I have a very oval shaped head and recently purchased a Louis Garneau P09 aero helmet online. After trying on, it’s really at it’s fit limit front to back in a very specific spot, but is fine side to side and I like a lot of the other features about this brain bucket. The ratchet mechanism works fine holding everything in place, but if I could get 3-5mm in 2 very specific spots where the internal ridges come down in the back, it would be great. I’ll also be sure to get a haircut before race days…
My question is can I ever so slightly shave/dremel/sand down 2 spots on the rear internal ridges in the EPS at the very tail where it makes contact with my head? I would imagine this would void any warranty, but I’m curious if this reduces the structural integrity of the foam and will there be any legality issues should some race official decide to get very curious? My initial thought is no structural impacts due to very minimal shaping, but there are better experts out there. If it’s ok, is there a sealer that should be used?
I have the same mishaped head issues. Much wider in the back while narrower in the front. I can’t ever find an aero helmet that fits right!
I’d love to shave down a helmet like you mention. But no doubt shaving it would void your warranty, and I’m almost positive that technically it would be illegal to race with. Possible that it could compromise safety too but I doubt significantly depending on where you shaved it of course (just my personal opinion, any manufacturer or ref is going to tell you that it would compromise safety)
I haven’t found any helmets that fit me. I modify my helmets to fit by melting the foam (I heat up an old spoon), removing the rear adjuster, and sometimes replacing the strap material with something lighter.
If officials inspect your helmet, you want to make sure your mods are discreet of course. Mods are not legal.
I’ve modified all my helmets to remove some material in the forehead and backhead area . I used a combination of a sandpaper drum on a dremel and hand sanding. Dramatically improved comfort and fit of the helmet for S/M size. Instead of having high pressure in 3-4 spots the helmet and nearly no contact at the top of my head.
The benefit of having a helmet that cradles all parts of my head far outweighs any possible problems with possible degrading the impact protection. I’ve always been in the camp that helmets prevent acute head injuries and keep the brain from falling out.
As others have said, modify, but be careful and low key about it.
I have a very oval shaped head and recently purchased a Louis Garneau P09 aero helmet online. After trying on, it’s really at it’s fit limit front to back in a very specific spot, but is fine side to side and I like a lot of the other features about this brain bucket. The ratchet mechanism works fine holding everything in place, but if I could get 3-5mm in 2 very specific spots where the internal ridges come down in the back, it would be great. I’ll also be sure to get a haircut before race days…
I know exactly the two ridges you speak of and have have considered shaving those down as well. Looking at them, it’s not entirely clear what their purpose is. That said, mod at your own risk… if you do mod though hot wire knife is your best bet for precision, speed, and sanity.
This was the end result. Just some slight massaging of the contact points and now it fits great. Did a few hours tonight at 85 degrees out and am quite happy with the fit, cooling, etc. For those curious, i was almost exactly on the cusp of Md vs Lg sizing so it was a medium i purchased and made work.