Aero vs Road Helmet for hot IM races???

Darrell Strube (OLD)

What is the best practice for helmets in hot and humid IM races? I am racing IMTX this year and wondering if I should wear my Rudy Wingspan or go with more of a true road helmet.  My road helmet is an old Giro beater.  Comfort and overheating are my main concerns, although I used the Rudy for Galveston 70.3 last year without issue.  I am a MOP doing first full IM, not chasing Kona slots. If it is better to go with a more traditional road helmet, what are some of the better models?  Thanks for the input.

John Withrow

I've found that with vent cover removed that the Rudy Wingspan is every bit as cool as a traditional road helmet and will certainly be faster.  Even as a MOP'er, that means more time on the bike and more aero advantage.  I'd say remove the vent and roll with the Wingspan...

scott dinhofer

I've gone through this dilemma and no one has a good answer on what's the fastest helmet. I had bought the new Giro Aerohead, tried it on, read the thread on slowtwitch and knew it would be hot. Then I saw this (<- that's a link) article by Jordan Rapp on Slowtwitch regarding the new Scott Cadence Plus. It's the helmet that Sebastian Kienle used in Kona to have his fastest bike split there. I figure if it's good enough for a world champion vying for a world championship, it's good enough for me. 

I used it in Puerto Rico on Sunday, seemed to be good, I came within a minute of my predicted bike leg and I had no problems getting cool and dousing myself with water. 

If you aren't fighting for a slot and more of a "participant" competing with yourself, just go with the old road helmet & be comfy.. If you are hot, and annoyed, how distracted from the task at hand are you?? 

Darrell Strube (OLD)

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I think I will test the aero and vent covers on my next couple of 100 mi rides and make a decision after that. 

William Jenks

I agree completely.  This depends on your goals and how "hot" your helmet is.  You will save a few minutes on your bike split...but if it's actually hot enough to bother you, you will lose time from that.  

I am lucky enough not to perceive helmets as particularly hot or cold, so I can't really comment on the specifics.

Your idea of trying it out is important.  Be aware of where your sweat goes during the ride with each helmet because you'll be sweating a lot at IM Texas.

Finally, "hot" on the bike is bad, but dehydrated is worse.  I'm a very mid-sized guy, but I find it takes 3 bottles per hour when it's hot for me to really remain hydrated at the level I should be to begin a run after a century+ ride.  Be SURE to practice that too!

Shaughn Simmons

Use an aero helmet that is white with a good vent and I think you will find you have made the right choice for that venue....

SS