I really love the idea of a Kask but, based on aero testing, it doesn’t seem like the best option. This helmet still might not be as good as longer tailed ones but I, on my uneducated guess, think that the added “tail” would test better than a Kask.
As far as Kask type (no tail) vs tailed, is it possible the tailed helmets are better when you’re completely locked into one position at minimal yaw such a time trial but that when you’re doing a 5 hour ride where you would be in multiple positions (full aero, drinking from a straw (which causes my tail to stick straight up), looking around to pass, etc) and experiencing different wind directions throughout you might be better off with no tail? I’ve been thinking of trying a Kask or an Evade.
This has been debated to no end. As far as I know (and I could just simply not know), there is no definitive answer. If you move around A LOT, look around A LOT, yeah, I would think a no tail would be best.
But this is kinda why I think the Bontrager is perfect (or at least the best that is made). It has the partial tail for when you’re locked in and it’s still snub nose when you’re not.
Is that the Bontrager helmet Cancellara has been wearing at Tirreno-Adriatico this week?
Yep! Confirmed by Trek rep.
And all hope is lost… just found out the Bontrager TT Helmet is not legal in the US, only in Europe
Anyone with hands on experience with the new updated 2015 version of the Bambino?
I’m kinda stuck between the 2015 Bambino, which should feature a much improved magnet system and leather instead of velcro strap, and the Specialized S-works TT.
No clue which one to choose and a windtunnel test to decide is a bit too expensive
For the vast majority the S-Works will be the fastest helmet. If you ride head down like from (always stem staring) then there’s a possibility the Bambino could be faster, but the Spec is the far safer choice.
I really love the idea of a Kask but, based on aero testing, it doesn’t seem like the best option.What I’m REALLY REALLY REALLY excited about is the new Bontrager Aeulos TT Helmet!! However, I did talk to the Trek Rep last night and he said he has zero idea when it might become available OR if it’ll even be released in the US. He has a feeling it might only release in Europe.http://store.trekbikes.com/...ger+aeolus+helmet.do
Agree about the Aeolus but given that the lion’s share of aero benefits are realised with an aero road helmet (which are quick in transition) that going for something likely to rank, in aero terms, somewhere between them and a very rider-specific long tailed helmet, you have to wonder whether it’s worth it.
Not sure if it’s available or legal in the U.S. but the Casco SpeedAiro is a nice lid. The quality and fit is very good - they also make a SpeedTime, which is supposedly more aero and with less venting if you want to look like an extra from Star Wars.
Looking at getting a Kask Bambino Helmet
What are you thoughts, do you like it?
Any issues with magnets on visor?
Jonboy
I’ve raced in a Bambino for the last 2 seasons, my thoughts:Nice helmet, easy to get on in T1, fit was really good for me and I didn’t mind the Velcro retention at all. I mainly raced without a visor as it was a bit of a pain. The visor kept fogging up which was my main gripe. This was much worse after you came out of the swim with a wet cold head. The visor for me was secure in the ‘on’ position and never fell off. I did however have it fall off when flipped upside down where it could catch the wind easily. That being said flipping the visor up and leaving it in T1 lead to a fast transition and you could flip the visor down whilst running out with the bike and good to go.
Not sure on pricing in the US, but the original model in the UK is being sold from retailers at a much lower price than the RRP and the new ones are at RRP. So if you defiantly want one I’d do the following:
Get an older one at the much reduced price if you can (I have seen some at 50% less for the old model new, 2nd hand there are some very good value ones UK based, again not sure if this is the same in the US.)
