Here’s some exciting news for your noggin: Giro just released the redesigned Roc-Loc retention device on selected helmets, like the Athlon MTB helmet. Roc-Loc has been around for a while so you may be wondering why Giro changed things up. Well, Giro works to provide riders with the best equipment and there’s always room for improving their products, no matter how great the original design. And with Roc-Loc, improve it they did.
Giro’s new Roc-Loc 5 promised and delivered on many key features such as a new level of comfort and fit like no other. Not only did they make the Roc-Loc 5 more adjustable by means of a new micro adjust tension dial in back, they also added 15mm of vertical adjustment to reduce pressure points. And recognizing that most mountain bikers also wear eye protection when they ride, Giro made the arms that attach the strap system to the helmet smaller, allowing for more room for sunglasses temples .
At this point you may be picking up on the word “smaller” in this review. While some may think smaller means less protection, rest assured that Giro went through a lot of testing. From what I gather, Giro ran these helmets through around 6,600 cycles which is like riding 3 times a day, everyday, for 3 years. Now that would be a lot of singletrack! Not only is the retention system smaller but it’s also 40 percent lighter than the previous version, Roc-Loc 4.
After wearing the Athlon with the new Roc-Loc 5 I have to say it is one of the most, if not the most, comfortable lid I’ve worn to this day. For one thing, this helmet feels lightweight and breathes like no other brain bucket out there. The two new pads on the inside back conform nicely to the shape of my head without that annoying feeling like something is pressing back there. On the trails of 3-Stages near Collingwood, with its mix of fast rocky singletrack and ber technical switchback descents, I didn’t get any movement from the helmet. Keep an eye out for the new Giro helmets with Roc-Loc 5 which are available now!
The Athlon retails for $135 and comes in three sizes and 6 cool color choices. Thanks to folks at Giro for sending the Athlon down for testing. Visit Giro for more information and pics on the new colors.
