Giro Synthe MIPS II helmet review

The updated Synthe comes with a lower price than the original due to its use of a superseded type of MIPS, but as the 'UItegra' of Giro's range it is still a high-performance road helmet

Giro Synthe MIPS II
(Image credit: Simon Smythe/Cycling Weekly)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

It's not often that an updated, improved version of helmet is priced lower than the original, but this is the case with the Giro Synthe MIPS II. This is because it uses what has become entry-level MIPS - the slip plane type - now that Giro is speccing its latest Spherical MIPS on its flagship road helmets the Eclipse and Aether. However, if you're not bothered about having the latest MIPS protection system and are looking for a comfortable, well vented, classic-looking road helmet the Giro Synthe MIPS II could be for you.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Very comfortable

  • +

    Classic looks

  • +

    Updated integrated MIPS (though not the flagship Spherical type)

  • +

    Lower price than the original

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Wide look might not suit narrow faces

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The original Giro Synthe launched in 2014 and was one of the most advanced pro-level helmets at the time. It was comfortable, well ventilated, aerodynamic, lightweight, slimline and strong with Giro’s Roll Cage reinforcement.

Giro calls it an ‘icon’ - justifiably. So how to improve on it?

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Giro Synthe MIPS II specsHeader Cell - Column 1 Header Cell - Column 2
Integrated MIPS® brain protection systemRow 0 - Cell 1 Row 0 - Cell 2
Featherweight webbing with Slimline™ buckle- Ionic+™ anti-microbial paddingRow 1 - Cell 1 Row 1 - Cell 2
In-Mold polycarbonate shell with EPS linerRow 2 - Cell 1 Row 2 - Cell 2
Thermoformed SL Roll Cage™ reinforcementRow 3 - Cell 1 Row 3 - Cell 2
Roc Loc® 5 Air MipsRow 4 - Cell 1 Row 4 - Cell 2
19 Wind Tunnel™ vents with internal channelingRow 5 - Cell 1 Row 5 - Cell 2
S 20”–21.75”/51–55cm, M 21.75”–23.25”/55–59cm, L 23.25”–24.75”/59–63cmRow 6 - Cell 1 Row 6 - Cell 2
Complies with the US CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmet for Persons Age 5 and OlderRow 7 - Cell 1 Row 7 - Cell 2
Weight (size M): 274gRow 8 - Cell 1 Row 8 - Cell 2

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