I saw one in the wild today and had two concerns. (1), the molding that covers the ears seems flimsy; in fact, one was broken because a customer snapped the plastic. (2), the material for the chain strap is very flimsy and would think could easily get twisted when in a hurry.
Just wondering if those on the forum that are actually using the helmet could offer some insight on these concerns.
Dave in VA
I just got mine a few days ago and although I havent raced with it yet here are some very early observations:
very light.
great ventilation
seems to compliment my position but that of course is rider-specific.
stuff around the ears does seem somewhat flimsy but maybe a cut above the word flimsy. i dont see it as a concern actually. maybe that contritbutes to the lighter weight.
straps arent the beefiest but again, dont seem much of an issue.
I have never put this helmet on in a hurry - like a sprint tri race - so it really is untested for me, but obviously many pros have used it without issue.
they do run a bit small as a note.
hope this helps…
Finally got to try mine last weekend. Not sure what you mean by finding the molding that covers the ears too flimsy. I do find the helmet runs a bit small and kinda snug. I have the M/L and quite frankly, if it were any smaller it might not fit. I find the snug fit causes me to spend a couple of seconds tucking my ears in fitting the shades just right. Should get better with practice. Where the helmet does shine though is on the ride. I had my doubts before I ordered mine, but wow, I noticed a difference right away. I can’t wait til my first tri this season/
I thinking about getting one but have a freakishly large head. Usually only fit the Large specialized helmets. Sounds like this Medium/Large wouldn’t work.
As far as the straps, if you get a chance, checkout Macca at T1 at Kona 2006.
I think he was standing in transition for about a minute just trying to get the straps figured out.
I have heard from several others that since the straps are lighter, they do tend to get twisted up sometimes in transition.
That is the only real complaint I have heard about the helmet.
Ears - The ear molding is indeed a bit flimsy, but I think that’s actually a bit of an advantage because they’re actually pretty resilient when bent, as opposed to the Giro which is really prone to crack.
Straps - I don’t know if it’s that the straps themselves are that flimsy, but since the strap simply passes through a loop at the back of the helmet you just need to spend some time while racking your bike to make sure the straps aren’t twisted. I find if I take a minute to make sure they’re not twisted the helmet goes on without a hitch.
Sizing - I need a large in a Giro Ionos or Advantage 2, I’m not sure about Specialized road helmets (never tried one on), and Rudy Wingspan wouldn’t even go on my head, but the TT2 in M/L fits me fine. Hope that helps.
anyone know of a shop in the Chicago area that carries this helmet? I would like to try one on before I buy to make sure a M/L is big enough.
As far as the straps, if you get a chance, checkout Macca at T1 at Kona 2006.
I think he was standing in transition for about a minute just trying to get the straps figured out.
I have heard from several others that since the straps are lighter, they do tend to get twisted up sometimes in transition.
That is the only real complaint I have heard about the helmet.
LOL, I have seen multiple races where he has had that problem, so not sure if it’s the helmet or user error…
I have had mine since last Fall. I have a very small head and the small/medium fits me very well. The only problem is that it presses very hard on my forehead (the lower part of my frontal lobe). I raced with it at IM Florida and had a huge knot on my forehead for a couple of days after the race. So, if you have a larger sized head I do not think this helmet will fit you.
Freakishly large? Kinda like this?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/2103978954_9bfc58090d.jpg
Mine is pretty large too. Only way to know for sure is to try one on.
I have had mine since last Fall. I have a very small head and the small/medium fits me very well. The only problem is that it presses very hard on my forehead (the lower part of my frontal lobe). I raced with it at IM Florida and had a huge knot on my forehead for a couple of days after the race. So, if you have a larger sized head I do not think this helmet will fit you.
I inserted one of the foam pads that came with it in the front and it fits more comfortable now.
As far as the straps, if you get a chance, checkout Macca at T1 at Kona 2006.
I think he was standing in transition for about a minute just trying to get the straps figured out.
I have heard from several others that since the straps are lighter, they do tend to get twisted up sometimes in transition.
That is the only real complaint I have heard about the helmet.
Yeah, I forgot to comment about the straps. It isn’t so much that they are flimsy, it’s that there is only one connection to the back of the helmet. The fastest way to get in on in transition would be to leave the helmet upside down with the straps hanging out so they don’t shift or get tangled up. I minor inconvenience. I’ll try to post pics later if I’m not too lazy.