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Submitted by
Doc
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Marshal Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportmart | | Strengths: | Great fit and comfort. | | Weaknesses: | I was swabbing out the interior and the RocLoc assembly broke on both sides rendering the helmet useless. I'm having trouble finding replacement parts for my 2000 model. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell | | Bike Setup: | TREK: I break parts so often I don't remember what's on it now. A true mutt! | | Bottom Line: | best helmet I've owned. Need to replace the RocLoc assembly or find a new favorite. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ho mo
a Cross Country Rider
from greensboro
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | choo choo stripe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | ebaynator | | Strengths: | Customer service, fit quality, weight, value | | Weaknesses: | colors...but thatsa-personal thing right...? Really a great lid for the price, maybe best one ever value-wise. | | Similar Products Used: | special ed, bell, troxel | | Bike Setup: | like I want it...SS with afterburners | | Bottom Line: | Helmets are a personal thing...what fits you doesnt fit me but what is as or more important is the company behind the product. These crazy Giro people sent me a new visor for my helmet after I got one used on without the visor.....now is that not awesome...for free direct from I-ta-ly....I will certainly always stick with giro from now on...some companies are worth allegencies ya know? Oh, and the helmet is a great fit and lite-ish for da dough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Mishawaka, IN, US
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Looks, namebrand, shell and cover has held up well | | Weaknesses: | Fit is horrible (for me anyway), velcro for Rocklock came off on both sides, pads came off | | Similar Products Used: | Giro | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth - decked to tbe max | | Bottom Line: | This is for a 2000 model with Rocklock 2 (I believe).
For the price, this should have fit better. Shame on me for not trying on other helmets. Shame on my LBS for carrying such a limited selection.
Padding and rear strapping is held on pretty weak. Maybe I sweat too much.
Try the helmet on and make sure it fits well. The new Rocklock system maybe held on better. If so, I would buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Fargo, ND
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Maah-Daah-Hey | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$46.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Looks, fit, comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Poor ventilation, cumbersome strap adjustment. | | Bottom Line: | I replaced my cheap Schwinn helmet with this Giro supposedly worth $70 retail. I bought the white one. While I love the fit, looks, and comfort of the Gila, the ventilation stinks for a helmet in that price range. It is a very warm helmet, and the pads are placed so sweat drips into my eyes. So while it is overall proabably a better helmet than my old Schwinn, it is just too hot to wear on warm days. In fact, it has proven to be warm on 65 degree days. My head roasts while the rest of me is chilly! I think it's not so much the amount or size of vents as it is the poor placement of them. Inexcusable for a $70 lid, luckily I got mine on closeout for much less. For a recreational rider it should be fine. But if you ride hard, look elsewhere. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from ont
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$27.00 | | Purchased At: | bike show | | Strengths: | molded plastic,light, comfortable, cheapprevents getting hurt | | Weaknesses: | i could of got a larger one | | Bottom Line: | just a super and afortable lid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Isaac Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still lookin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | looks good, cool, light, comfy, easy to get it to fit | | Weaknesses: | straps twist a little and the velcro things come undone sometimes | | Bike Setup: | kona blast, raceface good n evil grips | | Bottom Line: | only a few problems, still worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yo
a
from North CA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Good fit, the RockLock thing get's it snug without feeling restricting. | | Weaknesses: | Stupid graphics | | Similar Products Used: | old Bell | | Bottom Line: | Best helmet I've had so far, but i've only owned two in 13 years. If i buy another some day, it will be because I crashed and broke it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$34.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Looks, ventilation, adjustability, fit, price. | | Weaknesses: | The velcro straps, on the '02 model the rocloc uses velcro, this was fixed on the '03 model. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose Pro Sommet '02 XT Drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | The helmet is great for anyone who wants a cool helmet and yet doesn't want to pay an arm an a leg for it. The only draw back of the '02 model is that the rocloc system use velcro for retention, and the glue on the velcro come off the helmet, this becomes an even bigger problem in the summer, but I found that a little supper glue fixed my problem. The '03 model uses a push button style of retention, I haven't tryied it yet but we'll see in the future. Anyways other than that it is a great helmet.
I like the way it looks with the graphics, and I also like the inmold shell, I will never buy a taped on shell ever again. Also the rocloc system works great on pony tails. My finace has the same helmet and she loves the fact that her pony tail can be put trough the rocloc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from UVA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | Great ventilation. Protects your head if you fall (haven't fallen on my head, yet). Non-obtrusive when riding. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes is too cool in how it directs air against cetain parts of my head. | | Similar Products Used: | Just my hair - doesn't work os well. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Caldera, wellgo pedals, Bontrager Race FS+10 saddle, Kore chain reactor, Oury grips, Cane Creek ergo control barends, Cateye enduro 2 comp | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet. I don't really have a basis for comparison, but so far I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Brussels, Belgium
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | A good looking, well ventilated helmet for relatively little cash. | | Weaknesses: | The visor can get twisted out of shape and looks a little cheap. A bit more strap adjustability would help. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500 very much customised for urban riding. | | Bottom Line: | Two days ago this helmet saved my life. The side of my head hit the road too hard to keep brains in my skull and though the helmet has gone to the big MTB graveyard in the sky with a huge crack, I didn't follow.
As the car driver who mowed me down paid for a new helmet I upgraded to an Exedus, but if it was my own money, I would have bought the same. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Hoboken
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$39.00 | | Strengths: | Looks good | | Weaknesses: | weal glue on the roc-loc straps | | Similar Products Used: | bell image pro | | Bike Setup: | Yeti ASR, Rock shox Psylo race | | Bottom Line: | The glue on the Roc-Lock straps is junk. My buddy is haviung the same problem.
If you ride alot and sweat a good amount the glue will unstick in no-time, mine lasted about 2 weeks.
