I’m in need of a new everyday training helmet. I’m debating between the Giro Aeon and the Giro Air Attack.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
I use the Air Attack as both my training and racing helmet, so far so good. Next year I might consider spending a buying a more dedicated aero helmet but for now there are other fish to fry. I will admit I feel like a goof.
Hey guys, can I ask if there is anything special that you get in a $170 helmet that you don’t get with a $20 basic Bell helmet that you can get at Walmart or Target. I just tend to use the latter for training assuming that they offer sufficient head protection.
As an everyday helmet, go with the Aeon. It’s lighter, better ventilated, and better looking. Not super aero, but it’s a training helmet and it will be a lot more comfortable than the AA.
Thanks for the replies so far.
Btw, I noticed Giro has placed the Aeon on the road AND tri pages on their website. Interesting I thought…
Hey guys, can I ask if there is anything special that you get in a $170 helmet that you don’t get with a $20 basic Bell helmet that you can get at Walmart or Target. I just tend to use the latter for training assuming that they offer sufficient head protection.
All helmets sold in the US have to meet the same CSPC crash standard, so safety isn’t an issue. You get helmets that are generally more comfortable (better venting, lighter weight, better pads/retention system) and more stylish.
Personally, I go with mid-range helmets (ex. Bell Akchera ~$40 on sale). They lack carbon fiber, but still have light weight and great ventillation. Def notice the improvement over Walmart helmets.
I love my Giro Transfer. $35 and as light as most high dollar helmets with plenty of ventilation.
I often wonder about this, and I also wonder whether or not different helmets ‘sound’ different? After a crash I replaced my old helmet, a Giro Savant, with a Cannondale something or other… and I swear I feel like the wind is 100x louder with this helmet. It actually really bothers me on longer rides, and it never used to be an issue.
My “guess” looking at things from a structural perspective, is that the safest helmets would be the smoothest and roundest, with the least number of vents. That’s just physics at play. So more vented helmet, no doubt passes “testing”, but the more plastic and styrofoam, vs “more air” the more potective a helmet will get. My gut feel is that the skater style helmet are going to be the most protective. Then after that, the helmet that covers as much of your head as possible with the least number of vents. That’s what I try to look for in a training helmet. I’m not really worrying about performance and looks. This this is a safety device, not a fashion or aero statement (although we can debate that the skater helmets are probably the most aero). The only reason I don’t ride with a skater helmet is because they are so darn heavy, or I would. So from a mechanical engineering perspective, assuming that two helmets are made of very similar styrofoam and plastic, I don’t see why a cheap model would be any less protective…in fact, it might be more protective than the higher end models. I was actually looking at a low end kids Bell helmet (I have a small head size) to wear in Kona. It had a low number of vents, totally round (no point in the back) and came down low over the forehead and back of skull. Basically very similar to a Giro Air Attack or Kask but at around 1/8th the price.
I often wonder about this, and I also wonder whether or not different helmets ‘sound’ different? After a crash I replaced my old helmet, a Giro Savant, with a Cannondale something or other… and I swear I feel like the wind is 100x louder with this helmet. It actually really bothers me on longer rides, and it never used to be an issue.
This is most likely caused by the strap placement, not the helmet. Put your finger along the strap in front of your ear and see how much the sound changes.
This discussion has me thinking that perhaps the best training helmet is one that weighs the same as your Aerohelmet with a little venting as possible, again to match the aero helmet as closely as possible.
Training specificity is king?
This discussion has me thinking that perhaps the best training helmet is one that weighs the same as your Aerohelmet with a little venting as possible, again to match the aero helmet as closely as possible.
Training specificity is king?
There is a case for training specificity, but most pros will opt for more comfortable bike gear in training (cycling bibs with full pads, road helmets, etc.) over training in race gear. It’s just easier (and helps forestall mental burnout) to train in more comfortable gear. The same way they do swim workouts in a speedo vs. a trisuit.
Examples (I’m using top IM pros here who all race in aero lids and have access to basically as much free equipment as they want):
http://cdn.triathlon.competitor.com/files/2011/09/296.jpg
http://www.trizone.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1048743_596428520377355_462183727_o.jpg
http://site.tri-sports.com/marketing/images/vineman590.jpg
http://mirindacarfrae.com/images/media/web/Mirinda-Carfrae-before-the-storm-1.jpg
A couple of things that I think need to be clarified:
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just because all helmets meet CPSC requirements does not mean they are all equally safe. It just means that they all meet the minimum safety requirements. Some helmets may (and likely do) exceed those represents.
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less venting / more material doesn’t necessarily mean more protection either. More is not always more / better / safer. High end helmets have technologies that lower price helmets cannot adopt (internal structures such as roll cages, etc). Differences in the foam used in the helmets (if there are any) can also allow a helmet w/ more vents / less material to bettr protect, etc.
Buy a helmet that is light and comfortable and is appealing enough that you will wear it…and hen hope you never have to test it’s merits.
I think the comfort burnout relation is the crux of the issue. Good call.