Helmets in the aero position

Slowman · November 16, 2006, 2:00pm

i’m looking for help here. i’ve got a pretty good drop going from saddle to armrest. that means my head is craned back quite a bit when i’m looking straight ahead. so…

what i’m looking for is a list of the ***road ***(not aero) helmets that work well when in the aero position. i have a giro that does not work well, but it’s a coupla years old. it’s a great helmet for road riding, but in aero riding the plastic part in the back that cradles the back of my head, and where the twist-lock is – that plastic construct hits my high back when my head is craned forward and it pushes the helmet forward, and obstructs my vision.

so i’m looking for a helmet that works well for guys who ride with this sort of position. i suspect i’ll then wrap all this up into a helmet overview i’ll publish on the site. but in the meantime i need some guidance as to where to look.

yes, i’ll consider aero helmets as well at some point, but for now it’s the standard, vented, road helmets i’m interested in.

footwerx · November 16, 2006, 2:02pm

Have a look at the Selev Alien. Works for me. They use a velcro adjuster at the back rather than a dial-type adjuster.

ShawnF · November 16, 2006, 2:03pm

Specialized Decibel? It’s locking system in the rear is different and seems to sit higher on the back of my head than my Bell Ghisallo.

Danio · November 16, 2006, 2:04pm

I have a pretty aggressive position and I 've never experienced a problem like that, so maybe my specialized decibel helmet is a good one?

Spindogg · November 16, 2006, 2:08pm

I train with the Bell sweep R and don’t have any problems like you mentioned although I bet you have a more aggressive postion than I do. I have a road setup about as low as it will go—hoping to be on full TT/tri setup next year.

paul0578 · November 16, 2006, 2:28pm

i am not totally slammed, but i have a decent amount of drop and am forced to look ‘up’ to look forward. I use a giro pneumo (sp?). its my second one and neither has been an issue. it has a dial on the retention system.

John_Cobb · November 16, 2006, 2:30pm

During some of my aero helmet testing I bought a Bell Fusion helmet from Walmart because of the cut off rear shape. $29.99 all approved. Turns out it’s very comfy and does not hit you’re lower neck when in a very heads up position. Might be worth looking into, I’m still wearing it.

Rappstar · November 16, 2006, 2:32pm

I found my Rudy Project Kontact to be a great helmet for training. Very comfy for long stretches in the aerobars. But I am not particular. Although I know what you’re talking about with that neck-pinch on Giro helmets, and I generally left mine less snug as a result.

Mad_Jee · November 16, 2006, 2:39pm

Another vote for the Bell Sweep R. Nice and light too which is nice when you have to hold your head up.

So how about a picture of whatever you are riding and your drop?

IronDad · November 16, 2006, 2:41pm

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jaylew · November 16, 2006, 2:46pm

No problem whatsoever with my lazer and I have a lot of drop from saddle to pads.

dongustav · November 16, 2006, 2:49pm

Do a user-mod on your retention system… snap that plastic part off your Giro & you’re good to go. I broke the plastic “harness” on a Giro e2 mtb helmet a fewe years ago then just removed it. the helmet didn’t feel any looser, and it actually felt cooler on my head without that part on the back of y skull.

Fleck · November 16, 2006, 3:07pm

Dan,

As someone else mentioned, try the higher end Bell helmets. Their closure mech at the back sits higher up and does not hang down as low as the Giro’s

Fleck

UK_Gearmuncher · November 16, 2006, 3:11pm

The stratavarius by Met was always good for neck clearance. I love JC’s ‘Walmart special’ by the way, that sounds like a shrewd $30 !!!

Diesel · November 16, 2006, 3:21pm

Bell Sweep

(My Sweep is much better, for me, than my Giro Pnuemo while in aero for the reason that you mentioned)

On a side note, my Rudy Syton is “terrible” for the same reason.

Tribato · November 16, 2006, 3:29pm

What Shawn sez…I have the Specialized and it doesn’t seem to sit as low as some of the others.

doug_in_co · November 16, 2006, 4:21pm

I’ve used the cheaper Bell helmets without problems, currently a Louis Garneau Rev which also is working fine. About 12cm of drop…

fredly · November 16, 2006, 5:11pm

The LAS helmets have a rear retention mechanism that is adjustable for the amount that it drops down from the helmet. Works great for aero riding in the “up” position.

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Lazy_Ben · November 16, 2006, 5:13pm

Train in a Giro Pneumo, no problems for me. I’m 6’2" with a decent drop (may not be as great as yours?).

ms6073 · November 16, 2006, 5:36pm

Dan,

Wife and I have Lazer Genesis helemt which has a rather unique retention system that is adjusted from the top of the helmet as opposed to the back of the helmet:

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