now i am looking to buy a new helmet… i want an aero helmet… i am doing imlp…
that said. what is the consensus on aero helmets and lake placid? my LBS is saying i should really reconsider my decision to use an aero helmet in lake placid. i have never used one but i think it would be beneficial in my other tri’s so i am getting it anyways. my question is this: go aero or not for helmet choice in imlp?
i know i ultimately have to make this choice on my own, but i “respect” the opinion of the masses on slowtwitch.
please try and keep the annoying newbie poster bashing to a minimum… i don’t get much time at the computer.
“now i am looking to buy a new helmet… i want an aero helmet…”
I look at these as two different things. Needing a new helmet to me says it’s going to be an “every day” piece of equipment. I’d go with a well ventialted road helmet that is comfy for that job. The aero helmet is a race-day hat, and should be selected by how well it fits your head and fairs to your back in the aero position.
My answer would depend on your goals and abilities but, when in doubt, I say go aero. However there should be no doubt if you can’t get off the bike by 3:00 at LP. In that case, don’t wear the aero-helmet. You will look and feel foolish going 15mph in full aero gear.
ok. ummm? i have a helmet that i would wear on the daily, i would like to also purchase a new helmet that is an aero helmet. if one were to purchase said type helmet would “you” wear this helmet at an event like imlp? or would anyone that has experience in this course suggest aero or not?
although i haven’t done the distance yet, i have full confidence that i will come in well before that time frame. (although now that i just jinxed myself…)
I have not worn an aerohelmet at LP the past two years. I dont do well in if it gets hot, and I made the choice not to wear an aero helmet to avoid the chance of overheating on some of the longer uphill sections.
That is just my personal choice, I dont think it will make or break your race, unless it is scorching hot out on race day.
I used an LG Prolog in 2006 and an LG Chrono in 2007…I don’t think I’d want to use the Rocket, although many have…it just felt heavier on my head and psychologically, I want everything to feel light in Lake Placid!
I would most definitely wear an aero lid at LP. I raced there in 2006 and used a LG Crono. It is aero but without the ear flaps and tail (I was a little concerned with the potential to be too hot). I would buy a Giro aero helmet if I was getting a new one and would be wearing it no matter what the conditions were if I was to race LP this year … which, as of now, is not going to happen
If you do care about aerodynamics, what you have on your head matters more than, for instance, what kind of bars you have on your bike. An aero helmet is one of the things you should begin with. Overheating should not necessarily worry you. No aero helmet will ventilate quite like the Atmos (which does for my hammerhead just about what thongs do for my wife’s cute ass: totally expose it to the elements), but they DO ventilate too. Been using mine even when racing hilly courses in temps edging into the 90s.
All this said, one could make a legitimate case for NOT prioritizing aerodynamics in IMLP.
Have you also considered the increased weight of an aero helmet. It’s not just overheating. Some aero helmets are pretty heavy. Your neck might get tired or worse! You may find yourself coming out of the aerobars to find neck relief.
If you go with an aero helmet, make sure you train with it.
