saddle
Bottom Line:
I've been using this helmet for more than a year and crashed several times, saving my melon. I got mine in olive and it just looks great. Well, the matte black is also my next option. I like the visor which is the same color as the helmet, not like those cheap looking black plastic visors. It can also be moved up and down if you want a wider view. The staps doesn't come loose and the RocLoc 4 system is a good design. For me, bell's locking design is easier to use. I would recommend this helmet for those into aggressive XC and All Mountain riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan Quinn
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: July 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
night shift
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
well ventelated,light but still strong and fits incredibly well and looks great
Weaknesses:
looks too good
Similar Products Used:
giro e2
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler full mango king and carbon parts.
Bottom Line:
Its a great helmet!It is well ventelated,light but still strong and fits incredibly well and looks great!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a
from Mt. Hope, WV Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
could use some pads on the lower back of the helmet, too heavy for road riding
Similar Products Used:
Specialized mountain man
Bottom Line:
great helmet, i would buy another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leland
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
along the Potomac
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks clean, better construction than my first Giro helmet eight years ago (technology marches on, hm?)
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Giro something-or-other
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Bad Boy Disc
Bottom Line:
My triathlon-competing uncle became totally sold on wearing bicycle helmets when he had trouble unclipping from his bike while parking it curbside and fell, hitting his helmeted head on the sharp edge of the curb. That helmet was trashed, but his head was fine, illustrating that even zero-speed falls & flops have the potential for serious injury. These days, I feel weird if I'm ever riding without a helmet.
For me, at the time, selecting a helmet was simple -- try everything on and see if it fits properly. I tried probably six different models from three manufacturers (Bell, Giro, and Specialized), and this was the one that fit the best, especially over the pointy crown I have at the top-center of my head. Slick color schemes and super-aero shapes don't matter if it hurts. It's only a side bonus that its flat black color matches the Bad Boy that I bought at the same time.
A couple reviews back, Kalikiano Kalei gave a lot more info than I would have thought of myself. He makes a lot of sense, too. This Xen has a rounded shape that covers much of the back of the head, but there's not much to poke out and catch on things. Aero-blown shapes, IMO, don't matter a whole lot at speeds below 30 mph anyway; and besides, my torso creates more drag than the trailing half of a mere bike helmet.
The rear strap mechanism is simple to adjust, and it doesn't appear to require engagement/disengagement when taking the helmet on & off. My older helmet's rear strap was partially mounted using glue & Velcro, but I'm pleased with the actual mechanical mounts on the Xen (indeed, on most modern helmets). This should turn out to be a pretty durable helmet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julius
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, California, USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, Descanso, California
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse
Strengths:
2007 model: Extremely light, durable, cool looking, and very comfortable. Lots of colors to choose from as well.
Weaknesses:
Expensive but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
2002 Giro Mojave, yeah I know pretty darn old!
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Trance 2 w/ 07 Fox Float 32 RL
Bottom Line:
After destroying my old helmet from an accident I learned one thing: Helmets save lives! I decided I will not go cheap purchasing my new helmet and got myself a Giro Xen which I was told a high end type. My first ride with the Xen I could not believe how comfy and light it was! Buy this helmet if you serious XC or trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
skinny dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Cycles
Strengths:
Very cool look. Plus it fits better than any other helmet that I have ever had.
Weaknesses:
Am a bit worried about the internal straps, so I don't hang it from my bars like all my other helmets.
Similar Products Used:
An assortment of Giro and Bell and one trek
Bike Setup:
Black anno Santa Cruz BLT with the float rlc140/ RP23, x9 gears and XTR rings, juicy 7s
Bottom Line:
This is the most stable and comfortable helmet I have ever strapped to my dome. It stays put and I even forget that I have it on. It may cost a lot, but if you like your head in one piece, this helmet is one to try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kalikiano Kalei
a Cross Country Rider
from Kaunakakai HI Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Kalakua (Molokai)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
REI (mainland)
Strengths:
Structurally strong design with good shell integrity and satisfactory shell/foam bonding. Easily adjusted suspension and fastener. Excellent occipital coverage (rear of skull) for protection of brain's visual lobe. Very adequate cooling for most applications. Most important positive feature is rounded external rear shell design that lacks sharp "swoopy" protrusions that can snag during a fall and cause hyperextension of neck (causing severe cevical spine injuries)--kudos to Giro for this feature! This is a greatg helmet for those with heads that are longer ("watermelon" shape, as opposed to roundheads) in fore and aft dimensions and slightly narrower side-to-side. Helmet stays on head securely in almost all situations. Summary: an excellent and much overlooked and underrated helmet for both MB and street aps.
Weaknesses:
Lack of high visibility shell colors to choose from. Visually bright orange, red, or lime green colors should be available! Yeah, I know: dark is "cool", but being easily seen while using a helmet on the street is healthier (stay alive longer, brah!). Hotheads might want a bit more cooling, but a sweaty head is far better than a busted one, brahs!
Similar Products Used:
Most other helmet designs (Bell, et al) over a 15 year period. Few are better for a wide range of bicycle protective applications than the GIRO Xen, in my professional opinion (as a specialist in military aviation life support technology and crainial protection safety).