After a number of unsuccessful attempts to re-glue the velcro pads my self, I am going to try to find a new lid. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Westall
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheboro, NC
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | at my house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | SouthPark Cycles | | Strengths: | Great look, excellent fit and sufficient ventilation. Removable pads make for easy cleaning after each ride | | Weaknesses: | The fabric on the removable pads comes apart rather easy | | Similar Products Used: | first bike helmet | | Bike Setup: | '02 Kona Cinder Cone (stock) | | Bottom Line: | I haven't gone down yet hard enough to wear my melon has taken a blow, but I feel more than confident that this helmet will do it's job when that moment comes (and it will). Everything else I mentioned above makes this a great buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Leibold
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | eDiscountbikes.com | | Strengths: | Nice and light, looks cool, Roc Loc system, fits like a dream, sweat pads are nice too | | Weaknesses: | a bit hot (but my own fault for buying a black helmet!) | | Similar Products Used: | Bell | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Kaitai | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet! I got mine off ebay from eDiscountBike.com for $20.00!!!! I have had trouble with helmets fitting on my head (cause I have an abnormally small head) but this helmet fit right out of the box with no adjustments!!! A word of wisdom though, don't buy black helmets! They may look cool but they get way to hot in the sun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Ringwood, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Looks, Price, Protection , Roc Loc | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer, Sid 100, XT/XTR mix, XT Disc... | | Bottom Line: | I had this helmet for just about a year. Besides being one of the better looking helmets, it feels very comfortable. The RocLoc feature keeps the helmet snug. And its very cool with lots of air flow.
I had an incident that wasn’t directly related to product defect where I had to send the helmet in for repair. Not only did they send me out a new helmet, it was delivered to me within a week of sending it out. That is customer service that you don’t get much anymore. If I could give it more then five flames, I would.
The only choice should be which color!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Inga
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Looks, fit and PRICE | | Weaknesses: | Straps want to twist | | Similar Products Used: | Bell (had mine rung a few times before I started using a helmet) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great helmet particularly for the price. The helmet has plenty of vents to keep your head cool and the coolmax pads don't get too hot and are extremely comfortable. The helmet looks fantastic and it's only about 1 oz. heavier than Giro's best models, not much of a noticeable difference for most of us.
There may be better helmets out there but none come close without spending at least three or four times what I paid on Pricepoint.com. This helmet is a best buy for everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from TO, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Gears | | Strengths: | looks great, confortable, Giro name, | | Weaknesses: | hard to get helmet to fit right, chin straps get twisted easily, wish they had a size between small and medium.... | | Similar Products Used: | Bell something or other | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Kona Stuff | | Bottom Line: | Got the helmet for free with my bike so I guess that makes it a pretty damn good deal. Haven't had to find out if it is good for safety yet, hope I never do....
Good helmet if you want to look good but would rather spend money on your bike than a light helmet, but if your really loaded then I wouldn't be getting this helmet.... and if you are really good then I would recommend a full face helmet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel W
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa,OK
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA.com | | Strengths: | Looks expensive, nice retention system, cools well. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyll | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet, much improved fit over my old helmet. While no bike helmet looks cool, the Giro helmets certainly look better than the rest.
This helmet has done a great job of keeping sweat out of my eyes when riding, and I like the removable pads so I can wash them off after a long ride.
Great product, especially for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Lemon
a Racer
from Bracebridge, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | corkscrew | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Strengths: | good looks, strong, good venting for short rides, Roc 3 | | Weaknesses: | long rides it gets too hot, the front pad falls off, the velcro attachments for the roc 3 suck | | Similar Products Used: | giro | | Bike Setup: | Kona Caldera, mavic crossride wheels, all race face, ultra light | | Bottom Line: | good for once a week riders who want the technology without the price. during a race your head gets too hot. but it is the best helmet for the price, and has saved my head many times, thank you Gila. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shifterboy
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | wrandees | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great helmet, yellow rules, protects your head very well | | Weaknesses: | needs better venilation | | Similar Products Used: | giro hammerhead, mojave, transit, Bell X-Ray | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Kona Kula | | Bottom Line: | Had a little accident the other day. This helmet perrty much saved my brains from being spladered all over the road. Although it busted, it did its job and I am very thankful for that, who cares about the rest, perfect marks for the Giro Gila! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Leonard
a Cross Country Rider
from Belfast
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | Fantastic helemt-loks class(mine is black and orange) and the weak is appreciated.Comfy fit is helped by skeleton inside helemt which is ajustable with giros special technology | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | U dont need to go OTT in helmets.only if ur a d/h maniac so for this type of money this helemt is unbeatable .........looks........price...........saftey.........ajustability...and of course the Giro logo is always worth the extra$$$$.
Brillient helmet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Maedke
a Weekend Warrior
from Ephrata, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dirty ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit cycle center | | Strengths: | Great fit, fairly light, looks good, a quality helmet at a inexpensive price. | | Weaknesses: | I wish it had a better pad for catching sweat before it drips in your eyes and glasses. | | Similar Products Used: | old bell | | Bike Setup: | Cannodale jekyll | | Bottom Line: | This helmet does just what it's supposed to do. It is a inexpensive helmet that feels like an expensive helmet. My only complaint is having sweat drip on my glasses on hot days, but maybe a head band will cure that. Overall I would recommend this helmet to anybody who wants a good helmet that doesn't cost fortune. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Circe
a Weekend Warrior
from Plano,TX in the USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Oshmans' Sport Center | | Strengths: | fit & durability. I have a smallish head size (6-1/4) and it fits pretty comfortably. I think the straps in front of the ears make the tempal feel a little tight. | | Weaknesses: | strap positioning - somehow the straps that go into the helmet from the chin strap seem to get twisted alot. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st helmet - I have no other to compare it to. | | Bike Setup: | GT Outpost | | Bottom Line: | I can testify that it is durable through an "endo" and roll into a tree on a steep downhill. The only thing that happened was that the tape came off a bit at the back.
