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review

Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet

8
£99.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A well-priced pro-level helmet with strong ventilation and the reassurance of the MIPS system
Weight: 
282g

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The Giant Rev Mips is a top-of-the-range helmet that brings together some really good features at a very competitive price. The only difference I can see compared with helmets that are twice the price is about 50g.

A helmet is only ever as good as its fit, as it doesn't matter what kind of protection it provides if its uncomfortable and unstable on the head. For me, the Rev Mips' traditional but effective harness and dial system at the back on the head works very nicely. Twisting right tightens, left loosens, and there is a decent range between each click, making micro-adjustments simple and quick. It tightens and loosens from the back rather than around the entire head, but it is still comfortable thanks to the pads used.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The helmet straps have a divider that is relatively simple to adjust: by flipping the central element down it can be moved up or down, then pressing it back up again secures it. The straps certainly didn't move around too much during use. They're also nice and soft and slide under the MIPS system, meaning they don't tend to twist.

Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet - side 2.jpg

The helmet comes with three sets of pads of varying thicknesses, each of which works well, and they dry out quickly which helps prevent them getting smelly after repeated use. They stick onto the inside of the MIPS system, and cover the edges well – which can catch on other helmets. The system has been integrated well into the helmet and, unlike others I have used, doesn't feel like a retrofit that's been jammed in, which says a lot about the thought that's gone into the design.

Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet - inside.jpg

I confess I didn't test the helmet's protection properties in a crash situation, but it feels well made and secure, and the MIPS moves freely inside the shell. For those unfamiliar with MIPS, the idea is that it sits securely on your head while the helmet shell moves independently, so in a crash situation decreases the rotational impact that is the leading cause of concussion. I've yet to have a fall severe enough while wearing a MIPS helmet to qualify whether this is true, but the science seems to be fairly solid. You can read more here.

Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet - back.jpg

Ventilation on the helmet is strong, with 21 vents across the helmet channeling air across the top of the head and, combined with the pads, moving excess heat away well. Though they work well for ventilation, the vents aren't the best for glasses storage, with only one option at the front but the arms stick into your head a bit.

Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet - side.jpg

In terms of looks the helmet isn't quite as svelte as others I have used, but hardly creates a mushroom head and has decent lines. I'm not sold on the stylings on the helmet either; to my mind the stripes being used look a little dated, but they are fairy subtle and the matt black version I tested generally looks fairly low key.

> Buyer's Guide: The best performance helmets

The helmet weighs in at 282g on the road.cc Scales of Truth, which is decent for a (just) sub-£100 helmet. It is also fairly rare to find a helmet worn in the pro-peloton for £99.99, especially one that includes a MIPS system, so it's pretty good value.

> Need a cheaper lid? Check out six of the best

Overall, the Giant Rev Mips might not be the lightest, but it more than makes up for it with competitive pricing and some decent tech used throughout. I'd like more options for storing your glasses, but this doesn't take away from a strong performing lid at a really competitive price.

Verdict

A well-priced pro-level helmet with strong ventilation and the reassurance of the MIPS system

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

A pro-level helmet at a non-pro-level price.

Giant says: 'Light, comfortable, uncompromising performance. With cutting-edge design and maximum ventilation, Rev is one of the official helmets of Team Giant-Alpecin. From hors categorie climbs to World Cup cyclocross racing, it's the ultimate choice for superior fit, comfort and protection. Includes revolutionary MIPS brain protection system.'

This seems pretty accurate; it performs well, has good ventilation and is used by Giant Alpecin.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Protection: 5 polycarbonate micro shells and MIPS

Fit system: Cinch+™ and Liteform™ webbing

Ventilation: Ventilation: 21 vents, ultra-deep internal channels

Padding: TransTextura™ Plus anti-microbial padding (5mm)

Extra: Sub-foam polycarbonate internal shell

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well made with decent material choices, although it could do with an easier place to store glasses.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Performed well throughout, with a decent fit, good ventilation and comfortable.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Seems well made and unlikely to break through regular use.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
6/10

Slightly heavier than other pro-level helmets, but about what I would expect from a £100 helmet.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10

Nice pads combined with good fit and decent ventilation mean it's very comfortable.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Just sub £100, pro-level with strong design features mean this is a good price.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Performed really well, sitting nicely on the head and with good ventilation in warmer temperatures.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Ventilation is a real high-point.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Would be nice to have more options for places to stick your glasses.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

The Giant Rev MIPS brings together some great design features and incorporates the MIPS system nicely. It is perhaps a little heavier than others, but given that it's a pro-level helmet coming in under £100 this can easily be forgiven.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Evo 6  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

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1 comments

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Freddy56 | 6 years ago
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Looks dated compared to Giro, Bell, Lazer,POC

Looks dated then

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