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The growing number of Tour de France fans will no doubt have already seen Met’s new Manta helmet in action with Team MTN Qhubeka.
Inspired by the heritage of fast and sleek Italian racing cars, Manta is – Met says – the lightest, fastest and most aerodynamic closed helmet. MTN Qhubeka requested an extremely lightweight helmet for sprinting, and Met delivered the Manta which provides a saving of 10 watts at 50km/h which translates into 5 seconds, according to the brand.
There are fewer vents than on the Rivale, but a strategically placed frontal Airflow Converge vents and NACA vents on the crown suck in air and keen the rider’s bonce cool.
The Manta uses MET’s HES premium method of construction called HES, with improved energy management that ensures the force of impact is not localised in one specific region. It weighs 200g (medium CE), making the Manta the lightest closed aero helmet on the market, apparently.
The MET soft helmet bag is also included and an optional USB LED light which fits onto the rentention dial. Dealers and the public willbe able to get their hands on the Manta in October.
Tour devotees may also have spotted Met’s colourful special edition of the Rivale to celebrate Mandela Day last weekend (18th July). Riders for Team MTN-Qhubeka autographed the helmets to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has supported Team MTN-Qhubeka in their quest to be the first African team racing the Tour de France.
Like the Manta, the Rivale uses the HES system to manage energy in the event of a crash. The Rivale provides a saving of 3 watts at 50km/h and weighs 230g (medium).