It seems to stay fairly cool, but it has a slightly tight feel at the temples for me. I do not understand how the strap gets twisted on the front strap going up from the ears. I have never loosened the chin strap unless it is to fix the twisted one. Now I just move it around my ears because it's a bit of a bother to straighten it all the time. The material in the chin strap has a tendancy to loosen on long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Good Fit and Looks | | Weaknesses: | Velcro pad near temple that holds on crucial straps pulled off on second ride! Pad will not stay reattached and helmet moves around without pad | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Image Pro | | Bike Setup: | several | | Bottom Line: | Giro should have a more secure attachment methhod for a necessary strap | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adam hammerman
a Weekend Warrior
from huntingdon valley, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any good, hard riding | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | guys bikes | | Strengths: | -23 vents
-retension system
-pads
-visor
-looks | | Weaknesses: | -a little heavy for the price | | Similar Products Used: | bell image pro, bell vector or something like that | | Bike Setup: | (alredy reserved) trek 6500 w/ judy sl, shimano clipless | | Bottom Line: | great buy! my old helmet shifted during a jump, blinding me with the visor, causing me to crash onto a rock, thus shattering my helmet. so it screwed me and saved me. but this helmet fits so well i dont think it is capable of shifting. the color scheme is great, so is everyhting else....get one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave S
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Protects head, good number of vents, great price, comfortable and fits great. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell, a baseball cap, my own head. | | Bike Setup: | '02 Kona Stuff stock, '01 Fisher Kaitai w/ Shimano DX-30 & Time Atac Aluminum pedals, WTB Velociraptor tires. | | Bottom Line: | This helmet will protect your head. It may be a little heavy and I have seen helmets (like the E2) that are just as strong with more vents and less weight, but I am not a racer so I don't really care about that stuff. My head has stayed cool enough so far and I haven't hurt it yet, so that's all that matters. If you don't want to spend too much on a helmet and you're not a racer, buy this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jet Black
a Cross Country Rider
from SJ
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Bottom Line: | Got the '02 for half off. Nice helmet... don't pay full price and its a great value. Nice fit, looks, doesn't get that much better in terms of ventelation, and not trying to make a 'gucci on E' statement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Desmond --
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any XC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | T.H.H | | Strengths: | 1. More vents
2. Stiff enough
3. light
4. Good look
5. Fit comfortably | | Weaknesses: | BREAK when exert a big IMPACT. Of cuz then why it should call safety helmet, without it ur head will like him. Most are the same. | | Similar Products Used: | Giro | | Bike Setup: | Giant ATX 890, XT cranks n brakes disc Xtr drivetrains, SID 100 fork. | | Bottom Line: | Buy this helmet at its price. Its not so costly compare to the E2 or Exodus. So what its a Top two model helmet, for juz paying in the design and more ventilation. I think that GILA is the best. Its had more than enough 23 ventilation to keep ur head cool. However Giro should sell cheaper somemore for those top end helmet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weather expert
a Weekend Warrior
from iowa
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson | | Strengths: | fairly light, fits well (get one size bigger than advertised), good ventilation | | Weaknesses: | er...if you take time to adjust it, there shouldn't be any weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | riveria | | Bike Setup: | does this matter? | | Bottom Line: | nice, inexpensive helmet. haven't crashed on it yet so can't comment on the crash protection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Braile, Saw Pit. Old Cabin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Price, Looks, Design. Does what it should, protects you skull. | | Weaknesses: | Pads, Visor | | Similar Products Used: | Bell, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Fisher Kaitai | | Bottom Line: | 1 month after I bought this helmet the large pads which hold the side straps in place came loose. I called Giro. They sent new pads within a couple weeks and instructions on how to install them. They didnt ask for a receipt, proof of purchase, nothing. No fuss, no muss. Fast forward a few months. I thwacked my helmet on a branch and my visor popped loose. The visor is a fixed one not the removable moto visor the more expensive helmets have. I called Giro last week, and they said that they'd send me a new one right away, No proof of purchase, no hassles, and no charge. The customer service at this place cannot be overstated. No matter how good a deal another helmet manufacturer may appear, nothing can compare with the amazing customer service of Giro. I will never buy a helmet from any other company. If I could give them 100 chilis for customer service I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weekendwarrior
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, CO
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Giro quality | | Weaknesses: | Visor fit, fiddly straps | | Similar Products Used: | Other Giro products | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock FS, Schwinn Rocket88 | | Bottom Line: | Giro once again comes through with a stylish and functional helmet. The 23 vents do a good job of cooling. Their latest padding is slicker lycra-like instead of the older terry-cloth style.. and doesn't retain sweat as much IMHO. The strap is a pain to adjust but once set, stays put; although excessive length sometimes means you get strap-flap on fast DH's. The visor fitting means you don't want to remove it often. Overall a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerico
a
from Daly City, CA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Perf Bikes | | Strengths: | Confortable, snug and stylish. | | Weaknesses: | difficult to tighten the strap. Velcro that is stuck to the helmet comes lose and has to be stapled (this happens in damp weather.) | | Similar Products Used: | None like it that I've used, but the Bell Nemesis Pro is a bit similar when comparing other brands. (I did fit this on in the shop. | | Bike Setup: | '99 Cannondale F-700 frame/fork | | Bottom Line: | I broke this helmet twice. My dad repaired it the first time (which is not recommended, you should replace the head bucket after impact). It has saved my skull twice. It was a good helmet, I'm sorry to lose it, but it has fulfilled it's purpose, and I'm thankful. This is recomended for anyone who wants to be a racer but don't want to pay the racer price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david hinters
a Weekend Warrior
from Tokyo JApan
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | 79 | | Strengths: | fits head. is a helmet. has holes. has visor | | Weaknesses: | Pads fell apart the first time I washed them. more expensive than Bell'S to replace | | Similar Products Used: | Bell--forget which one. | | Bike Setup: | Two wheels, pedals, seat w/post | | Bottom Line: | 23 vents. WOW. Cannot tell the difeerence between this and my 19 vent Bell. It is ok. Relatively cheap. Good enough if you don't want to pay $150 for a peice of foam and plastic with more holes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Looks good, snug fit. Visor help with sun glare. Cool and lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | Cost. Single-imact protection. Unsure of Giro's policy to replace after crash. Chin straps are difficult to fiddle with and fiddling is needed often. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell | | Bike Setup: | Marin | | Bottom Line: | Nice helmet, looks good, fits well. Hope I never have to put it to the test. :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frogskins
