Rachel has been writing about and reviewing bike tech for the last 10 years. The MET Rivale MIPS combines aero and ventilation features for an all-road road helmet. It has 18 vents which are predominately at the front to keep the air flowing. The shaping of the vents at the back and a more enclosed rear keep the drag low. Whilst we can’t vouch for the added watts this design certainly does provide really good airflow through the helmet.
Every bike that comes through our Trade in Program drives business for local bike shops. Bike manufacturers and parts manufacturers usually have purchasing agreements, so by buying in bulk, which is cheaper than buying at retail, you can get low prices on parts. However if you are like me, and plan on keeping this bike long term, the Boundary is worth the extra money for that peace of mind. Alright, now we have gone through what I like, and don’t like about each bike.
Building on a collaboration that has seen some incredibly vibrant helmets worn by EF Education cycling team, Rapha and POC are back in collaboration with a much more subtle offering. In fact, we loved the Giro Aether MIPS so much, that we gave it a five out of five stars and a Cycling Weekly Editor’s Choice Award. The only reason why you wouldn’t want to buy it is if your head fundamentally didn’t fit any of the size options. If at any time you want to quickly navigate to a specific helmet or buyer’s guide information, you can use the handy quick links on the page take you directly to each one. Let me end this with that fact that the Incline was a good $75 cheaper, and offers an awesome bang for the buck!
At the front of the bike, the SR Suntour XCT fork works to absorb any shocks or bumps that you may encounter on your ride. This fork is well-regarded for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness in absorbing impacts. It also offers 100 millimeters of travel, which is enough to handle most mild to moderate trails.
They carry all sorts of odd bits and pieces for bicycles, and may even have a 26″ front rim with disc brake hub. But if your Genesis V1200 needs a new rim, now may be a good time to consider cutting your losses and sell it for scrap instead. It’s for this ‘EPS volume loss’ reason that most helmet manufacturers will also recommend replacing a road bike helmet every three to five years.
If you want a quality bike that fits you, with components that work as intended, do not expect to find it at WalMart. There’s a reason bikes with fully functional brakes and shifters cost more than typical department store and X-Mart genesis bike bikes. You don’t need an expensive bike to enjoy cycling, but don’t be fooled into thinking a cheap one is worth the money either. They have two functions – to reduce the weight of the helmet, and also to add ventilation.