After a very positive change to my aero-position on my tri/TT bike, I am now finding myself limited in terms of “line-of-sight” when (in training) riding with my Oakley ARO 5 and Oakley Jawbreaker. There is no gap between glasses and the helmet (good integration done by Oakley, but not good for this position)
Below photo (not me) illustrates the issue, with obviously other helmet/glasses.
With my aero helmet (Met Drone) I do not have this problem at all, vertical area of vision is much bigger here.
Can anybody recommend a good combo that clears better the line-of-sight? TIA
I race in a Met Drone as well using the visor and train in a Giro Vanquish with the magnetic visor it comes with. I prefer a visor on my tri bike over glasses in training and racing for the reason you are trying to fix.
Scott Cadence Plus and Oakley Jawbreakers. I don’t have a big problem with the frame blocking my vision. I find that Oakley helmets are just awkwardly big.
I have been using Rudy Project Cutline glasses and taking off the bumpers so there is no frame across the top. I was sort of amazed how much more vision it gives me.
If it isn’t stinking hot, I train in a TT helmet with visor. No visibility issues. If it’s a bother, try to find a used or more affordable less aero TT helmet that has a visor but is more ventilated.
With a lot of the modern positions anyway I feel you have to teach yourself a “nervous tick” of timing out your pedal stroke count and a “peek” up road. Ain’t no way folks are able to crane their neck a meaningful distance up road in a lot of these positions for hours on end. If a dog/deer sprints out, you’re not going to react in time anyway if it happens between your “peeks” versus always looking up. But you can look up during driveway crossings or anywhere something would enter your path.
Scott Cadence Plus and Oakley Jawbreakers. I don’t have a big problem with the frame blocking my vision. I find that Oakley helmets are just awkwardly big.
I will second that the ARO5 is awkwardly big and heavy for that matter compared to other helmets. I’ve had one for several years for training and use the ARO7 with visor for racing. I would look at some of the Rudy helmets, Nytron or Strym, MET Rival or Manta, or Kask Protone. Roka SL 1x glasses or the Oakleys mentioned without the bar across the top of the glasses provide the greatest amount of visibility.
I love my Roka GP-1X for this purpose. I usually shift my helmet slightly further towards the back of my head and tighten, very similar to what I do with my aero helmet. This gives me full visibility. I would not ride in aero position with my normal Oakley Radars, I have nearly 0 visibility.
Got a POC Omne Air Mips for 100 EUR on sale and a pair of these (below) knock-offs for 30 EUR on Amazon. All arriving tomorrow - let´s see or it all goes right back
My answers are based on training in the aero position for UCI TT racing and training in that position. Position is more agressive than I’d use for >40km distance.
Oakley frameless or top-frameless are my go to for glasses. Currently using Fight Jackets (cold temps) or EVZeros (warm temps and current favorite).
Helmet of choice for training is my aero road helmet, a Lazer Vento. It’s nice and high above the brow for a clear line of sight. My Giro Aether is cooler but too low on the brow and blocks my vision.
Related, I’m an aero geek, but I also don’t ride my training helmets ‘high’ for safety. These helmet models were also chosen for good safety (VirginiaTech 5 star). I’ve been around too many bad concussions.
I do sometimes train with my aero helmet, but that’s usually only when aero testing and close to races.
Thinking out loud… we need tri/TT-orientated helmet reviews that consider line of vision like this.
