Giro is one of the most reliable helmet brands that you can count on when it comes to good quality helmets and are made for your type of riding discipline, such as the Giro Source Vs Chronicle which are suitable for those who want to challenge the more extreme terrains. These MTB helmets are not only attractive in appearance but also comfortable and easy to wear. If you are also considering these helmets, let’s see below about what they can offer.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- Why Wearing a Bike Helmet
- What are Giro Source and Chronicle
- How are the Design of Giro Source and Chronicle
- How are the Build Quality of Giro Source and Chronicle
- How are the Fitting System of Giro Source and Chronicle
- Are Giro Source and Chronicle Comfortable
- Giro Source Vs Chronicle
Bike Helmets Importance
Bicycles are very interesting equipment that we can use as a transportation, exercising method, or as a recreation tool to ride on the weekend. Or they can be all three at once as well depending on how you see them and why you like the activity. But, while in general they are very safe as long as we are also riding it safely, sometimes the more challenging terrains are more fun. Regardless of the terrain, it is important to wear your helmet just to make sure we are always properly protected.
Bike helmets are the same as many other safety gear in the way they can minimize or reduce the chance of getting a serious injury but not removing it from your activity. Helmets are covering the head and depending on the type of bike helmets, the amount of material and coverage may vary such as the road bike helmets like Lazer Blade Vs O2 which are covering mostly the top of the head while the dirt bike helmets are usually also covering more on the back of the head.
They are almost similar to a children’s safety seat in the way they absorb impacts. But, a bike helmet is much simpler with a hard plastic on the outer and softer EPS foam on the inside. The hard plastic is usually made of polycarbonate molded into the shape and design of the helmet. This hard plastic will cover the head from harsh surfaces to prevent a direct contact with the harmful object and to reduce the risk of open wounds as well as to help the skid over the surface.
They can prevent objects on the road from directly getting in contact with the top of the head while receiving the impact. On the other hand, the inner foam is meant to reduce the impact transferred so there is something that bridges this hard shell and our head. The foam is cushioning our head slightly as well while removing some amount of the impact before being transferred to the skull.
However, to make a bike helmet working properly we have to find the perfect fit and make sure that it stays there when the impact happens. This is why we must wear the correct sizing and always clip the chin strap when wearing one. A smaller helmet than our actual head size may not cover the proper area of the head while loose fit will move too much from its supposed position during the impact thus, reducing the ability to cover the head properly.
| Giro Source | Giro Chronicle | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 16 x 11 x 9 inches | 17 x 9 x 11 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1 Pounds | 8.82 Ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Giro Source and Chronicle
Regardless where you will be riding the bike, bike helmets are similarly necessary but, based on the riding discipline our choice may differ. If this is your first bike helmet, it is necessary to measure the head circumference first because our head may differ and this is important to make sure that the helmet fits the head properly without being too tight or too loose. We can also shop from popular brands to make it more convenient since they mostly carry a wide range of options.
Talking about bike helmets, Giro is one of the most popular options in the market and this is our favorite choice as well. There are lots of amazing helmets from this company and you can also find the small sizes made for children. They also cover a wide range of collections for different riding disciplines including the price range so everyone can get the most suitable helmet for their application. Many can be quite similar however and this is why it is often confusing to choose one.
If you are the type who prefers to tackle the more extreme terrain, the Giro Source and Chronicle are two amazing options to consider. These dirt or MTB bike helmets are designed for those who love to ride their bike on trails or unpaved roads. Price wise you can say that they are pretty affordable without compromising the quality and comfort. They are coming or made according to standard and should be easy to wear too with some differences.
In comparison the Chronicle will be the more affordable choice and if you are on a budget, we do think this helmet can be a great option as well but considering the built quality, Giro Source is the more reliable helmet. In addition, we also think the Source is more comfortable here yet, the styling of their visors are different and for this part the Chronicle is probably better for those who prefer a longer coverage. As for the compatibility, both are suitable with Giro Goggles.
Giro Source and Chronicle Design
Just like most bike helmets including for MTB applications, the Giro Source and Chronicle are pretty much the same to each other and Giro helmets in the collection. For the design they are round with a slight oval shape to provide the proper fit for varying head sizes and shapes. The overall design is the same with different vents placement and shapes because in a glance the Chronicle looks like it has the least amount of vents for cooling.
You will get a visor as well on both helmets and they are on different styling. Thankfully this is the type that you can adjust the position even though it is quite limited. We will still be able to wear goggles comfortably with the helmets. Side by side, you will notice the Chronicle is having the longer tip so it may provide slightly more coverage. On the weight side, it may vary depending on what certification they are made for but the CPSC variants in medium size are 341 and 370 grams respectively.
Giro Source and Chronicle Build Quality
Now let’s move on to the more important part which is the build quality of the Giro Source and Chronicle. These helmets are CPSC certified which means they meet the minimum standard for our current safety system. However, on the build quality the two are not identical and the drawback with affordable bike helmets including some expensive options is the lack of cover on the outer rim of the unit which leaves a good amount of EPS foam uncovered by the polycarbonate shell.
It may not affect the way your helmets provide its safety functionalities since both are made with in-mold design as well so shell and foam separation should not be an issue but this exposed foam may chipped or dent along the application thus, reducing the longevity of the helmet. But, as for the additional safety feature, these two are equally coming with MIPS to reduce the damage that happens from rotational impact.
Giro Source and Chronicle Fitting System
Next is how to fit these helmets but here we do think the Giro Source and Chronicle are identical as they are using the same Roc Loc 5 with its rear retention system. When you flip the helmets, there will be this cradle made of plastic, connected to each other to the internal of the helmets. This is meant to adjust the fitting in a range depending on which size you have chosen. Using the rear adjustable knob is very simple, but they sit too close to the rear edge of the helmet.
The chin strap is standard but it feels soft to touch to prevent scratching the skin while the Y length seems to easily fit most cyclists as well. The clip is standard and locks conveniently without being annoyingly too large or heavy on the chin.
Giro Source and Chronicle Comfort
Lastly for comfort, there are plenty of ventilations on Giro Source and Chronicle yet Source have 16 of them and Chronicle have 14 of them. The amount should be enough to help dissipate heat while you are pedaling on the trails. They are not the coolest, however, so we doubt every cyclist will be confident enough to wear them during a very hot summer. But, personally we do like the Source larger vents as it feels more effective at capturing the air.
Giro Source vs Chronicle
Most MTB helmets are very much similar to each other just like the Giro Source and Chronicle. However they are not exactly identical as well because Source is built better for its durability which may be necessary in your lifestyle or habit. This helmet is also lighter if you are not fond of wearing a heavier helmet while the more and larger vents make sure that we can still be at ease while wearing them on the trails during warmer temperatures.
Conclusion
Both Giro Source and Chronicle are good bike helmets depending on which seems to fit you the most but, if budget is not an issue, we highly recommend getting the Giro Source because this option is lighter, better built, and also more comfortable with larger vents.