Bike Setup:
Too many to list.
Bottom Line:
The Giro Xen bicycle helmet was designed originally for mountain biking and cyclo-cross applications, but it is actually also one of the very best designs obtaininable for street and bicycle commuter applications as well. Protective helmet studies have shown that today's 'aero-styled' bicycle helmets, with their stylish "swoopy" protrusions at the rear, are actually potentially unsafe in crash situations wherein those same jutting protrusions may snag during a fall and traumatically hyperextend the wearer's neck. The result of such a circumstance is easily (and usually) a broken neck (cervical spine fracture or complete separation--i.e. paralysis). Helmets that have a more rounded rear section with a smoother external aft shell surface are far less prone to such catastrophic accident circumstances during falls and other serious dumps. This is generally not a well known fact among bicylists who would rather look 'cool' than 'safe' (few want to look like a 'safe dork', understandably--it's human nature). Those of us who specialise in protective helmet design for all applications (aviation aircrew, automobile racers, bicyclists of all persuasions) understand the need for more smoothly rounded shells that offer less opportunity to snag during vigorous activities. Although I use my Xen for serious mountain biking on Hawaiian volcanos (cyclo-cross, too), I also have a Xen I use exclusively on the street (for both road-racing and commuting). I feel it is one of the best overall bicycle helmet designs to come along in a long time and I heartily recommend it to anyone ionterested in maximising personal safety on any kind of bicycle activity! Giro really got it right with their 'XEN' design!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amilcar A. Rodriguez Marquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: February 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Avila, Jarillo, Sta Teresa, Paulinos, Araira, Montesacro, Chimborazo and Merida
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Bicimont-Caracas
Strengths:
Coolest air flow, RocLoc fits well*, light, comfortable, adjustable.
Weaknesses:
The internal Tapes are broken easily.
Similar Products Used:
Bell, Giro Indicator, Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail: Giant Full XT, Avid Disc, Mavic, Rock shox SID Team Full Suspension: Specialized FSR 120 Expert, Avid Hydraulic Disc, Mavic, Talas 80/130, Race Face.
Bottom Line:
I have a E2, that it approximately has with me 16 months, and the last weekend, the straps who goes within the helmet, was broken, and I have not given any different use him that putting it to me in the head, I have not had falls, but I have left yesterday with a piece of internal close fitting jacket in the hand, this piece cannot be changed because it comes within the helmet, would have to hard make it a little but or thickness
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabricio Fracchia
a Weekend Warrior
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
all in my country
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Nice look, confortable, this helmet rules in AM style
Weaknesses:
Update from my other review: the top shell lifted from the helmet in less than a 16 months.
Similar Products Used:
Giro, Bell, Troxel
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Nomad, full XT,
Bottom Line:
UPDATED: In this days Tom from Giro contacted me to inform that the issue will be solved with a brand new helmet, I want to say that the CS from Giro is more than what I expected from the last time with the issue, I loved my helmet (and I still have it hanging in my room). This answer mean a lot to me, and I only can say that Giro will be keeping my head in good shape and happy.
Many thanks to Tom from Giro and welcome to my new Xen !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
whistler
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
mt tam bikes
Strengths:
good veiw very light
Weaknesses:
no padding in the back!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
fox 40, fox dhx 5.0 air, sram x-0,shimano saint, kona stinky deluxe 2006
Bottom Line:
if your a downhiller giong up your favorite trail the hard way get it or if you are an xc
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Toms River, NJ Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Lots of head coverage due to the deep cutout, comfortable, fairly light
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Giro Indicator
Bike Setup:
