The Giro Tremor MIPS child helmet earns high praise for its exceptional comfort and ease of adjustability, with reviewers noting the large rubber dial system makes fitting easy for both kids and parents. The helmet features excellent ventilation and high-quality internal materials, while its one-piece construction with fused outer shell and foam core increases durability. While some reviewers noted the standard buckle can pinch and the fixed side straps may be loose for certain children, the Tremor remains a top choice for parents seeking a safe, stylish, and comfortable helmet for young riders.
Full review
Safety and Protection Features
The Giro Tremor MIPS Child Helmet incorporates Integrated Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, which Giro claims can reduce rotational forces during certain impacts. The helmet's construction combines a polycarbonate outer shell with an EPS foam liner, meeting CE EN 1078 safety standards. Consumer Reports noted that the MIPS system adds an extra layer of protection by redirecting energy in specific impact scenarios, though they emphasized that the technology's effectiveness in real-world situations remains debated among experts. The helmet's design includes 18 vents for ventilation and a removable peak, with the company stating that the MIPS layer may cause lacerations in some accident scenarios due to high pressure on the scalp or low-friction layer movement during angled impacts. Testers from twowheelingtots.com confirmed that the MIPS technology is standard in the Youth version but optional in the Child version, with the company's website specifying that the child size is available with or without MIPS protection.
Comfort and Fit System
The Tremor MIPS Child Helmet utilizes Giro's Roc Loc Sport MIPS retention system, featuring a dial-adjustment mechanism on the rear of the helmet with a 7cm adjustment range. According to Cycle Sprog's review from January 2022, this system allows for one-handed operation and provides a confident clicking feel that confirms proper adjustment. The child version weighs 255g, while the youth version weighs 306g, with both models being lighter than previous iterations according to twowheelingtots.com. However, the chin strap buckle design received mixed reviews - while one tester found it neat and non-pinchy, others noted that the side straps can be too loose, causing the helmet to slide back on the head. The helmet's fit system includes no sliding adjustments under the ears, which some reviewers found limiting for certain head shapes. twowheelingtots.com reported that while the dial system works well for most children, the fixed side straps may not accommodate all head shapes properly, particularly for smaller or narrower heads.
Design and Aesthetics
The Tremor MIPS Child Helmet features mountain bike styling with a block color scheme and a long removable peak, appealing to both children and parents who want a more adult-oriented look. The helmet comes in six color options including Matte Black, Bright Green, Matte Bright Pink, Matte Glacier, Matte Purple, and Matte Dark Red, according to BicycleBuys.com. twowheelingtots.com noted that the helmet's styling is more suited for mountain biking than typical children's bike helmets, with a deeper and wider profile compared to alternatives like the Giro Scamp. The design includes 18 vents for breathability and quick-drying pads, with a reflective element for visibility after dark. The helmet's construction uses in-mold technology, which fuses a tough polycarbonate outer shell with the impact-absorbing foam liner, resulting in better ventilation and reduced weight compared to traditional helmet construction methods. The company's website emphasizes that the Universal Fit design is sculpted to look good and fit great for almost anyone on the first try.
Performance in Real-World Testing
Reviews from twowheelingtots.com and Cycle Sprog indicate that the Tremor MIPS Child Helmet has been extensively tested by children over multiple years, with several of their kids wearing the helmet consistently. The company reported that their 10-year-old tester with a 51cm head found the Youth size more comfortable than the Child size, which was too tight in the sides. Conversely, their 3-year-old with a 50.5cm head fit both sizes well, but the Child size was proportioned better for her smaller body. twowheelingtots.com noted that the Child size is slightly more shallow than the Youth, with the Youth coming down closer to the eyebrows. The helmet's ventilation system was praised by both reviewers, with 18 vents providing good air circulation. However, some testers reported that the side straps could be too loose, causing the helmet to slide back on the head, particularly for smaller children. The chin strap buckle was described as neat and non-pinchy by one tester, but others found it required some adjustment to become familiar with the operation.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Giro Tremor MIPS Child Helmet has notable drawbacks that reviewers have identified. The standard buckle, while described as neat and non-pinchy by some testers, can pinch in certain situations according to twowheelingtots.com, though the company notes this keeps costs down. The fixed side straps are a significant limitation for some children, as noted by multiple reviewers who found them too loose and causing the helmet to slide back on the head. twowheelingtots.com specifically reported that for some kids, the fixed side straps are too loose and can cause the helmet to slide back on the head, making the adjustment system less effective for certain head shapes. The helmet's sizing can also be confusing, with overlapping ranges between Youth (50-57cm) and Child (47-54cm) sizes, leading to uncertainty about which size fits best for specific head measurements. Additionally, while the MIPS technology is a premium feature, some reviewers questioned its practical effectiveness in real-world accidents, with Consumer Reports noting that the technology's benefits remain debated among experts.
