Noticed quite a few Aero helmets cruising the Queen K last month. Does anybody have any numbers or knowledge of the relative drag coefficients between the traditional ones like mine ( link ):
http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/products/helmets/ayron.htm
And the aero jobs worn by the likes of Stadler , Sindballe and co ?
Additionally , I think it should be stated that until I can clock a 5hr bike split I will not be wearing it 
Who is Helmut?
I read an article recently on Pez cycling where the “deputy” wind tunnel guy at MIT said aero helmets were several orders of magnitude more helpful than aero wheels and he thought aero frames were not even significant enough to mention. Though, Gerard pointed out to me that aero frames were signifcant enough that the guy rides a P3C, but we know this is only because it is trendy right now.
I’ll be using my Louis Garneau until Giro decides to sell the Lance shark fin whereupon I will pay whatever the asking price will be.
Chad
He’s the one who polishes the tires for the German pro’s
Thanks for that !
Thanks Chad , great info.
Do you have a link to the new Armstrong helmet ?
I was only speculating on the Giro helmet. As far as I know, they have no intent to market it. Armstrong payed for the research himself–I think I read this–and owns the patent. I’m sure he could support himself well solely on the cut of the profit if he ever told them they could sell them.
Chad
I had an opportunity to pick up a new LG helmet cheap. I passed because,
I thought I would feel like an idiot for trying to save a couple of seconds when I’m MOP.
I look down so much while riding that I’d probably look like a radio antenna on my bike.
I also had a chance to pick one up at the end of the season 50% off the day before a 1/2 IM. If you belive the article they did in either IT or Triathlete it can save you minutes not seconds. I got an LG and didn’t feel overheated at all during a warm day. Did a pretty good bike for me as well.
yeah, but my point is, how aero is it when the back is pointing straight up half the time? Besdides, up to now, I 'm a sprint guy (who may go long next summer).
There is one simple reason to avoid aero helmets. Ugly as hell. Have some pride people!
I’m also in the camp that says an aero helmet might look goofy on a MOP racer, and especially that I get droopy-necked usually right after the exit from T-1. So here’s my idea for the tail-in-the-air syndrome. Remember the Concorde? At slow speeds, the nose could be lowered, exposing a front windshield so the pilot could see forward, making it possible to view such objects as the runway. Well, aero helmets need a similar mechanism for the tail boom. A pivoting/sliding boom, lightly spring loaded, holds the boom down against your back as your head angle changes. This important idea could be the concept that enables Ronco to enter the bike helmet business.
Bet get you patent on it now before someone else does. That will sell huge because not only will it be ugly it will be complicated. Ugly and complicated are what most triathletes look for in equipment.
pound some dimples in your head and you can go for the golfball effect!
There is one simple reason to avoid aero helmets. Ugly as hell. Have some pride people!
whereas the rest of the clothing we wear is quite fetching.
Well, aero helmets need a similar mechanism for the tail boom. A pivoting/sliding boom, lightly spring loaded, holds the boom down against your back as your head angle changes.
Like this?
I had a similar idea (pivoting rear part of helmet)…and my brother in law is a patent attorney - maybe we should go into business…
Dave
Charge 8 times the production cost, make stuff up and make it super ugly. You’ll be rich by Saturday.
I read that it costs ~$250000 to get a helmet “certified” for sale in the US. Add the cost of development and production, an you have to sell an awful lot of helmets to make a profit. That is major reason you don’t see the Giro and Bell helmets available here yet.
I have to put in my vote that aero helmets are faster. I don't know how much, but there is an advantage. I think they are all about the same, just like discs, but they all are faster. Taping up your vents is supposed to be just as effective. The first time I used my LG Prologue I brought another helmet to warm up in, but I was first in my age group at that race so after that I just wore it. After the bicycle race around Lake Tahoe I was walking around with it on (heck, it was cold out) until Michelle finally said "Aren't you ever going to take off that stupid helmet"!
Hey all
If you look back at all the data on aero helmets starting with Greg Lamond you will find some very instating stuff. Both he and LA tested fast with the “Tale” up in the air, that is why Lance’s helmets have had that two stage fin set up and the rest of the team had regular tales. Now the tale up may not be faster for everybody but in their case it was just as fast or faster
Dan…