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Haven't found it yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Don't remember | | Strengths: | Great visibility, great fit, great price | | Weaknesses: | Rides a little high on my head, makes me look like a mushroom :-), Can get a little warm | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Mountain Man | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F600 Disc, Panaracer Fire XC Pro's | | Bottom Line: | I really like this helmet. Haven't had a chance to try out it's impact absorption but that's just fine by me. I don't have a problem with the velcro (yet). Maybe because it is a 2001 model. Don't know. Will follow up if that changes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reno
a Cross Country Rider
from somewhere in oregon
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike store | | Strengths: | Stays on your head period!! Looks cool! has a lot of vents. | | Weaknesses: | The way the vizor mounts to the helmet makes it a bad idea to take the vizor on and off a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | specialzied, air light | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet buy one!! It stays on my bandana/ pony-tail head even if the chin strap is unbuckled. I highly recomend one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Nielsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Leyden, MA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | back woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Descent vents allowing for good cooling of your head and the roc lock is great for on the fly changes. | | Weaknesses: | could use some more vents and a little more padding around the sides. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | For the money this is one of the best helmets that I tried or even concidered. I would have liked if their were more vetson the top and front of the helmet but I got what I paid for and are very pleased with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Henkel
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Polar Evolution | | Strengths: | Great fit, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Velcro pads poorly attached at temples | | Similar Products Used: | Specilaized | | Bottom Line: | The little circular velcro pads used to attach the sizing strap at the temple came off after first use. Replaced with Velcro Sticky Back tape cut to fit (Velcro #90077). Works great now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett D
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethel Park, PA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Big Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Fit, Comfort, Ventilation, Colors (match my bike), Weight, Price, and Protection | | Weaknesses: | Now I have no helmet... | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Bell | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Schwinn Moab Disc | | Bottom Line: | This helmet was incredible...until I had a little incident. I am very glad I had purchased it, for I went over the bars at 35 mph and skidded and bounced through a gravel parking lot. I spent 5 hours in the emergency room, and they told me if I wasn't wearing my helmet, I'd be dead. I landed right on the front-left portion of my head, and the helmet did its job. It cracked, and the visor broke off, but my head ended up with just a scratch. The rest of my body is another story, but at least I can live to tell the story. One-Zillion Flamin' Chilis for this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem Oregon
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$32.00 | | Purchased At: | www.twowheeltransit.com | | Strengths: | Excellent fit, feel. | | Weaknesses: | Ventilation sucks. This is really too bad because the fit on this helmet is very good. I am glad I do not live where it is warmer. | | Similar Products Used: | Misc brainbuckets | | Bottom Line: | There are a lot of vents in this helmet. Do not be fooled. If you flip it upside down and look inside, you will find that the channels between the vents are very shallow. This does not allow for air circulation inside the helmet. Unless of course your head is shaved.
BUT REST ASSURED!! there is a cure for this. You can either a. Void the warranty and risk your melon by using a Dremel or similar tool to grind out deeper channels, or , b. ride around with your fingers in the vents, lifting the helmet off your head, causing the helmet to act like a helmet with good ventilation.
As with all my reviews, being a tight a$$ and all, had I paid reatil, I would be disappointed. Three radioactive peckers for value, four radioactive peckers overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor M
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hole in the ground | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight
Good ventilation
I prefer Roc Loc 2 over Roc Loc 3 'cause of the simplicity
Cheap when on closeout at LBS | | Weaknesses: | Velcro bits peel off after lots of heat and sweat. Not a big deal - just press them back in place once in a while. | | Similar Products Used: | older Giro helmets. I'm a loyal customer for life now. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8000 hardtail, Bontrager Race Lite wheelset | | Bottom Line: | This helmet saved my brain. I took a bad header in Auburn a few weeks ago. The helmet is trashed and my brain isn't. Just bought a 2000 model year replacement at the LBS for $49.99. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Giro quality, nice vent design, rocloc system very adjustable, looks cool, cheap (1/2 price in my case) | | Weaknesses: | Just a bit bulky compared to other Giro models, non adjustable visor sits a little low | | Similar Products Used: | various bell, giro models | | Bike Setup: | '01 specialized m4, lx/xt | | Bottom Line: | I took my hardest 'head hit' spill in this helmet -- ended up cracking it all the way through in two places near my right ear. But, that what it's supposed to do on impact. Aside from having it fold on me, I still really liked this helmet. It did does seem a bit bulky. The non-adjustable visor sat a bit low for me, actually hindering my view down the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Higbee
a Cross Country Rider
from S.L.C. Utah
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | amassa back | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Guthries | | Strengths: | fit, comfort, looks | | Weaknesses: | visor is weak | | Similar Products Used: | many helmets | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Joshua f3 | | Bottom Line: | A great helmet, especially for the price. I had one endo in Moab and broke the visor however. I would recommend this helmet to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rhys Owen
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff, Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Snowdon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Don Skene Cycles Cardiff | | Strengths: | Fit (RocLoc), Looks, Vents and Colours | | Weaknesses: | Sits a bit high on the head.
Visor velcro came off, easily mended though. | | Bottom Line: | A very good all round helmet, looks a bit odd as it rides quite high on my head even though it's the correct size! Much more comfortable than the other 20 or so helmets I've tried on to date! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben CB
a Weekend Warrior
from Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland.
