Yes, I have been waiting for this for a long time—since last year.
I’ve been waiting for the arrival of the Synthe Mips AF (Asian Fit) as a replacement for my GIRO Aeon AF, which had already reached its limit. I finally got my hands on it three weeks ago, and it has been protecting my head every day, from my morning commute to my weekend rides.
It was already a month ago that I introduced Giro’s Syntax Mips AF. It features a shape optimized for the wider head shape often characteristic of Asians, and since many people have fallen in love with the fit, it has since become one of the most popular helmets in our shop, competing for the top spot with SMITH’s Network.
I suspect this Synthe will likely become another model that competes for that same popularity.
【GIRO】
Synthe Mips AF
Price : ¥27,500-(excl. tax)
Color : Matte Black, Matte White / Silver, Matte Dusty Purple / Heatwave
Giro positioned the Synthe as its flagship model, seeking superior aerodynamic effects and head cooling performance. Previously, only the standard international models were available, but this year’s Japanese distribution focuses primarily on the Mips-equipped Asian Fit model.
The comfort of the Asian Fit
The first thing I noticed when I put it on was how well it fits even wider head shapes. It felt deeper and more secure than the Aeon.
And what surprised me was its ventilation. With the Aeon, you could tell just by looking at it that air flowed through the helmet, but this Synthe exceeded my expectations.
Superior ventilation
The Synthe was originally designed to improve aerodynamic performance by 16% and cooling performance by 2% over the Aeon, so this is expected, but I couldn't quite imagine it just by looking at it. Once I started riding, however, I could clearly feel the wind flowing through the helmet—even more so than with the Aeon.
Because it is Mips-equipped, I was worried about stuffiness during the summer, but that turned out to be an unnecessary worry.
Synthe or Syntax, which one to choose?
Synthe 
Syntax
By the way, I compared them both. The Synthe definitely has a shape that looks more breathable—you can clearly see the color of the cycling cap underneath through the vents. Also, in my previous blog post introducing the Syntax, I mentioned that it looked sleeker than the Synthe, but looking at these photos, that doesn't seem to be the case. There isn’t much difference at all.
Asian Fit might change your size
For reference, I am wearing a size M. Back when the Asian Fit wasn't available in the lineup, I wore a size L, but with its arrival, I was able to size down. If you compare the same model in the same size, you can see that the shape is clearly different.
If you have been struggling to choose a helmet, please add this Synthe to your list of candidates. It combines looks, comfort, ventilation, and the safety of Mips all in one.
And for those who have never tried an Asian Fit, please come by and give it a try. While I can’t guarantee every model, we have all sizes from S to L in the shop.
