Montaro MIPS

I asked for some feedback as I was purchasing these and I got some good responses but also some incorrect responses so I decided to post my own reviews with pics as proof. Ok so I just received this today and decided to post a review between the chronicle and the Montaro. Executive summary the Chronicle is the better helmet. See the pics and judge for yourself the red is the chronicle and the black is the Montaro. The Montaro does seem to fit a little softer. It more comfortably but the difference between the two is negligible. The chronicle seems to be overall better. It covers your head more providing more head protection on the rear. The Monterey is lighter but this is because it provides less protection on the rear. The Montaro bill is fixed and does not adjust. The chronicle can be adjusted. The chronicle can also be tightened around your head and then adjusted vertically the Montaro just tightens no vertical adjustment. The interior yes the montero is negligible softer but the chronicle MIPS on the chronicle seems to be better built. The montero wins on style points in the groove design but on the head the chronicle just seems to look better while the Montaro seems to look roundy., overall I have no idea why the Montaro costs more. The chronicle had more features is more adjustable, longer brim and adjustable vertical and horizontal mips seems better quality. Chronicle is the hands down winner! See the pics and judge for yourself.

The Montaro MIPS is a solid helmet, but not a great one.From a safety perspective, its got what it needs. That's true. But I don't find it to stack up against all of my other Giro helmets of years past when it comes to comfort.The padding seems a bit thin, to start with, and the Roc Loc 5 retention system seems way too thin. It has, quite honestly, some relatively sharp edges to it. Not that they would cut you, but they can be uncomfortable on longer rides. The thin padding and restraints are even more of a factor when using a helmet mounted camera or light, which adds extra weight on top.With that said, the break-away camera mount is pretty cool, its just that I don't use a GoPro for biking. I am interested in perhaps getting a helmet light that would be compatible, though, which would probably make me like the helmet a bit more.Overall, it's solid. It's just not great for the price paid.

Only one ride in. Helmet is light and well vented. I was skeptical upon initial inspection as the helmet has very little padding. The MIPs insert does provide an added level of cushion but there is very little in the way of actual padding. I did a 20+ mile 3 hour ride with this helmet in 87 degree humid weather and it was comfortable as could be and kept my head cool. The adjustment system is very easy to use. The helmet didn't bounce around at all over rough terrain. The adjustment system provides a solid 'click' between each adjustment increment. Feels good. Straps are comfortable as well. Really can't fault this thing too much, though, for a $150 helmet it would be cool if it came with a removable/washable padding system similar to other helmets in this class.

So I will say I am new to biking and to date, I have tried on the TroyLee A1, A2 and the Giro Chronicle and have finally settled on the Montaro. I was going for safety but above all,(I know sounds silly) but style. Most of my riding is around the city on sidewalks and wanted to look good. The Montaro is the slimmest and the one helmet that doesn't make my head look huge. I definitely recommend. And it came with a GoPro attached that links into the helmet which was a perk.

Best bang for your buck as far as high end helmets go IMO. With my old Giro hex (still a good helmet) I was having to stop and take the helmet off to cool down, but even with fewer vents this helmet is much cooler thanks to cross vents on the inside. I also think MIPS helps with the heat because if keeps some space between your head and the foam (conduction vs convection). I ride with glasses in the humid south so sweat running onto the lenses was always a problem, but with the Xstatic brow pad it's a non-issue.My only peeve is that the visor mounts aren't symmetrically mounted so when it's in the lowest position on both the visor looks wonky like you went otb at some point. Levels out if one side is in the lowest notch and the other in the second, but still, kind of an annoying manufacturing issue.

This is an out-of-the-box review. I have not yet taken a ride with it. I'll update when I do.This is my second Giro bike helmet. My first saved me from serious/permanent injury a few weeks ago, when I crashed on my gravel bike and smacked my head pretty good on the asphalt. I wanted one with a visor, and maybe a little more ear/back-of-the-head protection. After a good bit of research on other BIG helmets, I went with this because of the visor and previous life-saving experience from Giro. It did not disappoint. It fits my 25.5cm head *perfectly*, with room for my skull cap, to keep the sweat out of my eyes. It sits nice and low on my head, about 1" above my eyebrows, which is supposed to be ideal height.It is super comfortable, and lightweight. Though this is a dirt bicycling helmet, I'm using it on my road bike, because of the visor. All the trails in Southern California run north/south, so in winter you're staring into the Sun half the time, so a visor is great to have.Really happy to have such an awesome-fitting helmet!

Got this because my old basic one finally fell apart. This was a major upgrade since I've been going a little more crazy trails, but I really needed something that was cooler for me and my head. This definitely did the trick, super safe, fits nice, light, and very breathable so you stay cool. I have been very happy with it, and will actually wear a helmet instead of not now. Not brave enough to take gopro footage with it yet, but it does have the attachment!

I’ve chosen this coz it’s matching my bike colour and it had good reviews. I admit, it fits well, adjustable and light.