Giro's new top helmet "Ionos" was presented for the first time in summer 2006 and has finally been on sale for a few weeks - for a hefty 225 euros. Its outstanding feature is the ventilation, which Giro claims is 15 per cent better than its predecessor, the "Atmos". To achieve this, 21 air openings have been integrated into the Ionos shell, which provide the skull with a powerful cooling breeze. To ensure that the filigree construction fulfils its protective function, it is stabilised by an internal skeleton made of composite material. The helmet, which is available in three sizes, also impresses with its foolproof adjustment system and good fit, even with different head shapes - advantages which, in our opinion, outweigh the fact that at 290 grams in size M, it is not one of the lightest.
To create a further incentive to buy, Giro came up with the idea of developing high-quality goggles to match the Ionos. The plus points of the "Havik" are its low weight of 28 grams, a distortion-free polycarbonate lens from Carl Zeiss and excellent protection against draughts. This makes the 160 euro Havik a good pair of cycling goggles without question; however, the fact that they harmonise better with the shape of the helmet than goggles from other manufacturers is not entirely clear. There is a choice of six tints and one clear lens, and the frame is available in four colours.
Reference/Info: Grofa, telephone 06434/2008200; www.grofa.com
PLUS:
Helmet: Very good fit and ventilation
Glasses: High-quality look, good protection against draughts
MINUS:
Helmet: Expensive, relatively heavy
Glasses: expensive
Photo: Daniel Simon
