Which Aero Helmet (if any)?
I don't imagine myself as an aero helmet guy. But, I figured I'd try one out at eagleman and see how it feels before I make a decision to use one at IMLP or a RR.
I can get a really good deal on a Giro helmet as my friend reps the brand, but I also have access to Rudy Project Discounts and the EN Lazer Helmet deal too. If there was a magic helmet that fit me perfect that wasn't one of the three mentioned, of coure I'd try that as well.
Does anyone have any opinions on any of the above brands? Or aero-helmets in general (for or against)?
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I am for them. They're the biggest areo advantage for the buck. That being said, we're talking small time savings. I use a Rudy Project Open Syton. I got that model because I didn't want my ears covered. It's the only model I've tried.
There's data in a Rudy Project presentation that shows that their new helmet (the Wingspan) is the 'fastest', but only if you put in the cover over the vents (probably not how you'd actually choose to use it in a summer race). When uncovered, the time difference between it, the Giro, the Lazer, and the Spiuk was basically negligible. Given that, I'd try on a few, see which one seems the most comfortable, and go with it. They're all quite a bit faster than a regular helmet, which is why I'm pro-aero helment.
Of course, neither Crowie nor Chrissie race with them, so take that FWIW...
Mike
For the last 2 years I rode with a Giro and suffered with the heat. I'm sure it had a lot to do with how long I was on the bike course, but I was uncomfortably hot. This year I purchased a Rudy Wingspan and so far, so good. The helmet is quite a bit lighter than the Giro and hopefully removing all the vent covers will help once the summer heat begins to roll-in.
Actually, the math is that the aero helmet helps us non-speed-demons the most. At least in terms of actual minutes saved, if not percentage. Although aero savings by percentage is more important the speedier you are (drag going up roughly with the square of velocity and proportional to a constant that includes your "aeroness"), since we are all out on the course for a fixed DISTANCE instead of a fixed time, the slower of us are out there longer...and the smaller percentage savings adds up over that longer time, leading to a bigger absolute improvement.
I'm sure there are lots of places that have this all worked out in gorgeous detail. (Analytical Cycling.com?) I know the Cervelo web site at least used to have a slide show in their technical information section that explained it well.
I received my TriBike Transport-branded Rudy Project one yesterday, and even the large doesn't fit my fat head. That's a little surprising to me. Let's just call it too much grey matter between the ears.
I think Mancona said before, that the only real advantage you can get from an aero helmet is if you KEEP it in aero position. Don't keep looking up, because it negates the benefits.
I don't see a reason to use them AS MUCH in hot and humid places, like Kona, as the ventilation still isn't good enough IMHO.
For what it's worth though, they do prevent red necks with the long tails.
My suggestion is forget recomendations of others, and go try them on. Fid the one that fits you and your position the best and go with it. Sure one brand might be 2 seconds faster in a wind tunnel, but if it doesn't fit you right and you can't be comfortable wearing it for 5+ hours, you will lose more than the 2 seconds.
There is no reason not to have one in my opinion.
I went to an aero helmet this year. Im also not a speed demon, so I figured I needed as much help as I could but I didnt want to break the bank. I ended up picking up a Tardiz Lazer and I love it. I put a review on my, yes Blog, and yes, here is the link:
ironvan.com/2010/03/23/stimulus-pac...-unboxing/
Thanks for the responses. Keep them coming if there are more - I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position.
I've avoided using an Aero helmet so far because:
thanks, Ill report back what I end up doing.
I switched to an aero helmet for the 08 season. I did the same races in all distances 07 and 08, and found pretty generally a 2-3% difference in bike time from 15 miles to 112 miles. I doubt at my age that I got signficantly faster in that one year; my training was no different between the two years either. I used a Spiuk, which was great in the Pac NW weather, but when I got to Hawaii - no way. Combination of wind from the side on the long tail, and no holes to vent heat, and I was bummed. I can see why the Kona winners do not were aero helmets there.
I've since bought a Lazer with the blow hole in the top for pouring water down, but I have yet to wear it.
That being said, from what I've heard from people who've been to wind tunnels, there's very little benefit in going from a road helmet to the Syton without the ear flaps. Other helmets that cover the ears made a big difference.
Again, I don't have the data, and my sources may be wrong. I kinda believe it, having heard it from two independent sources, but remain skeptical until I actually see it.
Mike
I went with the Lazer Tardiz this year and have worn in twice in the last 5 days, once in a RR and in my race this past Sunday. I picked up almost 3mph from last years race. Sure it wasn't all the helmet, also had the wheelcover, and am sure the OS helped a TON, but I have to think the helmet helped a bit as well. If I were you I would look into it. It has the hole on top to pour water down for the heat we will encounter at Eagleman. Just my opinion.
Tucker
I have an advantage II and an open syton. I also originally bought the syton cause I did not want to have my ears covered. An open syton is really no "hotter" than any normal helmet. Less holes in the top but plenty of airflow. The Giro is a bit warmer but not really all that different. If it was really hot I would go with the syton. The Giro is plenty comfy now that I am used to it and I like the fact that I can feel the tail on my back.
The tunnel data indicates that an aero helmet is still faster than a regular vented helmet even with your head down and the tail pointing straight up in the air.
If you are worried about looking like a dork, don't give it another thought, the ship sailed on that one when you put on spandex anything...
A little more seriously, I believe Chris G is right about the aero helmet still being better than a normal one even if you poke the back up in the air, although I can't cite the primary source. That means (dorkiness aside) there's no reason not to wear one except for the heat issue.
Yup, heard John Cobb opine that "riding with the tail up in the air is as good or better, since the vents on the front of the helmet are no longer catching any wind", so don't worry about peeking down at the PT every once in a while.
Mike
Ha. for me its the voices in my head telling me to stop i want to keep out..
I've resisted aero helmets for the same reason I resist compression socks..they seem ridiculous looking to me. With that said triathletes are hardly fashion conscious, if you feel it makes you faster, then it probably does. if it bothers you to wear it, then those few seconds you may save being super aero are going to be lost.