Giro Launches Air Attack Aero Road Helmet

Traditional road helmets have been either aerodynamic, or well ventilated, but not both, as increased ventilation ports increase airflow turbulence. But Giro claims the Air Attack combines the aerodynamic qualities of its Selector time trial lid and the ventilation qualities of its top-of-the-line Aeon. (Giro claims the Aeon, which has 24 ports, is so well ventilated that it’s actually cooler than a bare head.)

Giro claims that in wind tunnel testing, the Air Attack was 12 percent faster than its Aeon, and 12 percent slower than its Selector TT helmet.

The Air Attack’s improved aerodynamics comes from its unusual aesthetic; with its solid outer shell, sporting only six vents, it similar looks to a BMX or skateboarding helmet. An optional, magnetically anchored optical shield, which raises the price from $200 to $240, increases wind-cheating properties. The optical shield was designed to be easy to install or remove with one hand, and can also be flipped upside down during pre-race or warm up if the rider wants it out of the way.

Read more: Velonews.com