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Craanford road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Endinburgh Cycle Co-op | | Strengths: | Fit, vents, look, weight. | | Weaknesses: | Velcro falls off but that is easy to fix! | | Similar Products Used: | Other helmets. | | Bottom Line: | Good value for money, especially if you can still find a 2000 model like I did. The fit is snug and the comfort level is excellent, even though I have an amazingly small head. The vents work well and keep my head cool, but overheating is never really a problem in Ireland. The velcro bits fell off but that is hardly a major problem. Would definitely buy again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete cihelka
a Weekend Warrior
from pete
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | petecihelka@aol.com | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | perfromance | | Strengths: | Comfy, cool, light | | Weaknesses: | Straps loosen and need constant readjustmnet | | Similar Products Used: | since 1978, all. | | Bike Setup: | Nice rigid | | Bottom Line: | My noggin keeps cool now that I'm living in south Florida. (PLACE BLOWS) It's a comfy fit. But 20 minutes into any ride, I have to stop and readjust the straps. Roc Loc is neither Roc or Loc. I sweat a lot since I moved to Florida from Seattle and maybe that's why the straps slip so much. But that shouldn't be the case for a helmet that retails for $75. When I got started in the sport in 1978 I wore some bargain basement helmet I got for $15. It fit perfect everytime out. Giro should delve into the helmet strap design archives and see what was going on then. 4 flamin' methane pods for the fit and feel and price relatave to current products, and 2 for the dang Roc Loc concept. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donovan
a Cross Country Rider
from greenville
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | paris mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | reasonable price
comfortable fit
good vents | | Weaknesses: | strap loosens throughout the ride
claims to be reflective coated but isn't | | Similar Products Used: | bell image pro | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale M500 w/ Atom Bomb | | Bottom Line: | Has been a great helmet for two years, fits well, compact size doesn't make me feel like darth vader (like to bell did). I haven't performed any real crash tests (thank goodness) If it fits your noggin, buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe, Louisiana USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lincoln State Park, Ruston La. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Fits great, RocLoc 2, Reflective piece on RocLoc2, visor is solid, color is great. Well vented, extremely cool. Silver stripes on top are reflective. | | Weaknesses: | Velcro piece had to be super-glued back on, kept coming loose after 3 days use. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Vapor | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hard Rock Sport w/ Spec. Speedzone Computer, Power Grips straps. | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet for the money. The fit is extremely comfortable. Very cool (looks and venting). I got red and silver for visibility plus I like the features of the Gila (RocLoc 2, reflective materials, 23 vents). The velcro problem is minor, but I still think it should be addressed for the amount of money these things cost. Got it on sale at Performance for $64.99 (took almost 4 weeks to get it from them, but that's another story). Overall, a great helmet for the price. Fits better than the Trek and is much cooler too. I'm going to buy my wife one soon because she fell in love with mine. Five flaming hot dogs for value, 4 for overall rating (the velcro, but don't let that dissuade you). Go get one !! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from Apple Valley
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | UniversalCycles.com | | Strengths: | Fits well, cool, decent visor | | Weaknesses: | color | | Similar Products Used: | never had a helmet before | | Bike Setup: | Old Bridgestone and new Sugar | | Bottom Line: | I finally got tired of every helpful biker, wife, mother, friends, etc. telling me I should wear a helmet, so I looked around for the cheapest helmet that actually looked, fit, and generally worked well. This is the one.
Found a 1999 model on sale at Universal Cycles. Not the greatest color (silver & blue), but for half the price of the 2000 models, who really cares? I think it had orange stickers on it too - took those off right away.
It's very adjustable, the visor works great, it's cooler than I thought any helmet could be. I tried on just about every helmet possible, and this is the one.
That's my suggestion: try on every helmet you can at different local places, pick the one that fits well, looks good, etc., then shop on price for that model wherever possible. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry W
a Cross Country Rider
from Watervliet, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dr. TK Lawless | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain RC | | Strengths: | Good ventilation, price, looks, feel, fit. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Vapor | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh m80 with clipless pedals and CODA seat | | Bottom Line: | Awesome helmet and doesn't cost too much. This is a great helmet and now I can go down hills not as afraid as I was, went over handlebars off a log going downhill. I love this helmet so far! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff E.
a Weekend Warrior
from Livonia, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Still Looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | - Colors match my bike perfectly.
- The Gila's 23 vents provide a cool ride.
- Roc Loc 2 tension customizes fit to your head.
- In-Mold Hardbody makes for a solid helmet.
- Visor shields sunlight from eyes.
- Velco pads can come off and on to customize padded fitting. | | Weaknesses: | None thus far. | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Vertigo and some no-name brand helmet for 4 years. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Iguana SE, but does it really matter? | | Bottom Line: | I bought this helmet because a friend of mine recommended Giro. I searched their website in search of a decent-priced, good-looking helmet. I found this in the Gila. I found an ad at Weber Sports which had it as a closeout for $49.99. Talk to your LBS if they match prices, it helped out, 25 bucks off... Anyway, this helmet has it all, whether you're a novice rider or an expert, I'd recommend this helmet to anyone who is looking to have a good safe time on the trails. Go out and grab a Gila! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Overland Park, Ks USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Got a 15% discount, spiffy colors | | Weaknesses: | If you sweat - buy another helmet. This one turns your forehead into Niagra Falls! | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Image | | Bike Setup: | Yes, it's set up just the way I like it. | | Bottom Line: | Giro has quite a rep in helmets so I tried one. It felt good in the shop and the kid at the bike shop gave me a discount. I can't get a snug fit on my melon unless I wear a bandana under it (which also helps the sweat issue) but then it gets kind of warm here in Kansas so you compound the problem and end up dumping your water bottle on your head. I don't like it and would like to get another Bell - they are the experts in helmets anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Weller
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | fits well, adjustable straps, decent looks, vented well, WORKED!! | | Weaknesses: | could aways use more brow sweat pads | | Similar Products Used: | older models | | Bike Setup: | proflex857 panaracer xc | | Bottom Line: | i laughed at reading about someone go off their bike at 30 mph and simply get up and ride....must a been a real tough guy, a stunt pro, or just lucky. my crash sent me over, unclipped, on my back, shoulder and head. cracked the helmet in two spots and my shoulder in four places...fortunatly the blow to my head was absorbed, or whatever the helmet is supposed to do, and i was not left for the vultures...will get another like this or upgrade to another giro...after my shoulder heals | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fits well on my head
Keeps my head cool | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | bell nemesis pro | | Bottom Line: | This helmet was a toss-up against the Bell Nemesis Pro. Both helmets fit my head well. The main difference between the two was that the Giro's sides rested a little higher above my ears. This makes it a little more comfortable when I wear my sunglasses.
This all depends on your head shape. My friend prefers the Bell. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfonso
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Quite simply... a life saver; fantastic ventilation, comfortable fit, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | Graphics leave a bit to be desired, but who cares really? | | Similar Products Used: | Bell, Specialized, Garneau | | Bike Setup: | Specialized A1 customized | | Bottom Line: | I felt compelled to make this my very first MTBR review for a very good reason. Perhaps the only reason why I'm still riding these days is the fact that this helmet saved me in a nasty crash a few months ago.