06 ETSX pimped!
Bottom Line:
Great helmet. It'd be nice if it were a lil cheaper, but oh well. Ya get what ya pay for so it's worth it. It's very comfortable even on long rides, it has plenty of coverage in case ya take a nice spill on the trail, an it isn't the lightest helmet out there but you don't even notice you are wearing this thing do it's no biggie. Buy one if you are in the market for a new mtb helmet and can afford the price tag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calen
a Downhiller
from fairfax, ca Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
dirt merch to A-line, fatcrobat, clown shoes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
very comfortable, vents well, looks killer, protects your dome with aplomb
Weaknesses:
none that i can think of - maybe price, but it's still less $ than giro's top road helmets
Similar Products Used:
giro e2, giro pneumo
Bike Setup:
santa cruz vp free, 39 lbs, marz shiver or z-150 depending on duties
Bottom Line:
this helmet is soooo comfortable - puts the e2 and pneumo to shame, really. the way its depth cups your head is just - try one, eh? the adjustable tightness is really excellent as well - nice snug fit w/o hella tight chin strap or pressure points. style is top shelf. this helmet is so nice that i find myself wearing it even in situations where i should probably rock a full face. cracked mine at the DJs - saved my melon from certain unpleasantness. time for a new xen! i would recommend this helmet to any mtb'er, unless you are an xc racer who needs to look all racer'd out all the time. i would also suggest something burlier for dedicated shuttlers, but y'all don't need me to tell you that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabricio Fracchia
a Weekend Warrior
from Caracas,Venezuela Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
LBS and from dealer
Strengths:
Nice and confortable
Weaknesses:
Started to lift the top shell, getting bigger the bubble and looking trash
Similar Products Used:
Giro E2, Bell, Troxel
Bike Setup:
SC Nomad, Talas 36RC2, full XT
Bottom Line:
I choosed this helmet because all the XC ones sucks!... I don't like the roadie designs, colors or models, the Xen fill my needs. I paid very a high price due that is a strange helmet in a XC country, I didn't saw anyone wearing this model in a whole year. Coming the friday from a short ride, I saw the bubble in the top shell, I didn't used chemicals or left in the sun never. I sent a e-mail to Giro explaining the issue and to this moment, I have no answers. This helmet has not been used constantly due to my job, maybe just 5 months totally in the 16 months that I owned. Well for me the worst part has been the Client Service, no answers, even for say: "sorry I can't help you". For me this say many from a company. Not like others as Crank Brothers or Santa Cruz, where the CS is awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Burlington, MA, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
Cooling, weight, colors, POV Visor, ROC LOC 4
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Giro Hex, Giro E2, Giro Animas, Giro Havoc
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000
Bottom Line:
This helmet is very popular and has an amazing value. The 17 windtunnel vents cool your head and the ROC LOC 4 fits great around your head. The Special Edition Red color looks great and the POV Visor helps shade the sun and obstacles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido, Ca. Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
ebay store
Strengths:
Light, good ventilation, fits soooo well, very comfortable
Weaknesses:
No color choice due to being surplus of a non popular color
Similar Products Used:
Bell Paradox, Giro Gila; both wore out pads
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner, modest build.
Bottom Line:
The most comfortable helmet I have ever tried on. Good protection without looking too goofy. the best part about it is the great abundance of padding around the front, which helps a lot in keeping sweat out of your eyes. My old helmets both wore out the pads rather quickly, and new pads were not to be found,even thoough I have heard they are replaceable. Since both old helmets were satisfactory otherwise, If this new Xen wears out just as quickly, I will never buy another "expensive" helmet again. I'll just buy a new cheap one every year. We will see.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
This helmet doesn't even feel like a helmet. It feels more like that beat up old baseball hat that fits like nothing els. This feels better than any other helmet I've ever put on my head. It was pricy but well worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, Australia Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
light, well ventilated, fits like a glove
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
all sorts of lids
Bike Setup:
heckler, fox36, sram x.0
Bottom Line:
got a real bargain off ebay with this one. in 15 years of riding, this is the first helmet i've had that i don't mind wearing on long climbs. in fact, i hardly ever notice it's on my head at all. my large didn't require any adjustment what-so-ever, was just perfect straight outa the box. highly recommended, i love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cuban Flow
a Weekend Warrior
from North Bergen, NJ Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything Challenging
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Bicyclebuys.com
Strengths:
The Xen is very lightweight and comfortable. I love the way it protects the back of my head as well. Not too many helemts have that feature. The RocLoc system provides a snug yet, comfortable fit and it has more than enough vents to keep your head cool. The Xen is my first helmet and I recommend it. It's a bit on the pricey side but it's all worth it.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc 06'
Bottom Line:
A great investment for your noggin. The Xen is a sharp looking helmet that provides a secure look and feel. I do suggest you measure your head before you purchase. The measurements are a bit tricky. Give yourself at least an inch allowance when measuring your head. Bottom line- Go For It!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregg Soster
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, OH USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any dry ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Wraps the back of the head in a fully protected shell, very comfortable, great looks
Weaknesses:
Other than the matte black color the rest are hideous.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Giro
Bottom Line:
I don't know what the complaint about the straps is all about but my 2006 version is great, the Specialized one I was using had horrible strap locations. This is a great helmet the best I've used because it feels light, cool and stays put. The head locking mechanism is terrific. Only the limited color choice is the issue I can see.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J to the K
a Weekend Warrior
from TA, Israel Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the ones I haven't ridden yet
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
second hand from another rider
Strengths:
coverage and protection (most helmets that add rear coverage only add foam, the xen has complete shell coverage) very comfy fit. looks.... a very sexy helmet. Giro's futuristic designs are the best (and not too flashy, either). Camouflage colors don't show dust and scratches. very aerodynamic design. all the many Giro perks: wind tunnels (great ventilation), the niftyest visor I've seen on a helmet, roc loc... comes with a cute pod
Weaknesses:
I haven't found real weaknesses yet; there are LIGHTER helmets... but it's quite light considering the coverage and protection. it doesn't feel heavy on the head. I was going to take 1 flaming turd off for the cost, but it's actually not so much for such a high quality and beutiful product. plus the value of a good helmet can go through the roof when the sh!t goes down!
