The result is not only a reduction in weight but also an aid to improved ventilation, as the air has one less layer to move through. There’s also a 10 gram weight, saving to be had on a like for like size, with the brand putting this weight saving is down to the Helios Spherical helmet having less technical ventilation structure than genesis mountain bike the Aether. Personally found it a barely noticeable difference having ridden both helmets, with the two equally as comfortable. It has Smith’s VaporFit retention system, which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to allow for a snuggly fit for all head shapes, which is a rare feature especially in aero focused helmet options.
On test, we found that the Sintesi provided good airflow and kept our head cool, although the 13 vents don’t offer anywhere to perch a pair of glasses. The XR uses Bell’s Float Fit system, that’s simple to use and is paired with a comfortable strap and magnetic buckle. Combined they allow for a stable fit that adds to the helmet’s high level of comfort – the great ventilation and Iconic+ padding alone make it plenty comfy. The lightweight helmet uses the same Spherical MIPS protection as the Giro Aether, which isn’t the only way this lower price offering challenges its more expensive sibling.
We found the Protone to be one of the most comfortable helmets we’d ever tested, and indeed one of the lightest, beating the Giro Synthe by 20g (0.7oz). In fact, we loved the Giro Aether MIPS so much, that we gave it a five out of five stars and a Cycling Weekly Editor’s genesis bicycles Choice Award. The only reason why you wouldn’t want to buy it is if your head fundamentally didn’t fit any of the size options. Lazer’s lightest helmet ever weighs just over 200g, but has a high safety rating and can be fitted with an Aeroshell for improved aerodynamics.
More than one review indicated a longer post or stem was needed, neither of which addresses the fact that the frame is a “one size fits most”. 3 gears at the pedals and 7 gears at the rear wheel make up a 21-speed drivetrain, a relatively rare multi-drive system in mountain bikes of the same price range. You are going to be wearing the helmet a lot, potentially for over five hours at a time, so it’s imperative that the fit suits your head, no matter what a review says. It is also advisable to try on a variety of makes and models to see which is most comfortable and the best road bike helmet for you, as they are often different shapes internally.
Actual weight of the Genesis V2100 is in the pound range, depending on the accuracy of your scale. It wouldn’t be too much work to bring that down a bit by swapping the heavy steel riser bar for an aluminum one. Of course, any weight savings from the bar swap would be offset when it comes time to replace the pedals (after about two rides or less), as they seem to have earned a reputation as the genesis mountain bike cheapest pedals ever. We did note that in online reviews, the average owner spent an additional $80 or more to get their bike in working order. Trailside, it would be a bit cumbersome to fix a flat on the Genesis V2100, since it isn’t equipped with quick release axles at either end. Don’t count on an open end or adjustable wrench, as these nutted axles don’t have the best hardware either.
It is a little heavy to carry up stairs but other than that its a great looking and handeling bike. The greatest restriction on how fast you can go when pinning singletrack is the tyres, yes they are fast rolling but they lack bite, something with greater cornering grip would certainly show off bikes handling better. Set up was simple, the bike did come with a whole bunch of spacers below the stem, after less than 30 seconds on the bike I had these shuffled to get the front as low as possible and it was off to the trails.
Given that the previous Prevail was the US brand’s most heavily vented lid, it was quite the challenge. However, after riding the helmet, we believe that Specialized has succeeded. Its large air ports mean that it also doesn’t take the usual guise of an aero helmet, which tend to have a more solid appearance.