After a year of anticipation, Giro finally entered the aero helmet market this past fall. The Advantage 2 bares little resemblance to the Giro helmet Lance Armstrong used in the Tour time trials, but it does feel like the road helmets he used in the Alps. Giro was able to produce the most comfortable aero helmet available by integrating its first-rate retention system, the Roc Loc 4, into an aero helmet.

The Advantage 2 is the only new aero helmet that is built with structural foam all the way from the tip to the tail. It feels solid. In contrast, the tails of the Spiuk Kronos and the Louis Garneau Rocket Air bend and flex. Constructing the helmet entirely of protective foam doesn't make it faster-it just makes the helmet feel first rate.

Underside of Giro Advantage 2

Although the Giro Advantage 2 is incredibly comfortable, putting it on is difficult. The stiff ear covers, which supposedly improve aerodynamics, need to be pulled open for the helmet to slide onto the rider's head. Quickly yanking the flaps in transition tends to create small tears between the earflap and the rest of the helmet. These tears don't diminish the helmet's crash protection or its aerodynamics, but who wants a damaged piece of race-day gear?

The Giro Advantage 2 feels more like a road helmet than any other aero helmet in production. It is competitively aerodynamic and well ventilated. If you can get past the earflaps, this is a great helmet from a reliable company for $150.
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Aaron Hersh is the Technical Liaison at Colorado Multisport in Boulder, Colorado. He has been competing in endurance sports for the last seven years. Hersh has a B.A. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado, focusing on biomechanics.

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