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Aero Helmet differences

mgraffeomgraffeo
in General Training Discussions

Thought this was interesting.  Rudy Project has a video up on their new Wingspan helmet.  In it, they show it compared to 3 competitors' helmets.  They're not named, but the profile is there, so it's not hard to figure it out.  The data, over a 40k TT was presented as

Rudy Project Wingspan          50:10

Spiuk Kronos                            50:16

Giro Advantage 2                      50:18

Louis Garneau Rocket Air      50:23

 

So, clearly, you need to run out and buy a new Wingspan, yes?  Well, not so fast.  Cuz, the small print in the pic under wingspan says "blocked vents and tail".  The helmet has a large vent on the front, which you can put a mesh or solid insert in depending on how much ventilation you want.  The tail also has a 'cap', which you can cover for optimal aerodynamics (but less ventilation).

My conclusion: All these helmets provide about the same benefit.  If you'e got one of them, it's not much different than any other one of them.  If you want to tape over the holes on yours, you might save about 8-10 seconds over 40k.

Mike

Comments

  • manconamancona
    Hey Mike,

    Thanks for sharing the data and as you said it looks like they are all so close that it doesn't make a difference.

    Like most things I look at this as it is more important to find the one that works for you, then to have the "fastest" one in someones wind tunnel. Especially since like Mike said they covered all the vents...kind of like when they test a bike frame without a rider.

    My unscientific personal testing 2 of those helmets has given me different results then their test. I could not get comfortable in either a M or L giro, therefore I would move my head around and mess with it throughout races causing me to come out of my aero tuck. The meidum LG Rocket Air is much more comfortable on my head, the tail rests on my back better, and the windscreen works well for me. I was able to ride 5+ hours in the LG with my head tucked as low as it could go becuase of it worked for me...and I'm sure that my comfort and staying aero for 5 hours is worht more then the 5 sec / 40k the test shows the Giro as being faster.

    To those looking for helmets...go try them on and see what works for you!

    Not that you asked, but I felt like sharing my 2 cents :-)
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