The Amare is the top of the range helmet in Giro Women’s Series, and it looks, feels, and performs accordingly. 

On first appearances, this helmet looks the buisness. Stealth black with feminine touches – I like the polka dots and flashes of green – it’s got ample ventilation channels, a lightweight feel and a pleasing overall shape.

I rode with this on several cold days, and one rare warm sunny one. On the cold days, I was relieved to find that the fit allowed me to pop on a cap under the helmet for a bit of extra warmth, and to keep my ears covered.

On that one blissfull warm day, I put the ventilation to the test, and found a pleasing flow over air over my scalp kept me feeling cool. Ports over the forehead help draw air into the helmet and absorbant, cushioning padding in all the right places kept things comfy.

I have a 54cm head, so opted for the size small. A RocLoc dial ratchet fastening is easy to tighten and realease, even one-handed, while riding, with gloves on. Although there was room for a cap or ear covers, if you do want to use a bulkier layer, it might be worth going up a size.

Although I know head shapes and faces vary massively person to person, which means what style of helmet suits a person varies too, I have to say I really liked the look of this helmet on. I think a lot of road helmets look a bit odd on me, so I was pleased to find one that didn’t hover off the top of my bonce giving me that mushroom head look.

I was also happy to find there was enough room to poke my ponytail through the fastening at the back of the helmet, thereby avoiding that sweaty hair-on-neck feeling I loathe.

It’s a light helmet, at 250grams, but safety hasn’t been compromised to give a lighter feel. The Giro Amare has been made using ‘In mold construction’ which basically means that the outer shell layer is bonded to the foam inner, increasing its strength. Further resilliance comes from carbon fibre elements in the shell, and an internal ‘roll cage’ reinforcement.

If black or polka dots aren’t really your thing, then Giro produce a few other colourways, including a white helmet with a beautiful watercolour galaxy design. And if you like to co-ordinate your outfit, you’ll be delighted to discover that Giro also do a range of gloves that match their helmet designs.

VERDICT

At nearly £130, this helmet is not a cheap option. That said, it packs in the features and style, and if you do a lot of riding you’ll be glad of the light weight feel and fit. Giro state this helmet is suitable for recreational MTB use, touring, and commuting as well as road cycling so if you’re looking for one helmet that does a lot of things, and does it with style, this could be just the ticket.

PROS

– Lightweight with plenty of ventilation
– Good safety features
– Stylish good looks

CONS

– At £130, this is an investment piece

Size: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm)
Colours: Matt Black/Dynasty Green Polka Dot (pictured), Matt Titanium/Blue Easy Living, Matt White Galaxy, White/Silver Modernist
Price: RRP £129.99
More info: Giro

What Giro say about the Amare Women’s Series helmet:

The Amare™ is our premier Women’s Series helmet, featuring In-Mold™ composite reinforcement, a breakthrough in helmet architecture that allows greater ventilation without compromising the helmet’s integrity. The compact shape offers matchless style and features the sure feel of a Roc Loc® 5 system, which cradles your head comfortably and securely, and works with many hairstyles too. It’s no wonder this helmet continues to be a favourite with riders worldwide.