The Giro Synthe Mips II is the second iteration of the all-rounder helmet, which sits near the top of the brand’s road range, above the Cinder Mips and below the Spherical series.
Giro says the updates to the original Synthe Mips design makes for a helmet that’s better ventilated and more comfortable.
What’s it for?
The Synthe Mips II is an all-rounder road helmet, with 19 vents connected by internal channels. Giro emphasises improved cooling and comfort for this latest iteration.
The helmet uses Giro’s Roc Loc 5 Air Fit adjustment system and integrated Mips impact protection. Giro says the expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner features an additional internal ‘Roll Cage’, which claims to hold the helmet together better under impact and provide extra strength.
The Synthe Mips II has Ionic+ anti-microbial padding, which is minimally placed at the front and rear. The helmet has a relatively shallow fit but sits well when fully adjusted. The ear and chin straps have low-profile buckles, while the rear dial is small but effective.
I found the Ionic+ padding to wick sweat efficiently away from my eyes and it worked well with the vents and internal channels to keep my head cool.
Aesthetically, I liked the choice of colours but did find the Synthe Mips II had a slight mushroom effect on me. The standard price for the helmet is £179.99, with some colours such as the ‘matte black undergrown’ shown here coming in at £189.99.
Giro Synthe Mips II fit + sizing
The Synthe Mips II is available in small (51-55cm), medium (55-59cm) and large (59-63cm). With a head circumference of 56cm, I went for a medium which works well.
I found the fit to be pretty shallow, edging towards the perched end of the spectrum, though this will likely vary from person to person and is a matter of preference.
There’s a spacious ponytail hole incorporated into the internal adjustment system and, although there is no dedicated sunglasses storage listed, there are rubberised grippers in two of the front ventilation holes.
The Roc Loc 5 Air Fit adjustment system is operated by a small, rubberised dial at the rear of the helmet. Despite its size, the dial sits proud of the plastic backing so doesn’t cause problems in locating or using it. The vertical adjustment has three height options set on a sliding scale and can be adjusted while wearing the helmet.
The ear straps can be individually adjusted, with a buckle at each side. For the ‘matte black underground’ colour shown here, these buckles are a pale mint green to match the helmet decals.
Giro Synthe Mips II material + technology
The Synthe Mips II uses integrated Mips impact protection. Giro says it has supported this by adding an additional ‘Roll Cage’, an internal structure moulded into the EPS liner, that helps hold the helmet together if an impact occurs.
The previous iteration of the Synthe Mips scored five stars from the independent lab at Virginia Tech, though there is no rating as yet for the newer version.
The helmet uses Ionic+ anti-microbial padding, also found on the Bell Falcon XR helmet, which incorporates silver thread in a bid to help minimise odours.
The helmet has 19 ventilation holes, connected by internals channels moulded into the polystyrene. The adjustment system sits below, so the channels are uninterrupted.
On our scales, the Synthe Mips II came in at 277g for a size medium, with a stated weight of 260g. A Roc Loc 5 LED light can be purchased separately to fit to the rear of the helmet.
Wearing the Giro Synthe Mips II
The Giro Synthe Mips II has quite a shallow fit, which may suit some more than others. While aesthetics are nowhere near as important as safety, I will note that the helmet looked quite bulbous on my head, which I wasn’t a fan of.
The helmet’s adjustments were all simple to use and helped get the fit feeling dialled and snug. At 277g, the Synthe Mips II is on the heavier side for a top-tier helmet but this wasn’t noticeable when actually wearing it.
I really like the minimal use of the Ionic+ padding, as it helps prevent heat build up inside the helmet. The padding that’s there wicks sweat away efficiently and works well with the numerous air vents and channels to provide good airflow even on hotter rides.
Giro Synthe Mips II helmet review summary
The Giro Synthe Mips II helmet performs well on all fronts, notably with its effective, pared-back padding and generous airflow. The buckles are low profile and easy-to-use, so too are the Roc Loc 5 internal adjustments.
I personally prefer a deeper, more wraparound helmet fit, where the Synthe Mips II is quite shallow, but this is largely a matter of preference. The Synthe Mips II would make a good all-rounder for those able to pay a bit more for the quality airflow and promise of Mips impact protection.
| Price | £179.99 |
| Weight | 277g |
| Sizes available | S, M, L |
| Safety tech | Mips |
| Adjustment system | Roc Loc 5 Air Fit |
| Number of vents | 19 |
| Attachments | Roc Loc 5 LED light |
Want to make sure you’re buying the right helmet? See our guide and FAQ to the best bike helmets.