While obviously still a novice rider, I got a little overconfident one day and attacked a descent waaay to aggressively. Travelling about 30 mph down a rooty, rocky and divot-pocked hill, I somehow ended up over my handlebars... then airborne 6 feet off the ground... still clipped on my bike... falling, then BLAM! down on the rocky terrain on my tucked head. The helmet cracked in three separate places, but my head was all together and merely bruised. The helmet took the blow so well, I simply analyzed what had just happened, then climbed back on the bike and caught up with my buddies.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is VALUE and why this helmet downright rules. Maximum chili score. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jojo
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | looks, weight, shape, very comfortable | | Weaknesses: | the strap is a bit too long, but who gives a fudge | | Similar Products Used: | some useless bell helmet | | Bottom Line: | this is a kick-@$$ helmet! i love it! it's so light and comfy that you will forget its on your head. its also pretty tuff and very hansom
so get out there with a Giro Gila and kick some @ss! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joren Misajon
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything off road(nature) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good looks
Good fit
RADical | | Weaknesses: | some of the velco strap(sticker) are loosing up, when tighten. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Hard Tail Hard Core | | Bottom Line: | The design is good. Good fitting. The only thing is some of the velco strap are loosing up, Maybe you have to put some strong glue to stay on, to stick on.... mtb(c)jrn
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fridge
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, Ont
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Waterdow | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lots of ventilation, cool colours, great fit (for my odd sized noggin). | | Weaknesses: | Non removable visor. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Bell for fit and they wouldn't. | | Bottom Line: | Great helmut, didn't have to spend top drawer money. Got one the same colour as my bike. I hope that's not to 'Fred' like! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | good ventilation, rocloc2, reasonable price | | Weaknesses: | visor not removeable | | Similar Products Used: | trek | | Bike Setup: | not important | | Bottom Line: | The helmet has very good ventilation and fit. I got it at an expo for $35 which makes it all the better. Wish the visor was removeable and replaceable if I ever crack it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sho Nuff
a
from VA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Subtle looks, Comfy, decent price... | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | This is one very comfy skid lid....Best fitting helmet I've ever tried. Unlike Bell, Giro designs their helmets to be worn on human skillets, not bike shop manequins. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam
a Racer
from Calgary, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Three Blind Mice | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Big vents, and lots of them, looks | | Weaknesses: | Colors are kind of lame | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Who cares? | | Bottom Line: | Very comfortable, very nice | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vomitgas
a Cross Country Rider
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Price, Looks, Comfort, Size, Air Vents | | Weaknesses: | Looks like a mushroom on top of my head a bit, but no helmet looks "good" on me. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized and Bell helmets. | | Bike Setup: | Who cares... it is a helmet review | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this, for the money, you won't find a better helmet. I went to the LBS with $150 and figured I would buy a top line Giro. Tried them all on and found only one that felt really good on my head. That was the Gila. It sits a little high on my head, but as I said in the weekness section, no helmet looks good on my dome. I got the Gila for around $60 which was well under my budget and I feel I got the better helmet. A win-win situation for me. So, if you have a big head (25in or so) look no further because I couldn't find anything better than this. I will give it a 5 on looks, a 5 on comfort, a 5 on value. "Two Thumbs Way Up" - New York Times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from Sussex - UK
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lattrigg DH | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Good Looks
Price
Airflow | | Weaknesses: |
Sits a bit high on head | | Similar Products Used: |
Met jetstream | | Bike Setup: |
Giant Box One | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic helmet. Well worth buying. It looks good and the airflow is fantastic. It sits a little high on the head though.
All in all, a good helmet | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairmont, WV
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Looks
Fit
Price! | | Weaknesses: |
almost touches head on the side above temples... maybe not the best choice for people with roundish heads.
It's a bit high on the head.. | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots | | Bottom Line: | EXCELLENT helmet. Rocloc2 holds my melon great. Cool and comfy. 5 dead, flaming horses | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Schwalbach
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berlin, Germany
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ardennes, Belgium | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very good fit, good ventilation, good looking | | Weaknesses: |
like all helmets: its a helmet | | Similar Products Used: |
some Bells | | Bike Setup: |
rigid Brezzer | | Bottom Line: | In the shop I have tried many, but the Gila has the best fitting from all... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Cook
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sunnyvale
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Saratoga gap | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
looks good, good airflow, cool design, strong, good shock absorbsion | | Weaknesses: |
haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: |
giro exidous, giro hammerhead | | Bottom Line: | a great helmet, its saved my head many a time and is still going strong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
potowatami | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
looks good
fits good
nice price
lots of air flow | | Weaknesses: |
none noted | | Similar Products Used: |
bell, specialized | | Bottom Line: | Feels great -- keeps your noggin cool, and safe. Looks pretty cool too. Fit is excellent, and believe them when they say the S/M helmet goes all the way up to 23-3/4 - it does! By the way, found a great deal at Universalcycles.com at under $40! At that price, I don't think you can beat this one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Red@mansfield | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Looks good, fits good, matches my Fox jersey perfectly | | Weaknesses: |
still bounces around over really rough stuff and it has a very high profile-it sticks out from your head a lot. But thats for protection so I can't really complain. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek P.O.S. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 8000 with XT front and rear deraillers and cassette, Profile Carbon risers, Bontrager Race AHS stem | | Bottom Line: | This helmet is THE best helmet for this price range. Nothing comes close unless you wanna spend another $40 or $50 more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
KVR | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Lots of vents
White (why do helmet manufacturers insist on making dark helmets?)
Back of the head gripper thing | | Weaknesses: |
Center velcro for visor keeps peeling off
Bottom half of helmet doesn't have a shell so gets marked up | | Similar Products Used: |
Used a Vetta for many years
Looked at lots of helmets when shopping | | Bike Setup: |
Old GT Avalanche (steel one), Indy XC | | Bottom Line: | No roasted head due to all the vents.
