Aero Helmets

fastercyclist

Really curious - why don't most cyclists wear aero helmets in normal races? Surely if they help you out why not? I'm thinking of getting one. Would the helmet or TT bars give a bigger time bonus? Cheers

Pross

In a road race aerodynamics aren't as important as most people are drafting. Aero helmets aren't the most comfortable and your position in a road race would be unlikely to utilise the aerodynamic benefits of an aero helmet.

Of the two I would say that tri bars on their own (assuming they are correctly setup) would be far more beneficial than an aero helmet on normal dropped handlebars as, again, you wouldn't be able to get yourself into the aero position where the helmet becomes effective.

Pokerface

fastercyclist wrote:

Really curious - why don't most cyclists wear aero helmets in normal races? Surely if they help you out why not? I'm thinking of getting one. Would the helmet or TT bars give a bigger time bonus? Cheers

Aero helmets are designed to work in a specific position. In a road race you're head is moving all over the place, so the benefit is lost. Plus, it's often hard to hear with them on - and they lack the ventilation of a standard helmet, so you would probably overheat if you wore one in a long road race. They just aren't practical.

Aero bars give you a much greater benefit, however, you can't use them in a road race - only in a TT.


So basically, train harder and don't worry about the gimmicks if you're looking for an advantage in a road race.

fastercyclist

Thanks for your replies guys

I'll save up for the bars next month.

ugo.santalucia

Not another thread on aero helmets! :evil: