The sale price was right. These Thermal shorts fit as great as the thermal,PI, 3/4 bib tights do. Great for the cooler weather here in the north country. The chamois is super thick and gives great comfort for however long my rides are. I've ordered a 2nd pair of the thermal,3/4 bibs. No knee warmers needed with them. PI makes great thermal clothing with a terrific chamois.
I like the helmet and visor feature. It worked great during my 70.3.
The only negative was my confidence with the visor's magnetic attachment. Its fine if you don't mess with it, but I would recommend anyone to 'set it and forget it' especially in a race. I was fine during the race, but My course was littered with visors with this magnetic technology- That said, love the helmet zero regrets about the purchase and there is no evidence that any of the lost visors were Giro.
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.
