First Look: Giro 2014

Cipher Full Face Helmet
Giro isn't a newcomer to the world of full face helmets – they've been in the game since 1995, the year that the original Mad Max was introduced. Since then they've continued to break ground with innovative helmet designs, including the Switchblade, a helmet that was arguably ahead of its time, and the Remedy, one of the most popular full-face helmets ever released. For 2014, the Remedy is being retired, and the Cipher will be taking its place. ASTM DH and CPSC certified, the Cipher has a noticeably different shape than the Remedy, with a lower profile chin bar that gives it a more compact appearance. The helmet has a fiberglass shell that covers the EPS liner, and uses vinyl nitrile in the chin bar area to offer better impact absorption. Thirteen vents keep things cool, including channels that direct air from the front of the helmet over the top of a rider's head. The Cipher is electronic-gadget friendly as well, with an integrated helmet camera mount along with Giro Tune-Ups speaker compatibility. 8 different color options. Sizes: XS, S, M, L. Claimed weight: 1180 grams. MSRP: $200 USD. Available: December 2013.

Remedy X Glove
The Remedy helmet may be no more, but the name lives on in the Remedy X glove, a glove that draws from Giro's four years of glove making experience. The glove is designed to have minimal padding between the handlebar and a rider's hands, but plenty of protection in high impact areas like the knuckles and the outside of the palm. This protection comes from the use of Poron XRD, a flexible material that firms up immediately upon impact. The Remedy X glove has a two point hook and loop closure system help dial in the fit, as well as touch screen compatibility. Available in two colors and five sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL), the glove will retail for $45 USD and is scheduled to be in stores by October.

Chamber Mid Shoe
Designed with input from Aaron Gwin, the Chamber Mid shoe is intended to be the ultimate clip in gravity shoe. It has a Mega Grip Vibram outsole for off the bike excursions, and although the sole is stiffer than that of Giro's flat pedal specific Jacket shoe, it still has enough flexibility to walk in. In addition, the area around the cleat has been sculpted to prevent the sole from interfering with the cleat's release. Chamber Mid weight: 580g. MSRP: $140 USD.

Giro will also be offering a mid-top version of their Jacket shoe, a shoe that from a distance looks identical to the Chamber, except that the soles are made from Vibram's IdroGrip rubber, a soft compound designed to be sticky in all conditions, including wet weather. Like the Chamber, the Jacket has a Poron XRD heel pad for impact protection and has a water resistant coating. Jacket Mid weight: 460g. MSRP: $120 USD. Both models will be available this fall.


Terraduro Shoe
In response to the growing popularity of enduro racing, as well as to address the needs of riders who wanted a stiff soled clipless pedal shoe that was still useful off the bike, Giro created the Terraduro. The Terraduro has a stiff, dual injected sole that is designed to provide excellent power transfer, yet still have enough flexibility for walking. Vibram's Mont rubber, the same rubber found on many hiking boots, is used to provide traction and further increase the shoe's walkability. Giro found that hook and loop closures have a tendency to come unfastened in snow or mud, so they chose to use a ratcheting buckle on the top portion of the shoe for extra security. There will also be a women's version called the Terradura that shares the same features, but is built around a completely different last. Men's sizes 39-49, including half sizes 39.5-46, 1/2 sizes to 46.6. Women's sizes 36-43 including half sizes 37.5 – 42.5 Weight: 420g. MSRP: $180 USD. Available October 2013.

www.giro.com