The latest aero helmets are touting " bigger vents" and “air flow” I thought one of the features that made an aero helmet fast was the lack of vents. So which is faster few vents or more?
Depends on your body type (how flat or curved your back is), the shape of your head, your shoulders, etc. Even the amount of time you look down or sit up can change which helmet is fastest for you.
There’s no simple answer. You’d need to go to a wind tunnel to determine which helmet is fastest for you.
So, you know, just go for whatever looks decent and fits you well.
I think, generically, less vents is faster (more aero) than more.
Of course, you then risk “overheating”, for whatever that’s worth.
There are a handful of helmets that seem to be considered the fastest. It’s then a matter of trying one or more of those, and seeing what’s fastest for YOU.
Example: LG Rocket. Just didn’t work for me.
Not a fan of Giro’s fit (I still wonder why I ever bought one of their road helmets, since Bell always fits me better).
Spiuk Kronos - works great for me. I’m done looking now.
Less vents.
Add more vents, you might as well not be using an aero helmet.
“So, you know, just go for whatever looks decent and fits you well.”
Do any aero helmets look decent?
Why is the Specialized Aero helmet available only to pro’s and tour teams?
Must be good if Macca would prefer it over his sponsors aero lid.
Why is the Specialized Aero helmet available only to pro’s and tour teams?
Must be good if Macca would prefer it over his sponsors aero lid.
ummm, macca is sponsored by specialized…
The logo on his helmet says otherwise…sorry if my pic attachment came late.
I seem to recall some recent announcement that the previsouly unavailable Specialized helmet would be available this year at retail.
ahh, I couldn’t see that picture when I posted.
As far as I know, he is sponsored by both specialized (bike) and rudy project (sunglasses). I guess he preferred the specialized aero lid over the rudy one. I know I would 
Actually, he is sponsored by Rudy for glasses AND helmets. You’ll have to ask him why he insists on the Specialized lid.
As for why the Specialized aero helmet is only on Pros…its because they sign liability release waivers. The helmets do not have breakaway tails (to prevent from snapping your neck in a fall) that are required in order for the helmet to be sold to the public. I know this b/c I used to work for a Specialized retailer.
Ahhh, thanks for the clarification.
Can’t I just sign a liability waiver and get one too? 
Actually, if I had my choice, I’d get that new aero lid Lance has been rockin’ in the wind tunnel
No problemo.
Btw, save your $$$ for this aero lid due to debut at the 2009 TdF…
http://johncobbresearch.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/a-racin-fool/
Its the cleverly censored helmet on the Rudy athlete in the bottom left corner
I asked the Spesh people at InterBike when it would be available. All of them said that it would not be available on the North American market. Whether or not this means Europe gets it I don’t know.
If you watched Hawaii 08-winners don’t ride aero helmets!
Nuff said
If you watched Hawaii 08-winners don’t ride aero helmets!
Nuff said
I’d say they won DESPITE not wearing aero helmets, not BECAUSE they didn’t.