Forums/

General Triathlon

Heidi H.
Heidi H. Sendmail

Aero helmet benefits

posted almost 4 years ago | Report

I am an HIM competitor with a goal of breaking 5hrs this year.
Apart from having increased my training and improved my eating I am thinking of buying an aero helmet to improve my performance.
Does anyone have any opinions on the benefits (real or imagined) or personal experience?
I would be looking to ride 2'40 - 2'50 on a fairly flat course.
Any input would be appreciated.

Respond

11 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Ben W.PRO
    Ben W. Sendmail

    I was in your shoes about 1 month ago. I don't know if there has actually been a study done on the benefits of aero helmets, but since all the racers in the TdF wear an aero helmet during a TT, I figure there has to be some benefit. I've heard up to 1:30min over a 40k. Actually now that I think about it, I thought I read somewhere that at MIT they studied aero helmets and found there was an a benefit to be gained.

    Figured it was worth the shot and went with the Giro Advantage 2 which is a nice helmet and look forward to hopefully going around 5 hrs. I just find it a bit hard to put on the ol'head because of the ear flaps.

    posted almost 4 years ago

  • Adam F.
    Adam F. Sendmail

    Aero helmets will get you the most bang for the aero buck that you can do. It is well worth it. In the US, stick with either a LG Rocket or Giro Advantage II or Spiuk.

    posted almost 4 years ago

  • Mike M.
    Mike M. Sendmail

    I don't think I could see myself ever wearing one of those no matter how much time they say it could save me.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Marty B.
    Marty B. Sendmail

    Unless you are going super fast, the benefits are pretty slim.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Kevin A.
    Kevin A. Sendmail

    Jenna
    I have raced with an LG Rocket for 2 seasons now. I have no idea if it shaves time. I can tell you two things it does do (that aren't good). First, it restricts your range of motion with your head because you have that giant rudder sticking off the back side of it. When you are tucked in the aero position that is OK. But in a longer race where you feel like you need to move around (or even look to the side) you may end up with a bit of a sore back/neck since you are restricted in the way you move. I find this a problem also when glancing to the side or backward to check for cars and if it is clear to pass. Just my 2cents. Borrow one for a ride before you buy if you can.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Gehr 1.
    Gehr 1. Sendmail

    Start with the basics first, how's your fit? Most people have never been fit properly (very few people in the bike industry are actually good at fitting especially for TT/triathlon) and don't be fooled into thinking you need to spend $$$, some places will charge $300 with computers and gizmos and aren't any better than an experienced professional can accomplish. It should be $150 or less and take at least an hour. Find out what their experience is, ask who they have fit, talk to those they have fit and if they are happy. Then work on your fitness, I've seen lots of people spend thousands of dollars on go fast wheels, areobars and helmets but can't even hold 20 miles per hour for more than ten minutes!

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Jen L.
    Jen L. Sendmail

    From wind tunnel testing, the aero helmet will improve a 40k 30-60s if you are riding 18mph+.

    However, wearing gloves at the same time will cancel that out. The best position is with the 'tail' of the helmet sticking upward because turbulence at the front of the helmet slows you down.

    MIT did the studies, but I can't find the link at this point.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Brodie B.
    Brodie B. Sendmail

    Before I bought an aero helmet I'd take my training plan to a QUALIFIED coach and get their opinion on it. Increased training isn't always better training.

    I think if you take all the positives and negatives from all of these posts. Mix them up and put them in the oven. In 15-20 minutes out would pop a standard helmet.

    My additions. They may have improved venting but the things are still hot. Work on your aero form or the benefits are gone. If your clothes aren't already painted on the helmet isn't worth it. I strongly feel if you don't use it 100% correctly it is going to be more of an anchor than an air foil.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Brodie B.
    Brodie B. Sendmail
    in reply to what Mike M. said:I don't think I could see myself ever wearing one of those no matter how much time they say it could save me.

    You're right Mike, I couldn't see you in one either. Although I could see you racing in a banana hammock.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Brodie B.
    Brodie B. Sendmail
    in reply to what Adam F. said:Aero helmets will get you the most bang for the aero buck that you can do. It is well worth it. In the US, stick with either a LG Rocket or Giro Advantage II or Spiuk.

    Be sure if you get a Spiuk it has a ANSI or SNELL sticker in it or steal one from another helmet. I had to cut a sticker out of one of my old helmets to give to an Ironman pro last year.

    posted over 3 years ago

  • Francis D.
    Francis D. Sendmail

    Regardless if an aero helmet is faster, you still have to run after you get off the bike. An aero helmet, even the most vented ones, provide ventilation and heat dissipation equivalent to a $30 children's helmet. The decrease in air flow means an increase in body temperature which results in an increase in water loss. If you come off the bike dehydrated, then your run is going to suffer far more than what you gained by wearing an aero helmet. This happened to so many athletes at Ironman Arizona this year where it was windy and 94 degrees.

    So if the race is a cooler one or a short one (even olympics are borderline too long) then go for that aero advantage if you are someone who can average 20+ mph. Otherwise, buy the best vented helmet on the market and use it for training and racing. I use the Specialized S-Works helmet; this is the most comfortable and best vented helmet on the market and worth every penny of its high price. Stop by a Specialized shop and try it on, you'll understand. The Giro Ionos is a close second, but a much heavier second.

    posted over 3 years ago

Similar Discussions in Triathlon - General Triathlon