Giro has finally unveiled its highly anticipated Grand Tour-winning Eclipse Pro aero road helmet, and it's a game-changer for cycling enthusiasts. But here's where it gets controversial: while the helmet has been spotted on the heads of Team Visma-Lease a Bike riders and has quietly logged victories at the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, and La Vuelta a España, it's only now that consumers are getting an official name and details. Let's dive into the details and explore what makes this helmet so special, and why it might just be the next big thing in cycling gear.
The Eclipse Pro Aero Road Helmet is Giro's fastest non-time trial helmet to date, claimed to be 17% faster than the previous Eclipse model. It's designed to be ventilated and comfortable enough for all-day riding, while incorporating MIPS Spherical technology for protection. The claimed weight is 280g for a size medium, and with a new silhouette and Specialized Evade-like rear venting, it's an evolution of the original Eclipse helmet.
The helmet's defining, uninterrupted, central section serves multiple purposes, including streamlining airflow over the helmet and offering great branding real estate. It also helps manage internal airflow and comfort, with 15 vents and deep, structured intake ports that channel air across the rider's scalp. Temperature regulation is often a compromise with aero-focused helmets, but Giro says it addressed this by incorporating deep, structured intake ports that channel air across the rider's scalp.
The Eclipse Pro carries over some of Giro's established safety and fit technologies, including a polycarbonate roll cage, EPS foam, the MIPS Spherical technology for rotational impact protection, antimicrobial padding, and the Roc Loc 5.5 Air fit system for micro-adjustability. Impressively, the claimed weight of the Eclipse Pro is just 10g more than its breezy Aries model, at 280g in a size medium.
While I'm a creature of habit when it comes to cycling helmets, I was curious to see if the Eclipse Pro could convert me to riding in an aero helmet. During my one ride, the Eclipse Pro felt surprisingly close to the Aries, with a decent number of vents and no pressure points, no sweaty brow, and no hair snagging. The Roc Loc® 5.5 Air fit system is easy to adjust, and the helmet sits lower on the head than many helmets, which I prefer.
However, I did notice that sizing up in Giro helmets works better for ponytail wearers, and that remains true with the Eclipse Pro. As for looks, the Eclipse Pro comes across as a slightly more streamlined Aries, and despite the all-white colorway, it avoids the dreaded mushroom look.
Overall, the Eclipse Pro is an impressive addition to Giro's lineup, and while it might not be for everyone, it's definitely worth considering for those looking for a fast, comfortable, and safe aero road helmet. But here's the question: are you ready to make the switch to an aero helmet? Let us know in the comments!
