Aero helmet advantage

[Deleted User]

I'm pretty sure I've seen this talked about here in the past, but can't find a real good thread/reference to support the case for an aero helmet at slower speads.

I bring this up because the conventional wisdom among many local triathletes I know seems to be that you need to be going over 20 mph on the bike for an aero helmet to really make a difference.  I know this has been disputed here - while at slower speeds the percentage difference in wind resistance will be less, you have a longer time on the bike to make that smaller percentage expressed.  So the absolute time difference is still there (and similar?) reguardless of speed.

I understand that - but it would be nice to have a reference that supports the claim.  I need to rebut the local conventional wisdom, but need supporting documentation!  Also, how many minutes are we talking about for HIM and IM races?

Thanks all!

[Deleted User]

Found a couple from the web, if anyone is interested:

http://gearwestbike.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/who-said-you-are-too-slow-for-an-aero-improvement/
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/how-aero-is-aero-19273/

GMAN 19030

Rudy has some stuff on their site: http://www.rudyproject.com/products/helmets/wingspan.html

Looks like some good links towards the bottom of the page: http://www.livestrong.com/article/269269-effectiveness-of-aero-bicycle-helmets/

cgres123

IM Worlds has said time in again it's about the numbers .... perhaps 3 minutes ?

mgraffeo

Cervelo has the best write-up I know of

http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/thinking-and-processes/slow-vs-fast-riders.html

It's not a question of opinion. It's a question of math.

cgres123

@ Mike , Right on free speed... as long as ya want to pay for it

[Deleted User]

@Mike - nice and simple. Thanks.

ccotstanza12

@Mike- thanks for the link. I have been pondering this for a while and, as Jim said, the site displays it nice and simple. It seems like a cheaper option of gaining some speed than getting a tri bike. I am leaning towards an aero helmet and sticking with my aero road bike fit from Todd.