The Giro Fixture MIPS is a great value, well-fitting and sharp-looking trail lid. With a ton of colour options and the MIPS cradle for added protection, there's little reason not to put this at the top of your list – though it’s a shame the shell doesn’t wrap the inner foam fully, as it's vulnerable to knocks at the edges.
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Built round an in-mold construction, the Fixture has a simple but just-right chin strap with plenty of adjustment, and a straightforward sliding ratchet system that's simple to close and release. It takes minimal time to get used to, and proves a little more comfortable on the chin than the usual clip.
The MIPS cradle includes a dial-adjusted Giro Roc Loc retention system which provides a stable, comfortable fit – it’s worth noting that this is a one-size-fits-all lid. I found it fitted from very small to large heads well, but at the lower end may look a little oversized. Okay, it's not quite one-size – there's also an XL option.
With decent-sized vents, a neat looking peak and a clean style, there is a lot to like about the Fixture. The peak, whilst not adjustable, is placed well for dodging rain or sun and will come off in a crash. It's removable without crashing too, but I can’t see why you’d want to take it off. Its shape helps funnel air into the lid.
The 18 vents allow a nice amount of airflow, and the two-cradle MIPS system also keeps the lid a little further away from your head, which feels like it helps with cooling. It’s not a hot lid, and on sustained climbs the padding absorbs sweat effectively.
The shape and coverage make it feel protective, but it’s still light enough not to feel weighty after a long period of riding.
I’d like to see the polycarbonate wrap fully round the edges, as the exposed EPS material is quite thin at the outer edges, and suffered some damage from everyday use. But that’s pretty much my only gripe with the Fixture: it’s the benchmark for a mid-priced trail lid, offering good protection, decent ventilation and pleasing comfort in one stylish, high-value package.