Who It's Best For
The Giro Tremor MIPS Child Helmet is best suited for parents seeking a high-quality, adult-style bike helmet with MIPS protection for children aged 5 and older. The helmet's performance in real-world testing shows it works well for children with average to larger head sizes, particularly those with head circumferences in the 50-54cm range where the Child size is recommended. twowheelingtots.com recommends the Child size for smaller children due to its lighter weight and proportioned fit, while the Youth size is better for older children with larger heads. The helmet's mountain bike styling appeals to parents who want a more sophisticated look, though this may not appeal to all children. The company's website notes that the helmet is designed for riders who want premium function and comfort, with the Roc Loc Sport system bringing premium function to sport-level helmets. However, parents should be aware that the fixed side straps may not accommodate all head shapes properly, particularly for very small or narrow heads. The helmet's price point of $74.95 (€74.95 in Ireland) positions it at the upper end of the children's bike helmet market, making it a premium choice for those who prioritize safety features and comfort over cost.
Value and Price Comparison
At $74.95 (€74.95 in Ireland), the Giro Tremor MIPS Child Helmet sits at the premium end of the children's bike helmet market. BicycleBuys.com and the company's own website note that the price varies based on size and color, with the child version available with or without MIPS technology. Consumer Reports did not provide a specific rating but emphasized that the helmet's features justify its higher price point for parents seeking premium safety and comfort. twowheelingtots.com reported that despite the higher cost, the helmet's durability and comfort make it a worthwhile investment, with their kids wearing it consistently over multiple years. The company's website highlights that the helmet's in-mold construction reduces weight while enhancing durability, and the integrated MIPS technology provides added protection. However, the fixed side straps and potential sizing confusion may make it less appealing to budget-conscious parents. The helmet's price reflects its premium features including MIPS technology, 18 vents, quick-drying pads, and the Roc Loc Sport adjustment system, positioning it as a high-end option for safety-conscious families.
Durability and Longevity
The Giro Tremor MIPS Child Helmet is constructed using in-mold technology, which combines a tough polycarbonate outer shell with an EPS foam liner, as noted by both twowheelingtots.com and the company's website. This construction method is described as reducing weight while enhancing durability compared to traditional helmet construction methods. twowheelingtots.com reported that their kids have put the helmet through extensive use over multiple years, with several of their children consistently wearing it. The company's website emphasizes that all Giro helmets are designed to reduce as much energy as possible while meeting and exceeding stringent safety standards, with the goal of reducing rotational forces in certain impacts. The helmet's materials include 57% EPS, 14% PC, 1.3% Nylon, 15% PP, 1% POM, 2.6% PU, 6% Polyester, and 2.6% Fiberglass, according to the company's specifications. While the helmet's durability has been confirmed through extended use by reviewers, the potential for the MIPS layer to cause lacerations in some accident scenarios remains a concern raised by the company's own warnings and Consumer Reports' cautious approach to the technology's benefits.
Strengths
- +Dial-adjust system has a larger rubber dial for ease of use
- +Plenty of vents and internal air channels for great ventilation
- +Internal pads are high-quality technical material
- +Lighter-weight than previous models
Watch-outs
- −Standard buckle can pinch, but keeps costs down
- −For some kids, the fixed side straps are too loose and can cause the helmet to slide back on the head
How it compares
The Giro Tremor MIPS child helmet surpasses the Met Downtown Mips in adjustability and safety with its dial system and MIPS technology, though it's more expensive. Compared to the Giro Guider 4, it offers more child-specific features and better ventilation, but both share concerns about fixed side straps that can slide back.
Who this is for
At a glance: parents seeking MIPS safety for kids.
Why you’d buy the Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet
- Dial-adjust system has a larger rubber dial for ease of use.
- Plenty of vents and internal air channels for great ventilation.
- Internal pads are high-quality technical material.
Why you’d skip it
- Standard buckle can pinch, but keeps costs down.
- For some kids, the fixed side straps are too loose and can cause the helmet to slide back on the head.
Rating sources
“The Tremor Mips Child Helmet's cool style is more than meets the eye. It features the latest in head protection technology, an easy-to-adjust fit system, and 18 vents for breathability, making it a big hit with parents and little shredders alike.”
“We've asked a range of different kids (and their parents) to try it out and give us their impressions, so you can decide if this helmet is suitable for the Cycle Sprog in your life.”
“In addition to the Tremor Mips® Helmet's cool style, it offers the latest in head protection technology, an easy to adjust fit system, and 18 vents for breathability, making it a big hit with little shredders.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
