I see on the classifieds that Spuik Helmets are being sold alot. Is this because aero they may be, that you get the dreaded helmet sauna?
What is the most “breatheable” aero helmet out there?
I would suggest that if you want a well ventilated helmet for lower speed riding, as in going up long climbs where no one can manage any speed, you simply have to stick to a road helmet with a lot of large vents. Aero helmets, really none of them, have much ventilation because ventilation reduces thier aerodynamic benefit.
Aero = no (less) ventilation. No (less) ventilation = more aero. They are related. Vents add drag.
Additionally, I would suggest the small vents that some designs provide likely do more aerodynamic harm than ventilation benefit.
Now, having said all this I’ve worn a non-ventilated aero helmet at two of the hottest races in the world, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in Thailand that passes through a beastly hot rubber plantation and the RBTT/Fatum Triathlon in Curacao, Dutch Antilles, which starts at 2:00 PM in the southern Caribbean in beastly heat. Even the swim is hot. I was comfortable on the bike in both those races, and both have some nasty climbs- Tiger’s Back at Laguna Phuket and some unnamed monstrosity in Curacao you go up four times. Awful.
At lower speeds on short climbs Aero helmets, none of them, likely would get too warm. but even on steep climbs at lower speeds- IF the climb is short enough - (not a mountain pass) they are still OK for a few minutes. You really have no sensation of heat from them unless the climb goes on for a long time, ten minutes or more. It took me more than ten minutes to get up The Beast in St. Croix and it was warm and humid that morning- I was OK in an aero helmet.
I think for most people, unless it is a really long climb and you are really taking it easily, an aero helmet is fine on comfort, heat and ventilation.
Here’s a picture of me going up The Beast in St. Croix on a warm, humid morning wearing the Spiuk:
Tom,
What kind of bars are those in the picture you posted?
Sorry for the non-reply to the topic at hand, but I was just interested.
Those are really cobbled up. They are the PRO integrated aerobars with the original extensions removed and Blackwell Research “J” bend extensions, custom cut to length, installed. Lots of work went into setting those up.
Here’s a better look:
