One of the tradeoffs Giro makes here is providing improved durability by adding more structural support to the helmet while sacrificing a bit of ventilation. However, the Cinder receives overall average scores in the rating metric due to the amount of EPS foam that is exposed around the brim of the helmet. EPS foam is a more delicate material that the protective polycarbonate shell, and is vulnerable to bumps and scrapes if not properly cared for. Value Twenty-six Wind Tunnel vents course through this helmet, making it a respectable aerator and earning our appreciation on the muggy mornings that turn into windy, blazing afternoons. The internal channeling seems to be effective, and the built-in MIPS liner is perfectly trimmed to align with the vents. Overall, there are several models that offer better ventilation with larger vents, but the Cinder provides respectable breathability for most riding conditions. Adjustability Probably one of the most noticeable differences while wearing the helmet is the weight. The Cinder is about 20% heavier, but, can still be considered a light helmet with its claimed and actual weight of 295 grams for a medium sized helmet. The Cinder is also a bit rougher around the edges in terms of finishing. Easy fit adjustment with the turn of a knob.

Another great feature of the Cinder is its compact shape. This helmet is designed to be sleek and aerodynamic, which means less wind resistance and a more comfortable ride. Plus, the Cinder comes in a variety of colors, so you can find one that matches your style. Below the Fold Content Another factor that set Foray as the more comfortable option is probably the lighter weight so wearing them doesn’t feel like a task and for those who are used to heavier helmets, you may not realize they have been sitting on your head as well. Giro Cinder Vs Foray The last part we want to mention is the comfort but while most people’s heads seem to fit well using the adjustment they have, in our opinion they are not the best too for some people may experience difficulties when getting the best comfort from them. For the ventilation they are adequately breezy but in comparison we do think Foray is much more comfortable and able to channel wind inside properly than Cinder. They are very cool to ride at higher speed but as we slow down, the head can gets warmer. The Synthe MIPS is an awesome helmet, but most of us probably can't lay down 250 quid on a brain box without wincing, so the Cinder is a very viable alternative. Regardless of not having indistinguishable size vents from Giro Synthe, on most rides, Giro Cinder MIPS never felt stuffy, in any event, when wearing a helmet. With regards to long moves in high temperatures, the distinction can be felt though for a plenty of riders, this is anything but an everyday event.

The Cinder MIPS is mid-range helmet that is not far of the high end Synthe helmet. Yes, the Synthe is a better helmet, it fits better, looks better, has better airflow and has a nicer finish. But still…is it €150 euro’s better? If you have the money to spend and the helmet it fits well, then it’s a no-brainer. But if its more value for money you look for, then the Cinder is definitely a better choice. A pretty good deal, if the Giro Cinder fits you. This is the most important point in our opinion because a helmet must sit well on your head to offer the optimum protection it has; just like how a seatbelt must fit on the passenger’s body. A good fit helmet will feel snug on your head without pressure points and doesn’t move around too but to get the best fit for a different head shape is not something a fixed system can do. This is why usually bike helmets will have an adjustable fit that conforms to head shape. The Cinder’s (left two) solid pad and underlying MIPS liner sit flush against the foam. The Synthe’s ventilated pad sits out from the foam atop the white Roc Loc Air retention system Ben Delaney / Immediate Media Similar to many other road helmets, the overall design of these helmets are very much the same to each other. The half-shell design is enough to cover the top part of the area and as you can expect, when worn they are ending on top of the ears and right the occipital area. We do hope they are a bit different to each other but side by side they are almost identical including how they create the wave lines at the top and the abundant vents. If you want to get a good helmet which is not only comfortable but also affordable, Giro Cinder and Foray are two amazing choices to consider out there. Both of them are a solid option for almost any road cyclist that in our opinion what sets them apart is probably on personal taste or choice and what makes many are so interested to have one of them is actually for the price point itself since despite being affordable, they are not far behind high-end models.

For mountain biking, protection is the first and most important part so they will be heavier from the more material to cover more part of the head. In DH the design is even full to protect your facial bones as well when things go wrong yet the construction type is usually the same; polycarbonate shell with EPS foam on the inside. About Giro Cinder and ForayNow when you already decide the option, now is the time to see what the market has to offer since there are so many of them out there and if you are here then it means a road bike helmet is what you look for. In general road bike helmets are very affordable unless you go for the aerodynamic models. Road bike helmets are also offered by almost any bike helmets brands and you can choose from those you like better or what most people are going with. The Giro Cinder and Ember MIPS are the little brother and sister of the Giro Synthe MIPS. Where the Cinder has been introduced as a men’s helmet, the Ember is introduced at a later point as a women’s helmet with only the esthetics to differentiate itself. The Cinder and Ember, different colors but the same helmet. carry this thought over to the final section as we wrap things up. Is the Giro Cinder MIPS Helmet a Good Overall Value? You get, as you'd no doubt expect, an expanded polystyrene shell with a polycarbonate shell. Nothing out of the ordinary here but an added bonus is the thermoplastic skeleton that'll keep the helmet together after that initial impact. In the past I've crashed a similar helmet and the skeletal structure certainly held it together, so that if I'd bounced from road to kerb for the secondary clout, my head was likely to have still been protected. On hot days, it vents well and allows ample air flow. On days cold enough to snow, a good base layer beanie was enough to prevent all that air flow from freezing my noggin. I’ve worn plenty of helmets that fit great one way or the other, but to be able to fit comfortably either with or without another lay underneath (and cram MIPS in there, too) is noteworthy.

The Giro Cinder Mips uses their Roc Loc 5 retention mech, which adjusts the tightness and the height of the cradle. It’s also ponytail friendly. Altogether, the Giro Cinder MIPS kinda begs the question, why spend more? It has top shelf features, a MIPS anti-rotational safety layer, is very comfortable, and looks fast.

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In 2015 MEA Forensic reported on their extensive testing of used (but not crashed) bicycle helmets shows that the foam liners retain their performance over many years. Some of the helmets were as old as 26 years. They crash tested 675 helmets in their lab. Their analysis showed that there was no significant impact performance change with age.” Giro Cinder Fit With its cozy fit, great maintenance framework, and numerous colorways, combined with a lot of other advantages, Giro Cinder MIPS is definitely justified.