Similar Products Used:
some old bulky ugly cheap a$$ helmet that makes your head look like Celine Dion's
Bike Setup:
04 Kona Coiler, clip in DH pedals, 2.1 rear ritchey tire, 2.35 maxxis front tire
Bottom Line:
Bear in mind that this is my first real helmet and I haven't ridden with it too much yet, apart from 1 full day mountain ride. The most important trait of this helmet is that it uses the best attributes (and it's not a compramise) from the light XC helmets and the freeride \ DJ helmets. taking off the visor makes it resemble a classic DJ helmet (apart from the huge vents). recommended also for strictly XC, adds more protection without sacrificing comfort and ventilation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Fit, adjustable visor, ease of cleaning
Weaknesses:
Early onset of delamination
Bike Setup:
Heckler/Maverick
Bottom Line:
LIke a lot of reviewers said, it fits very well and will indeed keep you from having to pay the full price of your foohardiness. However, mine is not even two years old and has endured only minor contact with the ground and low branches, more glancing blows than anything, yet the surface plastic is delaminating from the underlying foam. Should I be worried? This started less than a year after I got it. This is my second Xen. I wore out the first one. Was there a problem with the 2003 model run? I'm pretty disappointed, since I've been buying Giro for many years. I wear an original Pneumo for my daily bike commute and the occasional road ride it still looks great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lebo
a Weekend Warrior
from Palmerston North New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005
The bottom line is I hope none of my MTB brothers ever have to find out just how good this lid is! But rest assured if you do.... Comfort, looks & all that other feel good B S is all well & good but I beleive to really rate a helmet you first have to be saved by it! I'm at home with multiple injuries recovering from a 20 foot ditch jump that went very very wrong... The superiour skull base coverage & outstanding design of the Giro Zen has without question saved me from a serious head injury! The Zen took a servere impact at the back of the helmet & stayed firmly in place for the duration of the crash. It's totally @!*$ed but the Zen performed exactly as it was designed to! I don't want to think what could have happened if I'd gone cheap......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PN
a
from BOSTON Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Big Head + Big Drops = Broken Plastic Fasteners On Head Strap
Similar Products Used:
About Four Other Melon Savers
Bike Setup:
02 Big Hit
Bottom Line:
Remedy For Broken Fasteners- Use a Very Small Flathead Screw Through The Plastic Into The Existing Holes. The Headstrap Will Stay In Place. I've Crashed With The Screws In Place And Have Not Come Away Looking Like Frankenstein. A Great Helmet With A Piss Poor Fastening System On The Head Strap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JESUS
a Cross Country Rider
from ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
EL CAÑON DE DOÑA PETRA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
E-BAY
Strengths:
Very light, adjust great to your head, super great ventilation and protection.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Giro Torrent
Bike Setup:
2003 Cannondale, Shimano XT and Cannondale parts.
Bottom Line:
This is a great helmet, it's the best of all mountain biking helmets i have ever seen, it feels like a glove to your head, it's not loose when you ride, and you feel very protected, especialy behind your head, the helmet it's very strong and solid, no loose parts, you don't feel like and alien like with other bigger helmets, it's well worth the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a Cross Country Rider
from putney, vt usa Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
I've always my road bike helmet on the trail, this is my first MTB-specific lid and it is awesome.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic '03, pretty much stock. Upgraded Thomson seatpost and carbon Monkeylite bar. My third season on this bike and it just keeps getting better. 25.5 lbs with pedals, rim brakes and sid team fork. this bike flies on technical east coast single track and climbs like a hardtail. great geometry and comfort, i can ride all day and still feel fresh, never a backache on this bike. Cannot recommend it highly enough, I was hooked on hardtail Cannondales until this and now its a whole new game. Love it
Bottom Line:
The XEN is a rad lid in flat black, a great value and I just went over the bars, flipped in mid-air, and landed on top of my head off-trail. The helmet absorbed a huge hit and my head didn't feel a thing! The helmet was not even scratched, I continued riding for another 2 hours. Thank you Giro for building such quality equipment. Check sales at Performance and coupons on DEALSDUJOUR.COM for a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton, On, Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kelso Park (10min from home)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$171.00
Purchased At:
Spokes 'N' Slopes
Strengths:
Light as anything, fits like a glove (not that a golve would fit on my head.. LOL), and looks fantastic. I didnt used to wear a helmet and having a helmet this good is some extra insenive to wear it. i feel like a pro when i ride around the trails with my Giro atop my dome and it blocks the sun out much better than any other helmet visor i have seen. the vents allow you to not only get the air to the scalp as needed but it also allows you to scratch your head if something should cause you to itch.. lol.. the roc loc wasnt my cup of tea till i tried it and im starting to get used to it, it helps the helmet fit nice and snug and on this helmet it helps cradle the back of your head.
Weaknesses:
a lot of the people i see say that i paid way too much for my helmet and i just tell them "so you will pay $200 on a pair of shoes and no more than $40 on a helmet? what is worth more to you?"
Similar Products Used:
Just my old Louis
Bike Setup:
Marlin Disc, Hutchison Pythons, LX-RD, Deore shifters, VP clipless pedals, shimano crankset, other than that stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom line here is that you get what you pay for. you want a helmet that you can forget you are wearing, a helmet that looks as good as it fits and something that will perform when you need it to this is the helmet for you. if you arent willing to pay the extra bucks for a fantastic bucket like this then you dont know what you are missing. even if you are just shopping i HIGHLY sugest to just try one on... just try it.. it cant hurt..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from GTA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Ebay Brand new
Strengths:
Good fit , nice color too.
Weaknesses:
The plastic shell / plugs on both side come off VERY easliy , have to use tape to make it stay in the hole ! Caution , glue will eat into the foam , so won't work there.
Similar Products Used:
Bell Relate pro , must say it looks not as nice but the retaining system for the strap to the shell is much better design and stay in much better.
Bike Setup:
Two wheels and a seat ; ) FS Cannondale
Bottom Line:
It work fine until you band it a little , I band it against a tree branch , not enough force to dent or scratch the outshell , but is enought to dislogded the inner strap and stretched the form hole that you plug the shell in !
Lucky I only pay half price on Ebay , warranty is no good , Giro wants 50% of retail + shipping for a replacement !
I will not buy this again , may have to go back to Bell since safty far out weight the cool look on a MTB helmet , last thing you want is your lid to fly off when you land on your head..which is very likely if you ride hard enough :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Magrini
a Downhiller
from Libertyville, IL, USA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
PETS - Kenosha
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
Fits great, you can barely tell you have it on. Light weight, and looks better than other MTB helmets IMO.
Weaknesses:
Price, kind of expensive.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
2005 Specialized Stumpjumper Disc, ODI Rogues, WTB Laser V Stealth.
Bottom Line:
I admit it, I was one of those people who for the last 5 years didn't wear a helmet, and swore I wouldn't. Eventually I started riding a lot more technical terrain, and decided to play it safe. (Having to endure the constant lectures from every rider I met played a part too, did it to shut them up as much as anything.) Growing up at skateparks, I always thought MTB helmets looked pretty lame. Of course the flip side is that they are a lot better ventilated than skate style helmets.
The Xen is the best of both worlds IMO, take off the visor (I did) and it looks like a skate lid, but with more than adequate venting. As much as I hate wearing helmets, once this thing is one I tend to not notice it the whole ride. Fits great, my head stays cool, and the flat black color is pretty sharp looking.
A bit more money than I wanted to spend, but there's no other skate style lids that have lots of venting. Bell has a commuter helmet that looks similar for a lot less money, but it fit nowhere near as good as the Xen. Only giving it 4 Chilis because of the rather high price compared to other helmets of similar build quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville,KY,USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
This helmet looks so good people have actually stopped me and asked about it.I have the matte black version which doesn't show scratches.It's very adjustable and the added coverage in the back is safer and actually makes it fit more snuggly. When it gets funky, just pull out the padded one piece liner and wash it. The helmet is worth every penny because you can't be too careful with your brain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction
Strengths:
Very comfortable and fits really well.
Similar Products Used:
specalised
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5, Pace RC40, Crossmax XL,Sram, raceface
Bottom Line:
Rubbish quality control. My first one broke last summer after about 3 months. The roc loc strap came away from the helmet shell. Had to wait until early 2005 before I got a replacement one cause the shop had none left. Now the same thing happened again. It not due to impacts as they were both in perfect condition. I'd hate to think what would happen if I crashed hard, the thing would probably fly off my head. Whats the point of paying for an expensive helmet if its goin to fall off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Griffith
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus Ohio Date Reviewed: June 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$71.00
Purchased At:
Bike Warehouse Columbus Ohio
Strengths:
Strong & light. Perfect fit Back of helmet covers completely around back of head Air holes help head breath
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bell helmets
Bottom Line:
Great helmet, but a little pricey
The fit is perfect.
Im giving 4 chilis for value, even though I got mine on sale. Otherwise I would not have purchased it for retail.
If you have the money get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond, VA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
southbank james river boat access to buttermik west
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
very nice fit. good air flow. straps dont suck. its black. washable pads.
Weaknesses:
adjustment on straps is a pain in the ass. the starps are not that comfortable either.
Similar Products Used:
02 bell aquilla, 01 bell aquila, 00 giro ?, 98 bell ?
Bike Setup:
fun do anything hardtail
Bottom Line:
great helmet. Its all about the fit. The only thing i would change is the side strap adjuster things...they're kind of wierd and definately require me to look at them while adjusting them without gloves on. Cool flat black look.While it costs alot its definately the best fitting helmet you will ever wear. It makes me feel better about riding in ways that i now will make me fall over backwards alot...the extra cover on the back realy isnt noticeable on the fit and it protects my brain-stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
lots of air holes, roc lock device
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
oler Trek helmet
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade Talas
Bottom Line:
Overall an awesome helmet. I liked my first one so much I bought a second spare shortly afterwards. The extra coverage on the lower back of my head is reasurring when the terrain gets a little crazy and you have the potential to bite the dust. The roc lock design also keeps the helmet in place when it gets rough and, at the same time, can easily be loosened up at the end of the ride. I'm giving it 5 and 5 because this helmet just rocks!! Just look around and you can always find them under $100.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$135.00
Strengths:
Outstanding fit!!! I couldn't believe how comfortable this thing was and it's snug too! Awesome styling makes it look tough and cool unlike most MTB helmets out there that feel like a fat, wet, cat clung to the top of your head!