With the older one I’d do 2 things straight away (might need to do this with the new ones, not sure) - 1) Get a large-ish drill bit 8-10mm and stick a row of holes in the top of the visor - this solved all fogging for me and you can position the holes above eye-line so no adverse effects of wind coming through into your eyes (this is actually really easy: masking tape across the top, mark the spots to drill, ctr punch and pilot with a 4mm then you are good to go.) You probably don’t need too many to stop it fogging. Anti fog for me didn’t work well. 2) Measure the magnets on the visor (4 or 5mm dia I think but not sure) and order some more of the same size from an online magnet dealer (these are very cheap - have a google.) Get some super glue and stick an extra magnet on top of each of the magnets on the visor (With the polarity of the magnets the correct way round.) This completely solved all visor issues for me. However be careful with the glue and don’t get it on the rest of the visor.
Having said that though, I’m not racing with mine this year because I have a nagging feeling it’s not that quick for me. I originally ran it in a super aggressive position Dave.Z style with the aim to basically rest my face on top of my arms and have the entire helmet in the silhouette of my body (so a long tail helmet would have been pointing to the sky like a sail!) However, I couldn’t see up the road well enough to race like that and with my head marginally up I think a long tail helmet is better.
EDIT: - quick edit, may be relevant I have seen some people use them in Road races and I have used mine in 10 up team time trials. I however wouldn’t recommend it for this as much like a normal aero helmet you cannot hear a thing once it’s on.
I just bought a Bambino. Haven’t raced in it yet, but how the hell do you put this thing on. The velcro straps come undone unless I put it on very carefully and gingerly and the visor also comes off. No problem if I’m not in a rush… but I don’t like to take my time in T1.
I just bought a Bambino. Haven’t raced in it yet, but how the hell do you put this thing on. The velcro straps come undone unless I put it on very carefully and gingerly and the visor also comes off. No problem if I’m not in a rush… but I don’t like to take my time in T1.
I had the strap system totally come apart it the first race I wore it. The way you pull the strap is sort of counter to what we are used to with helmets. I almost had to DNF the race because of it.
My solution was to Gorilla tape the strap system in the inside of the helmet. Problem solved.
I just bought a Bambino. Haven’t raced in it yet, but how the hell do you put this thing on. The velcro straps come undone unless I put it on very carefully and gingerly and the visor also comes off. No problem if I’m not in a rush… but I don’t like to take my time in T1.
That’s why the price includes a manservant to carry the helmet when not in use and assist with putting it on.
Personally I haven’t heard of this issue, but only one guy on our team currently has ridden with it (1 season, 30+ races at least). But we are a TT team, not a Tri team so I imagine he takes the time to put on the helmet without rushing.
Well I’ve bought velcro and magnets for the visor and some gorilla tape to secure the velcro straps - f**king ridiculous, but this is what happens when you read glowing reviews and buy blind off the internet…
Looking at getting a Kask Bambino Helmet
What are you thoughts, do you like it?
Any issues with magnets on visor?
Jonboy
I’d do 2 things straight away (might need to do this with the new ones, not sure) - 1) Get a large-ish drill bit 8-10mm and stick a row of holes in the top of the visor - this solved all fogging for me and you can position the holes above eye-line so no adverse effects of wind coming through into your eyes (this is actually really easy: masking tape across the top, mark the spots to drill, ctr punch and pilot with a 4mm then you are good to go.) You probably don’t need too many to stop it fogging. Anti fog for me didn’t work well. 2) Measure the magnets on the visor (4 or 5mm dia I think but not sure) and order some more of the same size from an online magnet dealer (these are very cheap - have a google.) Get some super glue and stick an extra magnet on top of each of the magnets on the visor (With the polarity of the magnets the correct way round.) This completely solved all visor issues for me. However be careful with the glue and don’t get it on the rest of the visor.
Iain
Did you have your helmet on your head while drilling holes, or you placed it on someone else head? I think anyone with a bit of brain and understanding how internet marketing works, would stay away from this piece of crap. There is not one, but few confirmed issues by many people all over. Just because it is expensive and has great paid reviews doesn’t mean is good. Buying helmet with visor then racing without one, best advice I have ever heard.
This helmet cost what high end motorcycle helmet costs.
