jackmott wrote:
A lot of people assume it could hurt them via core temperature/heat.
There isn't much in the way of public data sufficient to convince people that this won't happen.
Intuition is stronger than data in people's minds.
So, while there is a nice study that shows core temp and performance aren't significantly affected by aero helmets in 100 degree temps in a 12k TT
People will say "well in a longer event it will be a problem!"
And they might hear that a famous pro tested it on a long ride outdoors and didn't find a difference in core temp, people will say things like "well it does for ME, everyone is individual"
Because, yeah, you put out more heat than a pro male triathlete or domestic pro cyclist? =)
JM, for any given distance I will be wearing it for 25% - 30% longer than those pros and since I'm carrying at least 10kg/22lbs more than them, it is quite likely I'm generating at least as much, if not more heat.
That said, I overcame my reluctance and bought a Rudy Project Wingspan a few years ago, and can attest that it has great ventilation with the vent open, or even with the mesh. I noticed a huge increase in discomfort with the vent fully closed though.
To the OP, get an aero helmet with acknowledged ventilation characteristics, and if you need to, shave or cut your hair short.