Like the head gripper thing so you can run the strap a little loose and the helmet doesn't bounce around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Juneau, Alaska
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
East Glacier | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
I love this helmet, it has so many vents! Its not too heavy, and I love the feel. | | Weaknesses: |
Weaknesses? | | Similar Products Used: |
A cheap Giro (Not the Gila), had like 2 vents, it really sucked. | | Bottom Line: | This Helmet rocks! I have found no problems with it. It saved my head a few times, when i would go head first into a boulder. And so far no cracks, this helmet is gonna last forever, and it was pretty cheap too! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
old fart
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Fit, visor, wicking | | Bottom Line: | Just retired my 13 yr old Bell. The Gila's so much better, I can't believe I waited this long. No more drip, drip, drip, into my eyes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schmenge
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakville
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kelso BabY!!! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Stylin' looks, rockin' retention, comfy fit | | Weaknesses: |
small visor [my eyes!] | | Similar Products Used: |
Bell tsunami Pro for 3 years | | Bike Setup: |
Beefed up '98 Schwinn Moab Aluminum, risers, upgraded T2's | | Bottom Line: | Bit expensive at 99$ Canadian, but well worth it for the good looks and wonderful fit | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Still looking! | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Lite, well vented, Good value! | | Weaknesses: |
Can't think of any. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized and Bell.
Various Models. | | Bike Setup: |
Hardrock Comp | | Bottom Line: | Bought this on sale for 50 smakers U.S. It's lite, comfy, and doen't move around. When I'm riding I don't even know it's there! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Fit, cost and looks | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Bell Image Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | You can't find a better helmet for the price, period. Once on it stays on without moving. If you're looking for a helmet that works without spending a fortune, look no further. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David RIggs
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bethpage | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Awesome 21 Vents
Rock Loc 2
Design/Styling | | Weaknesses: |
They offer only 3 sizes: XS/S, M/L and XL. | | Bike Setup: |
99 Gary Fisher Kaitai with Judy C | | Bottom Line: | The helmet is, by far, the best value for your money. The vents REALLY work to cool your head and the pads absorb the sweat well. The Rock Loc 2 mold to your head like a glove. It beats paying twice as muh for the Exodus. I give this product 5 flamers for value, design and fit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Boyscout loop - Brianhead, UT | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
looks
venting
fit
IMBA logos | | Weaknesses: |
Not as hip as the Exodus (is that a weakness?) | | Similar Products Used: |
Giro, Bell | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBB, atom bomb fork, XTR, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I also have the IMBA logo version of this helmet. This is by far the coolest version of a cool helmet. Contact IMBA to get yours. I love this helmet. I work part-time in a shop and this is always the first helmet I recommend. It is easily the best value in helmets | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jono
a Cross-Country Rider
from Herts, UK
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Karapoti Classic - Wellingotn, New Zealand | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | This is the best ftting, most comfortable helmet I've ever worn, and I have real difficulty finding helmets that fit well. Great retention, light, and fits like a glove - I give it five big flamers. The Gila replaces a three year old Specialised that got trashed when a car side-swiped me, big bruises, big blood, but still alive to tell the tale. ALWAYS wear a helmet!! My kids are sure glad I did......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flip
a Cross-Country Rider
from wheeling, IL
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
deer grove | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
23 vents!
great looks
roc loc 2 retention system
super absorbent built in sweat bands | | Weaknesses: |
can't easily wash straps but I don't think you can do so with any helmet. | | Similar Products Used: |
none. This is the first helmet I've tried and ultimately the only one I ever bought. | | Bike Setup: |
Performance M405 with Spyder fork | | Bottom Line: | Great helmet. Great price. Secures nicely to your head and is very adjustable. I didn't even bother trying others on because this one looked and felt right. Why bother buying more expensive lids when this one has it all for 1/2 the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from colorado springs co.
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
too many | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The gila is a great value at $70, but even a better value at $45 from IMBA if you are a member plus you get IMBA grapics on the helmet. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
bell psyco | | Bike Setup: |
1997 fsr | | Bottom Line: | Why pay $150 for the exodus when you can get a helmet every bit as good for $45 shipping included and promote IMBA. Happy trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Linda
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Nice colour and cool 23 vents. The Rocloc helped to keep the helmet in a comfortable and vital position.I went for my usual weekend ride and had an endo. Landed on right shoulder and back of my head. There were dents and cracks on my helmet but hey, I got up and continued riding within seconds. | | Weaknesses: |
I bought the helmet from a dealer in Malaysia and requested for a crash replacement helmet. Unfortunately, crash replacement is only applicable to Bell product | | Similar Products Used: |
Bell | | Bike Setup: |
GT , Rock Shox | | Bottom Line: | Well, It did saved my head and probably my life too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Juneau, Alaska
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the radest helmet out there for its price!!