Weaknesses:
Other then the price, none! you can however find them for under $100 now.
Similar Products Used:
Giro E2 and Giro Mojave
Bottom Line:
I have never felt better about spending so much on a helmet. No regrets on this purchase what so ever. I got mine with a color matched helmet pod which is really nice and it's that new special edition matte orange and gray Camo pattern, it looks so sick! I just hope i don't endo with it on and smack it on a rock, destroying it like I did to my new E2!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Comfort, protection.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
I even ride this now on road rides. Two or three years ago a woman died in a big road race in Boston, she hit the back of her head on a curb. Reason enough to add the extra coverage in the back. Now, whenever I put on my old helmet it feels like I am only wearing a baseball cap. And it looks almost like a normal helmet, you have to look twice to see that's its just a tad bigger then most. Worth every penny... Also, most helmets have a cheap plastic shell over the foam, this one is different, the foam is sealed by the plastic in one piece. The result is that the whole thing is much stronger then a normal helmet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Downhiller
from Pittsburgh, Pa Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
iron gate
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Great ventalation keeps your head cool, fits great thanks to the rock lock, not bulky like other helmets can be. I cased a table top and smacked my head off the ground after fallin about 5 feet, all in all it kept my brain in one piece, GREAT HELMET!!!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
2002 Specialized Big Hit, 02 shiver, azonic a frames, double wide rims with 24 inch rear wheel.
Bottom Line:
This helmet is great i recommend it to all my friends, strong and it looks great. A little pricy but if u look around than u can get a good deal on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mission Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Bell Sports, Inc.
Strengths:
Light weight, a lot of ventilation. Fits snug and looks good on. Isn't bulky like some helmets can be.
Weaknesses:
ABSOLUTELY NONE!!
Bottom Line:
Forget about looking at any other "Mountain Bike" helmet and purchase this one. You will not be dissapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Culpepper
a Downhiller
from Georgia Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Shoots and Latters
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
everything, very lite, Fits perfect
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
Giro semi
Bike Setup:
05 Santacruz VP-Free black, 05 888RC, complete shimano Saint line, Easton, Maxxis Minion 2.7, Fox DHX Rear shock, SDG bel air cow skin.
Bottom Line:
Best helmet ever, so lite you literarly forget its on. I could sleep in it its so comfortable! I would give it 50 Flamin Chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Gilroy, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anza/Domino Pond/Grapevine - Coe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Extremely comfortable and form fitting; great looking
Weaknesses:
None identified thus far
Similar Products Used:
Giro E2
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
In the past, I've had a difficult time getting a good fit from helmets (including other Giros). This is the first helmet I've had that is completely comfortable and feels form-fitting/customizable to the shape of your head. I have the e2 and liked it, but there's no comparison in terms of how much better the Xen actually fits and feels on my head.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jackie Russell
a Racer
from CA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
COMFORTABLE! Fits really well; adjustable tabs in back, soft padding. LOTS OF VENTS. This helmet is really light but strong. Found that out when I endo-ed and landed on my new helmet! Visor pin popped out of the hole, but snapped right back in. My jaw is still sore but the helmet looks great. :-)
Weaknesses:
At first I thought it was a little pricey, but after riding with it in a 24-hour race, I am SO GLAD I spent a little more for such a great helmet. Long rides are going to be sooo much more pleasant in a comfortable helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Animas
Bike Setup:
XC
Bottom Line:
Before my 24-hr race I looked around for a new helmet and found the Xen on sale. It was a leap of faith to spend over $100 on a helmet, but the girl at Beyondbikes said that it's the comfort factor that sets helmets apart. I'm a believer now, and can't say enough good about the Xen. It's strong, light, comfortable, and worth every dime. I usually try to find a reason to give less than 5 chilis, but I can't think of anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Weekend Warrior
from Pensacola, FL Date Reviewed: October 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBIke
Strengths:
Everything you need in a helmet both in safety and style.
Weaknesses:
Pricey if purchased at full retail price.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
2003 Cannondale F800
Bottom Line:
I had a basic Trek helmet and decided to go with the Xen.... needless to say, I have no regrets. This an awesome helmet!!!! Fits great and stays in place in extremely rough terrain! Not to mention it looks cool. Definately would buy again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joerg
a
from cologne, germany Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
It has a perfect fit, the "RocLoc" really makes it cling to my head. it feels light and it has a good ventilation. "Unfortunately" I can't rate the protection it delivers until I crash, which hopefully won't happen too soon.
Weaknesses:
maybe the price, although in case of an emergency the helmets value might become priceless.
Similar Products Used:
a giro incline accompanied me through the last couple of years. I liked it, although it is easily outperformed by the Xen.
Bottom Line:
I would definately buy it again! It seems to be one of the few helmets that doesn't have such an extreme aero shape at it's rear side!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hollywood
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: September 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Good fit, good coverage. Nice silver color.
Weaknesses:
Seems a little on the 'hot' side. Even with all of the newfangled vents, it's noticeably warmer than my previous helmet.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Gila
Bike Setup:
SS
Bottom Line:
Great new product at a good price. So far I'm happy but I'm also sweating more and look forward to getting it off my head more than the previous one. But I'm in dry, sunny SoCal where it's usually warm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a
from long island Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
fit,comfort,looks,awesome coverage
Weaknesses:
a little pricey.
