General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Aero helmet Rss Feed  
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2014-08-31 3:57 AM


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Subject: Aero helmet
Aero helmet, yes/no? Pros and cons?


2014-08-31 5:43 AM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Veteran
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Nova Scotia, Canada
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Pro - you save time over a regular helmet. Con - you look like a weirdo. But most of us already look like weirdos will all the spandex, arm coolers, calf compression sleeves, 4 bottle fuel belt, etc, no one will even notice.
2014-08-31 6:29 AM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Saint Paul, MN
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
I would say go with something like the Specialized Evade. You get some of the aero benefits, but less of the weirdo look.
2014-08-31 7:10 AM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
yes, it's faster.

Anyone concerned with looking like a dork... you've already failed.
2014-08-31 7:51 AM
in reply to: jlruhnke


467
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by jlruhnke

I would say go with something like the Specialized Evade. You get some of the aero benefits, but less of the weirdo look.


That helmet looks interesting. I would like to buy a new helmet that I could use for regular road rides but still have some aero benefit. Any other options out there? Hopefully for less money?
2014-08-31 8:15 AM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Air attack is about $50 cheaper if you don't need/want the face shield.

Taping the vents on your road helmet for tt/tri's is about $2 for a roll of tape and probably just as good as most aero road helmets.


2014-08-31 9:11 AM
in reply to: Leegoocrap

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
First year using one and won't go back. I won't use it for training obviously but during a race...hell yeah. It's "free" speed and one of the cheapest things you can get to improve your speed. I was worried about over heating but I no longer do. I don't even notice a difference between it and my other helmet. I haven't raced in 90+ degree race yet though.
2014-08-31 1:27 PM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Kailua, Hawaii
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
definitely for the "race only" gear pile.

great simple move to improve your time.

can be more difficult to put on than a regular helmet, so practice before using in a race.

also a bit less cooling.

Lots to choose from, check Amazon...for example this LG helmet has been quite popular and is less than $90 here:

http://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-Superleggera-Helmet-Silver/dp/B...
2014-09-01 7:28 AM
in reply to: 0


467
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
I did a little research and it looks like the aero-road helmet category is becoming the hot new thing. The Louis Garneau Course seems pretty popular and well regarded. The Giro and Specialized that have already been mentioned. Giro is coming out with a new model, the Synthe, that they claim, of course, great things for. Funny, they all seem to be priced right at about $240. I suspect that given a little time and more competition there will be less expensive options that will be "200% better" . I think I'll wait a bit . . . if I get a chance to race in the meantime I won't even need to spend $2, I've got plenty of tape in the garage

Edited by MikeD1 2014-09-01 7:29 AM
2014-09-01 7:37 AM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Durham, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
I'm waiting for more info/cheaper prices on an aero-road helmets. I would get killed by my wife if I bought a helmet that was for races only.
2014-09-01 12:12 PM
in reply to: Lupy

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
I bought a used aero helmet off of ebay last fall for around $40 (Giro Selector). I may invest in a new one at some point, but this has worked for me.


2014-09-02 7:43 AM
in reply to: Leegoocrap

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by Leegoocrap

Air attack is about $50 cheaper if you don't need/want the face shield.

Taping the vents on your road helmet for tt/tri's is about $2 for a roll of tape and probably just as good as most aero road helmets.


I just use tape and shrink wrap on my regular helmet. Is it as aero as a true aero helmet??? Until I pony up money to sit in a wind tunnel and test different helmets I won't know. That time is -never>

2014-09-02 11:52 AM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by mike761

Originally posted by Leegoocrap

Air attack is about $50 cheaper if you don't need/want the face shield.

Taping the vents on your road helmet for tt/tri's is about $2 for a roll of tape and probably just as good as most aero road helmets.


I just use tape and shrink wrap on my regular helmet. Is it as aero as a true aero helmet??? Until I pony up money to sit in a wind tunnel and test different helmets I won't know. That time is -never>




I tested a taped vent road helmet (Rudy Project Sterling I believe, but maybe a cheap Bontrager, don't remember) That I had completely taped over front/top with Duct tape.

It tested better than a few true aero helmets I tried. Not as good as the top performing ones, but definitely good enough to be worth doing in an important race.
2014-09-02 6:13 PM
in reply to: Leegoocrap

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Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by Leegoocrap

Air attack is about $50 cheaper if you don't need/want the face shield.

Taping the vents on your road helmet for tt/tri's is about $2 for a roll of tape and probably just as good as most aero road helmets.


You run a slight risk of being DQ'ed. All the rule sets have a line that strictly forbids altering the helmet. Surely, taping vents is not breaking the spirit of the rule, but a strict RD may still enforce it.
2014-09-02 9:25 PM
in reply to: 0

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Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by Lupy

I'm waiting for more info/cheaper prices on an aero-road helmets. I would get killed by my wife if I bought a helmet that was for races only.


x2 with respect to the wife, Ha!

Edited by ChemNerd23 2014-09-02 9:25 PM
2014-09-03 5:26 AM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Originally posted by dfroelich
You run a slight risk of being DQ'ed. All the rule sets have a line that strictly forbids altering the helmet. Surely, taping vents is not breaking the spirit of the rule, but a strict RD may still enforce it.


Technically, that is modifying the helmet, hence grounds for DQ… More than likely, you will get a ways with it (as long as it's not obvious…), but do you really want to take a chance after spending the money for race fees, hours of training, etc. etc.?

An aero helmet makes almost as much of a difference as a set of race wheels, so not insignificant gains to be had. Fit is extremely important, not only that it does fit your head (which is kind of obvious…), but that the shape of the helmet follows the contours of your body. If you keep your head still during a race, then a true aero helmet (i.e. a TT helmet) will work well, if you tend to turn your head a lot (especially up and down), then the new aero road helmets may work better (or the tail will stick up like a sail when you tilt your head down)

Also think about ventilation. Some aero helmets are surprisingly well vented (personal favorite, Rudy Project Wingspan, allowing me to cover front vent, using a mesh cover, or keeping it open plus open or closed tail, making it work well in any weather condition). If you live in a hotter/humid climate, this becomes important.

Edited by audiojan 2014-09-03 5:28 AM


2014-09-03 8:57 AM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Pros -- you feel fast (hey, any mental edge is good), and depending on your helmet choice and head position you might actually be faster.

Cons -- some might be uncomfortable/hot, often they're expensive

I have to say that I got an LG P-09 aero helmet this year, and was concerned about the potential ventilation and "claustrophobia" aspect (due to the ear covers). I'm a really heavy sweater, and I thought I might be sacrificing some comfort. However, it has turned out to be the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. Light, cool, and looks awesome to boot. It's also very quick to put on, as the ear flaps spring outward.
2014-09-03 11:13 AM
in reply to: surroundhound

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Subject: RE: Aero helmet

 

My wife bought the LG helmet linked above for me for Christmas last year. Yes it looks goofy, yes it has some free speed benefit. The thing I was surprised about is the lack of weight and it's cooling abilities. I have the most vented road helmet I could find because I sweat like a pig and don't handle heat well. I had no issues with the LG helmet as far as heat and it is as light or even lighter than my road helmet. Good buy for $100-150. A heck of a lot cheaper than my Zipp wheels and according to some studies just as much benefit. Although the Zipps look cooler and feel faster

2014-09-03 11:19 AM
in reply to: Jimmycolorado

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Panama City, FL
Subject: RE: Aero helmet
Air Attack has worked great for me and does not have the long tail in the back.
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