Like: the vents keep you cool on every ride (a new experence to me the first time i take a trail using the Gila)
Dislike: whats there to dislike
HELMETS OFF TO GIRO!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Redondo Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my Giro Gila when I bought my bike for $38! It is definitely more comfortable than my old Bell helmet with better ventilation. The roc loc system and adjustment straps allow you to fit any shape head like a glove. I was actually surprised how well the helmet fit my head given that I have a large, wide, flat head. People tell me the helmet looks pretty good too.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie lamb
a racer
from nova scotia
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I won this helmet in the summer and it has been fine. It fits my head perfect and the roc loc works good. it dosn't look as bad-ass as the exodus though. in canada it is about 100$ i think it is an awasome deal for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan
a cross-country rider
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dollar for dollar the best helmet out there. I bought mine from IMBA. They offer this helmet in a slick, special edition IMBA paint scheme for $70. Great organization, great deal. Like shoes and saddles, helmets are a personal thing. If Giro helmets fit your noodle, the Gila can't be beat. BTW, if you're not an IMBA member, join now! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mcflugbug
a weekend warrior
from WI
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This helmet RULES!!!!!!! super light, super strong and comfortable, thanks to RocLoc 2 design. looks great-awsome colers!!!!! VERY good venelation. What more can I say?? 5 hot chilly peppers for the Gila!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this thing for $65 and it hasn't let me down yet. Giro makes the best helmets money can buy. It fits great and I tend to forget its even there because its so light (the 23 vents help also). If you want an awsome, race-ready helmet that leaves money in your pocket, this is it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
promo9
a cross-country rider
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great helmet for the price ($59). Once the straps are adjusted properly, this cap fits perfectly. Very little movement, even on the rough terrain. Great cooling, and relatively light. Highly recommend to anyone needing a functional, affordable skull guard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pablo Montoya
a cross-country rider
from Venezuela
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very good helmet, Very low price, the two most important things when buying a halmet, this is my second one 'cause the first one I left it on top of my car and LOST IT! what an idiot!!!5 burnin' mice! what else oh yeah, remember to secure the clip or if not it won't work, DUHHH, 50 words, BLAH, BLAH | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E. Sinclair
a weekend warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Gila for about 2 monthes. I have loved it since I first saw it. Last week on a ride in the Canadian rockies I did an Endo over the handlebars and landed on my head. The helmet was trashed but within the hour I didn't even have a headache. The first chance I got I went back to the shp and bought a new one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Howell
a weekend warrior
from London UK
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great fit, superb ventilation. Giro have really improved their helmets since I last bought a Giro Hammerhead SC some 5/6 years ago. My only moan is it looks a bit bulky, making my head look big, but I may depend on it some day, so who cares! If you can't afford the slightly better looking Exodus, then this is the helmet for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrea
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This helmet is awesome. The ventilation is great, very comfortable and is
extremely light. You really don't even realize you have a helmet on your head.
I love the great colours. (mine is green/white/black) looks so cool! In
Canadian dollars you pay $129.99 for this helmet. I bought if for $100.00
Canadian. (bike shop gave a deal). Still the greatest fitting helmet I ever
owned. I give it FIVE HOT FLAMING CHILI PEPPERS!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eboos
a racer
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this helmet about 4 months ago and I realy like it. For under $70.00 you can't do any better. But now for the bad news, last week I broke the Roc Loc retention strap and I had to replace it with one from my old helmet. A note to all users, check the reflective strap right where the elastic straps are sown on.If you are on a budget, this is the helmet for you. If you can afford to, get the Exodus. Mine's on order. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Your mom
a cross-country rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great helmet. Only cost me $55. Great ventilation, keeps my head cool in the Texas heat. It's very comfortable with padding to spare and fits great. If you're looking for a great helmet at a great price, this is the one. Stupid 50 word minimum. Is that 50 yet? Good.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Thompson
a cross-country rider
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This helmet RULES! It is by far the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn. From the moment I tried it on I was sold. And better yet, even though I was prepared to pay 70- for the thing, it was on sale for $50- at my local REI! Short List: great ventilation, awesome comfort, great looks, and great value. Buy this helmet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene
a cross-country rider
from Bronx
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Wiped out on my road bike and fractured my clavicle, got plenty of road rash and shatterred the helmet. I did not even realize I hit my head, that's how good this helmet is. Without this helmet I would have sufferred serious head and or neck injuries. I don't know how cool it looks but having hair and skin on my head looks better than not. Get one and wear it!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince Smith
a cross-country rider
from Lancashire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted to replace my current helmet. The Giro helmets were nice, especially the Exodus, but at a price! This year the Gila seemed to offer many of the nice things of the Exodus but at half the price! Well, after trying it on I was impressed. I put the helmet on in the shop and bent over and the helmet stayed. The colours are good, but not as exciting as the Exodus. The fit is great, the helmet is at one with my head. Weight is not a problem. Giro have the usual helmet replacement fee in the event of a wipe out. I'm not convinced that spending twice as much for the extra colours, the adjustable RocLoc is worth it. The Gila is a great fit and reasonable cost helmet! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Forget about the Exodus, this is the helmet to buy. After putting up with fit problems with the Exodus (see my review there), I bought the Gila and it is everything the Exodus is but at half the price. The only thing better on the Exodus is the Roc Loc 3 and that isn't worth paying twice as much for. The Gila fits better than the Exodus (it doesn't have those annoying ridges that push in on your brow), the ventilation is just as good plus it looks better and comes in better colors. This is the best helmet in the Giro line and it's a bargin to boot. Go ahead and pay $150 for a helmet, it won't be any better than the Gila. It amazes me that Giro can offer such a great helmet at such a good price as the Gila, then also offer such an outlandishly priced helmet as the Exodus. I guess they offer one for those folks that know value and one for those folks that think more expensive means better. Go figure. Just buy the Gila and use the $80 bucks you save for better things than a fashion and ego statement. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a cross-country rider
from Norway, ME
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an mmmmm-mmmm sweet cap. Really, this thing has excellent fit - especially when you insert the spacers, something that should always be done (extra safety and comfort). Very durable, nice rocloc 2 system...this helmet that lets you adjust in any way thinkable. Awesome price for a (in my opinion) top of the line (line of quality, not price that is) helmet. Let me put it this way; you don't need anything more than this helmet, so don't be a fool a pay 150$ for another one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse Rotner
a cross-country rider
from Econdido, CA, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this helmet. Its the shit man. It is super cool, (23 vents) has ausome looks, and a great retention system. It is very comfortable and fits great, especially with the extra spacers and cool inner linings. This helmat, like all GIROS, is very high quality. I've crashed on mine a few times and it is as strong as ever.
If you like high performance at a good price, go with hte GIRO GILA. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
micronaut
a cross-country rider
from earth
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great helmet - it's light, well ventilated and is extremely comfortable. I tried on about ten helmets before I tried the Gila and the Gila was by far the most comfortable. The fit is suberb. I also like the good looks and reflective coating. $70 is a pretty good price - I tried more expensive helmets that weren't nearly as comfortable as the Gila. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doyle
a weekend warrior
from Wichita, KS
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I tried Trek, Bell, Specialized, and finally the Giro Gila, and by far this is the best fitting helmet I could find for the money. The Roc Loc 2 system makes it feel like you're wearing a baseball cap, and you don't even notice you have it on til you take it off. I wanted to only spend around $50, but am very happy that I spent the extra $20. Great helmet!! | | Overall Rating: |
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