Similar Products Used:
bell's, other giro's
Bottom Line:
its hands down, the nicest helmet i have ever worn. I would buy this helmet at 2x the price. I have yet to find a helmet that lets me wear it for hours at a time and completely forget it was even on my head.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigLarry
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Family Cycles, Santa Cruz
Strengths:
I really like the large adjustable front visor. I'd been looking for a helmet that had better eye shade like my older Bell. The new helmets have a pathetic useless mini-visor that leaves the sun in my eyes. This large wide visor can be moved up and down slightly to get out of the way if needed. The wide straps are easy to adjust without all the side to side strap adjustment because the straps are fixed hard into the helmet on each side. The rear of the helment is very thick and is also hard coated with a nice color match. The large visor is also color matched and looks great.
Weaknesses:
I got sweat running down my forhead that didn't happen with my old helment. I'll probably put some extra pads in the front.
Similar Products Used:
Bell for many years
Bike Setup:
Fuel 90 disc with Manitou Black shocks
Bottom Line:
This is a great helmet. I'd been looking for a good replacment for a year now at every bike shop I visited. I paid the $150 price on the spot without question because I finally found what I was looking for. I rate the value slightly less than perfect because of the very high price. But the helmet is great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Downhiller
from Pgh Pa Date Reviewed: August 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
iron gate
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Great protection for the back of the head, looks great, light and durable. I did a face plant and the front of the helmet hit and the visor didn't even come off.
Weaknesses:
A little expensive if you pay the full price.
Bike Setup:
Specialized P2,Marzocchi Shiver SC, ODI lock on grips, azonic A-frame pedals, mavic rims,intense 909 tires.
Bottom Line:
Great helmet,durable,and the colors are sweet. Great protection for your entire head.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Freerider from Palo Alto, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Water Dog, Belmont, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Good ventilation, good back of head protection, the Roc Loc straps on the back of the helmet hold it in place really well(a good secure feeling), you can adjust to how tight you like it.You can remove pads the clean them.
Weaknesses:
To expensive, and not the best sweat absorber.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Semi MX
Bike Setup:
GT Idrive 1.0: Shimano Deore hydraulic disk brakes, Easton Monkey Bars, WTB saddle, Raceface bottom braket, ODI grips, WTB 2.24's front and back, Powertools 80mm DH stem, Kona platforms.
Bottom Line:
The Xen is the best helmet I have ever seen and worn. Apart from the cost I would have baught it again but didnt have the cash after. This helmet saved my head in a bad crash after doing a 7' gap jump, and then slamming the side of my head on the ground! I fractured the lower temple area of the helmet but not my head! Now I have a Giro Semi MX for even better coverage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island N.Y. Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ones with dirt and rocks and some trees
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
FOLLOW UP REVIEW FROM ONE THAT IS POSTED TWO DOWN
Bottom Line:
I'm following up the review I posted about two down from this. Listen this is one of the BEST helmets on the market right now and I'm living proof of it now! Last weekend I had a MAJOR get off on my XC bike and the first thing to hit was my leg on the handle bar as it twisted and skweared my leg now I have a brise the size of my entire quad and it swelled up the size of a tennis ball! The next thing I landed on was the side of my head! Thanks Giro for extended coverage of the back and side of the head! It saved me from what should have been an immedate trip to the local hospital for head injury!! This thing is so tough that it is not even scratched but I'm having my LBS look it over before I use it again for damage! If it is broken I'm buying another one it saved my life and no price can put on that even if the helmet goes up to two bills I'll replace it with the same one!! Stop whining about the price and get one I'm living proof it works and if your gonna ride big spend big and get a quality helmet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
indy
a
from MN Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
Looks great, cools awesome and good fit
Weaknesses:
Spendy if you pay full price
Bottom Line:
I bought this helmet for $70 when nashbar had it on sale for 99 and a 20% and 10% coupon worked together. The day I got it I put it on my head and the rok-lok part that attaches to the helmet broke and wouldn't snap back in. So I sent it to Giro on a Monday and had a new one the following Monday. I wouldn't be able to pay over $100 for a helmet....$75 was a stretch, but went for it and don't regret it. I give it a low value since most people pay near retail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Han's ripoff mtb
Strengths:
Great helmet with adequet ventilation. Nice snug fit that covers most of your head especially the back part.
Weaknesses:
Lack of moisture wicking padding.
Similar Products Used:
Gyro Havoc, Bell Aquilla
Bike Setup:
Specialized
Bottom Line:
This helmet is really good but forget it when you're out on a epic ride all day long and sweating it out cuz the sweat just pours in my face. I really don't know why but my Havoc seems to wick moisture away from my face just fine but this one doesn't. I 've resolved this problem by wearing a bandena underneath it but this also presents a seperate problem it self. The helmet does not fit snuggly especially the back part because of the knot that seems to get in its way. Otherwise a great helmet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a
from Long Island N.Y. Date Reviewed: May 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Panadora
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Super-Go w/coupon
Strengths:
Light, and vented for those very hot day, Straps and rock loc hold the helmet in place while on those rutted and rooty trails. Coolmax pads keep it even cooler on those really hot days. Extended coverage and double foam with hardtune shell makes it more protective than normal helmets. PVO Vsior is nice so you can repostion your visor while riding . Very comfortable helmet for long rides and extended bike time. Colors are nice as well. I haven't liked a helmet this much since my 661 Bravo!
