Giant Strive Mips Aero Road Helmet

The Giant Strive MIPS Aero Road is an understated and generally well-thought-out helmet that meets its everyman design brief well. That said, some detailing fell below my expectations for this end of the market.

Giant says the Strive is based upon the Rivet, but with improved ventilation and accessory-specific features. Generally speaking, the specification is precisely what I'd expect. We have a matt black polycarbonate outer shell fused to the EPS liner and CE1078 conformity. Despite daily use and some filthy weather, I've not felt the need to add any rejuvenating matt preserve to date.

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Unusually, there are only 12 vents – but this theoretically makes the design safer in a crash. I might sing a different tune on a long, gruelling Continental climb in the height of summer, but the airflow system seems to provide a temperate climate, whether bombing or grinding along, suggesting Giant has the balance right.

'Transtextura' anti-bacterial pads wick moisture, passing it through the rear 'exhaust' vents, neutralising any residual stuff into the bargain. Talking of wind, there's been no conversation-muting roar or distracting whistle on blustery descents.

The MIPS technology is the thin yellow layer between head and helmet, designed to work like a car's roll cage, protect the brain from twisting forces associated with a more traumatic crash. Hopefully we'll never need to depend on it.

The thumbwheel cinch-fit is extremely intuitive and easily tweaked on-the-fly to accommodate caps and other headwear – the same goes for chin and Y-straps.

The teardrop shape is not only flattering but fits really snugly and has some practical benefits, though how much of an aerodynamic advantage is difficult to quantify without windtunnel facilities.

Extra specifics

There's a channel at the front specifically designed with action cams in mind. I've mixed feelings about the aesthetic, and generally prefer handlebar mounting, especially with my Tom Tom Bandit. No dramas with Go Pro patterns, mind.

Round the back sits an embossed panel. Removal is straightforward and reveals a magnetic light mount. It's definitely neat but you'll need to invest another £20 in Giant's integrated Numen Plus Link tail light; leaving the panel in situ and using the mother of all 'O' rings, you might get lucky, but so far I've been unsuccessful in persuading any of my rear blinkie collection to fit.

Conclusion

On the one hand, there's a lot to like here. The slightly unusual shape is actually quite subtle and won't look odd when you've hopped from fixer to tourer or gravel bike to hybrid. It delivers pretty much everything I need from a road biased lid and a cap arguably works better than a plug-in peak in these riding contexts.

> Should you buy an aero helmet?

That said, given the asking price and Giant's purchasing power, it's disappointing that the polycarbonate shell does not extend around the rim. Okay, so this might add a few paltry grams, but it would also offer greater defence against accidental everyday carelessness.

Verdict

Nice road helmet with some really clever touches but the polycarbonate shell should really extend around the rim