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review
Helmets
Giro Indicator helmetGiro Indicator helmet

Giro Indicator helmet

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 20, 2012

2
£39.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Versatile everyday helmet with some very nice touches.
Weight: 
281g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
How we test

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Giro's Indicator helmet is remarkable value for money; this level of spec would've been unthinkable for just £40 a few years back. It's lighter than several well-known competitors and laden with features including detachable peak and insect netting. It's hard to think of a riding context where it doesn't belong, save for road racing or time trialling.

It took me all of ten seconds to get a perfect fit, thanks to Giro's infinitely tuneable Acu Dial head ring. The Indicator comes in just one size, covering heads from singular 51 to 61cm. Giro's accurately-named Universal Fit design makes this the closest I've encountered to a helmet that genuinely fits everyone.

Ours was an office-neutral titanium and silver two-tone that complemented both cycling and civilian ends of the wardrobe effortlessly, yet came alive under the glare of street and vehicle lighting. There's a wealth of alternatives such as matt titanium, red/black, black charcoal and the more flamboyant white turquoise or white silver explosion.

Features like in-mould construction - where the outer shell and EPS foam liner are formed together – twenty vents and meeting the CE1078 standard are hardly front-page news but the detailing is devilishly good. You might be sceptical about buzzwords like 'exhaust vents' but they work, keeping your head comfortable whether you're winching slowly up the climbs with bulging panniers or trickling through rush hour crawls.

The pads are machine washable so trench helmet shouldn't be a problem. They handled the sweat at a steady 20mph and big ring bombing missions haven't left me nursing front lobe headaches. That sliver of nylon mesh kept kamikaze members of the insect kingdom from spoiling things too.

Although they're associated with mountain biking, I'm rather fond of peaks since they shelter the face from wind, rain, sleet, snow and the like. The Indicator peak's slightly shallower shape doesn't get in the way when you glance over your shoulder or look into a junction. Nevertheless, it's as effective as porch-like mountain bike peaks along forest and disused railway tracks populated by untamed foliage.

Verdict

Versatile everyday helmet with some very nice touches.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Giro Indicator

Size tested: Titanium/Silver 

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?

Giro says:

  • Unbelievable combination of performance, value for money, and style
  • Acu-Dial fit system provides one handed micro adjustment whilst on the move and ensures a perfect custom fit for every rider
  • Advanced strap management keeps everything in place to allow further fine tuning for a safe and secure fit
  • In-mould hardbody adds strength and protection for no extra weight penalty
  • 20 vents allow cold air in and hot air out to provide cooling and increase rider comfort
  • Additional rear exhaust vents pull air through the helmet even when riding uphill and at slower speeds
  • Snap-fit visor helps keep the sun and rain away from your face.

Generally agree, although had to chuckle at the "exhaust vents"

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

In mould construction, CE1078 conformity, 20 vents and washable pads.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

Giro Indicator is in many respect the ideal lid for everyday riding thanks to high quality construction, good ventilation, modest weight and favourable pricing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Attention to detail coupled with a genuinely road and trail friendly peak.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, as an everyday lid

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

peak
Helmet
Giro
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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2 comments

Avatar
batch | 12 years ago
0 likes

Just ordered one...£23.25 with free delivery from Parker International (I have no connection with the company). Need to replace my old Bell helmet which has no rear vents and gets quite hot even on moderate days. Also the pads have gone, so I'm riding with velcro hooks digging into my head...not nice 2

Avatar
Saint Mark | 12 years ago
0 likes

I've got one of these which I use mainly for commuting and it is a good piece of kit. I found them on special offer well below the RRP and thought it was worth a try; glad I did.

Easily the equal in build quality, fit and ventilation of my old Giro E2 that cost over twice the price a few years back. I planned to keep the E2 but haven't worn it since as this does the job so well.

The peak stays on, it keeps the rain off my specs. 26

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