Weaknesses:
The price if you pay full price for it! Shop it around and see if you can get some coupons from some of the big Internet shops they give them out in their mail letter sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Mojave 661 Full Bravo (for downhill)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR with: Plenty of goodies, Highlights are SRAM X.0 Drive train, Manitou Minute Fork with SPV, WTB Weirwolf tires with custom Mavic rims!
Bottom Line:
Great helmet from Giro! Finally an XC Helmet that protects like a freeride/ downhill helmet WITH VENTS!! NICE!! I really like this helmet so light and vented but tough as nails when it needs to be. Unless Giro bring out something else better next season, when this thing is shot I'm going to replace it with the exact helmet! Check it out and you'll agree, Great for XC and Freeriding with extened coverage for the rear! Don't pay retail they are always on sale at Jenson, Super-Go, Price point and Cambria! Shop around and you can get a great deal on this awesome helmet PEACE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Guerrero
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Santa Cruz!!!!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Very Comfortable, Light, Good air circulation
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Various cheaper helmets
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 w\XTR shifters and drivetrain 2.4 Matuno Raptor Front 2.2 Matuno Raptor Rear Avid Mech Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
Awesome Helmet!!! So comfortable that many times I've forgot to take it off and walked around with it on, looking like a complete retard. It's a little pricey but I can't think of a better place to put my money other than my safety.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Somerset Date Reviewed: May 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$98.00
Strengths:
wow this helmet fits so nicely and looks good too.
Bottom Line:
get this helmet if you can afford it. it is soo comfortable and that is what is important while choosing a helmet. the adjustable band in the back comes down lower than other helmets so it feels like its really wraped around your head and not just sitiing on top. the padding is superb and covers a huge area in the fron of the helmet and the way it looks with the huge ventalation hole which are a plus and the rounded off back it is very stylish which is cool
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good coverage , light , fit nicely on your head
Weaknesses:
May be the price a bit steep
Similar Products Used:
Bell and other Giro's
Bike Setup:
FS mtb
Bottom Line:
This lid look and feel very nice on your head ...
Only one concern is the side straps doesn't wrap around at the back of your head like the usual bike lid , instead , it goes in to the shell on the side .. don't know how good it will perform when you really hit the deck hard , I hope it doesn't rotate on inpact !
But that you can only find out when you do hit the deck !let's hope I won't have write another review on this ; )
That's my two cents .. ride on everybody..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from LA, CAL Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Red Box
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Helen's Cycle
Strengths:
Great ventilation and fit, looks cool, adjustable visor
Weaknesses:
I can't afford the new colors
Similar Products Used:
Specialized King Cobra and S1
Bike Setup:
5 Spot with Sherman
Bottom Line:
This helmet is great. It feels great on and I think it looks pretty cool. People complaining about the price makes me want to laugh, it' s just your head you want to protect. I would pay 300.00 if that's how much this helmet cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
XT Girl
a Weekend Warrior
from LosT Angeles Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
More head coverage. Great ventilation. Super comfy...not to mention pretty cool lookin'.
Weaknesses:
Retail price is ridiculous ($160) but you can pick one up from Supergo for a decent price.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Cobra
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Juliana SL, Gary Fisher Joshua F3
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this helmet. The Roc Loc 4 system gives me lots of adjustment options. More coverage for the back of my head is huge plus. Other helmets feel like they just "sit" on your head. If you're looking for a good compromise between a mtb helmet and an mx/freestyle helmet, this one pulls it off well. If I had to, I'd probably pay full price for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gusty
a Cross Country Rider
from Mirror Lake, NH Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great fit. doesn't move at all on my head. More foam and greater coverage than most other helmets, yet all of the vents still keep it cool.
Weaknesses:
more expensive than most others- so get it on sale
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Bell
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, SRAM X.O with grip front and trigger rear, race face cranks, crank bros.
Bottom Line:
- it's the most comfortable helmet that I've owned
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom mullen
a Cross Country Rider
from san rafael, ca Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
paradigm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Coloradocyclsit
Strengths:
snug fit. Straps can be thought of as an extra safety feature, as the roclock4 devise works so well. Coverage is fantastic,all the way down to the base of the neck. It has a unique look , appearing more streamlined while on your head. Overall, a very nice helmet.
Weaknesses:
none, unless you paid full retail price!
Similar Products Used:
Giro E2 etal.
Bike Setup:
Mooots YBB. Full XTR, Chris King headset and Disc Hubs. Moots Ti Stem and Seat Post. Mavic 517 Ceramics, WTB Laser Saddle.
Bottom Line:
A highly recommended helmet. Separate yourself from the masses, and do the Xen!
$ 159.00
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