I bought the Aries as a replacement for one of my Giro Aether helmets which were the top of the line prior to Aries. The big difference in my mind is that the Aether is slightly wider (mushroom) shape as compared to the Aries. I like the way the Aries sits on my head and in my opinion makes my face/head seem slimmer. It if wasn't for the slimmer shape I would have been fine with my Aether. I currently own a Black and a Sharskin version of the Aries and a White Aether which I hope to replace at some point as well. Maybe xMas or Bday present from family. The Roc Loc 5 system is easy to use, comfortable and helps secure the helmet firmly on my head. I have only owned Giro helmets over the years so I guess I am biased, but other than price on the newer versions I am extremely satisfied with the quality and durability.
If the shoe fits it's the best shoe. Shimano S-Phyre shoes have been the most comfortable shoes I've worn. It was Giro and before that Soecialized. But hands down s-phyres are my favorites.
That said each generation from SC-9 to 902 to now 903 has become more minimalist and a little less cush. The 903's are very spartan. The uppers feel very light weight and lack the softness of the prior generations. There is a break in / get to know you period with the 903's that I never had with the sc-9's.
But after a few weeks of tweaks they are starting to feel like the high performance kit additions they were designed for.
One 903 highlight is the heel stability. You feel locked in more than other versions. Boas are good. Toe box is ample but I have low volume feet anyway.
If you're looking for the out of the box slipper comfort of the sc-9's it's gone. If you're looking for the next iteration of the best shoe on the market 903's will be great.
As the previous reviewer said, these are great shoes, but they didn't work for me. I've been wearing the KR0s for several years now, size 42. Usually wear a Sidi 42.5. I like my shoes VERY tight and the original KR0s were perfect. However, the EVO model has a new lacing system and the top strap is too long, preventing me from dialing down the Boa to get a snug fit. I actually like the design of this new model - the more robust heel cup and I like the way the new strap would distribute the pressure more broadly, but I just couldn't get the top Boa tight enough. I do have low volume feet so it might not be a problem for others. Just a heads up for people with lower volume feet. It wouldn't surprise me to see DMT revise the design at some point.
I was looking for a jacket that would keep me warm in the 30s and 40s (F.) and this one is more than up to the task. Even with a minimal base layer, it has kept me comfy down to near-freezing temps. I imagine I could wear it into the 20s were I inclined to ride in such cold. Wind protection is excellent. It gets plenty warm when the mercury rises to 50 but even then dropping the zipper a bit helps a lot. My wife even says it looks good on me!
