The Xara from Giro is a great helmet for mountain biking – safe, light, airy, secure, comfortable to wear and relatively easy to adjust. Admittedly, I did have a bit of a wrestle to loosen the chin strap, but that’s certainly not a problem that’s exclusive to this helmet!

It’s not the cheapest helmet out there but as it’s so comfortable it would certainly be a good investment. The Roc Loc 5 fit system allows you to fit the helmet snugly round your head by adjusting the dial that sits on the ratchet system.

17 wind tunnel vents ensured I didn’t get a sweaty head during a ride, keeping things nice and airy.

There’s no difference between men and womens’ head shapes other than average size. As the Xara is for women it is therefore available in smaller sizes – and styled to appeal to female riders who want to look stylish on the trails. This is not a priority for everyone, we know, so no need to all write in at once to point this out.

This particular model, new for 2014, gets the matt black treatment, with a polka dot design on the back and on the liner pads – it’s a bit ‘Sex In The City hits the trails’. I think it works really well as a design – it’s a nod to style without being too girly.

VERDICT

A light, barely know it’s there helmet, with an incredible fit thanks to its Roc Loc 5 system, great for mountain biking, with lots of venting to keep you cool.

PROS

– Lightweight
– P.O.V visor with 15 degrees of vertical adjustment
– Easy to adjust on the go thanks to the Roc Loc 5 Fit System
– 17 vents make it a very airy helmet.

CONS

– Expensive, but worth it.

Sizes available: S/M 51-55cm, M/L 55-59cm
Colour options: Black/Green, White
Price: RRP £119.99
More information: Giro

What Giro says about the Xara Women’s MTB Helmet

The Xara™ is our premium Women’s Series model for off-road riders looking for a stylish low-profile design with maximum ventilation and great durability.

Ready for anything from casual exploring to aggressive trail riding, the Xara™ keeps you cool and comfortable with 17 Wind Tunnel™ vents, the micro-adjustability of Roc Loc® 5, plus our patented P.O.V.™ visor that deflects the sun, rain, brush and branches.