HELMETS
It is possibly the cheapest “free speed” you can buy. Once you’ve dialled in your aero position and can stay on your bars for as long as possible, the next most important thing you can do to go fast is buy speedy race wheels and get an aero helmet. Now that there are so many aero road helmets around, they have become a popular choice for triathletes, too, as they work well in training and warmer races. Here are some full-fledged aero models to go along with some multi-use options
Garneau P09
$350 Designed in co-operation with aero experts Alphamantis, the P-09 helmet has minimal frontal surface area to keep the helmet compact, while the tail is specially designed to promote airflow at the shoulders. The texturized golf-ball effect used on the front also helps you cut through the air. Four vents are optimally positioned and channel air past your head to help cool you down. The lens lifts up for a fast and easy transition and can easily be removed with just one hand, too. The comfortable straps use a Spiderlock system for easy engagement.
Specialized S-works Evade Tri
$290 It might have the same shape as a TT helmet, but offers more ventilation and a more comfortable fit. The magnetic buckle will help you fly through transition, while the strategically placed vents actually draw air around your head to cool you down. A comfortable fit is ensured thanks to the Trifix web splitter fit system that offers a five-step height adjustment and a micro-dial to ensure you are comfortable. Specialized says you’ll save 46 seconds over 40 km compared to a standard road helmet.
Giro Aerohead Ultimate MIPS
$650 Scarily enough, some of us can remember Giro’s Advantage helmets that came out in 1985 – the company was a pioneer in the world of aero helmet design. Grio’s 32 years in the category has resulted in the Aerohead Ultimate, their fastest helmet ever. The shell is made with Textreme carbon fibre, which is lighter and stronger than other carbon composites. The wraparound eye-shield is made by Zeiss optics for outstanding clarity – it’s all held on by a magnetic anchor. A comfortable fit is ensured by the Roc Loc air fit system, while your safety is enhanced by the incorporation of the MIPS system that redirects impact energy to provide more protection.
Bollé One Road Premium
$229 You can make the Bollé One super-aero or extremely ventilated, or somewhere in between. The removable aero shells turn the helmet into an aero wonder, while removing the shells offers up 31 air “inlets.” Safety is enhanced thanks to the safety QR code and specially-designed LED light. There’s lots of adjustment to ensure you’ll get a comfortable fit and the interchangeable winter and summer linings will keep you riding outside all-year round.
Scott Cadence Plus
$300 Scott’s engineers were asked to come up with an aero helmet for the Orica-greenedge cycling team and triathletes now get to benefit from their work. While it’s designed for road riding, there’s lots to love for triathletes including the fully integrated visor, the optimized vents that move air through cooling channels inside the helmet, the comfortable Halo fit system and MIPS brain protection to provide the ultimate in safety. There’s even winter plugs that you can use when you need less air flowing through.
Giant Rivet
$230 This triathlon and TT helmet is designed with aerodynamics in mind, but still has some ventilation through the front vents, which are positioned to direct airflow through the internal channels to provide some cooling. The Elements Strap System uses a Cinch Pro fit system and head-hugging webbing for a comfortable and secure fit.
Smith Overtake
$320; $365 MIPS This extremely lightweight helmet provides lots ventilation thanks to the 21 vents that are designed to provide lots of air flow without hurting aerodynamic performance. Safety is enhanced by the Koroyd material and you can get this helmet with MIPS, too, for added impact protection. The Vaporfit adjustable fit system ensures you’ll be comfortable, too. A great choice for those looking to do a hot, long-distance race or a safety-oriented training helmet that provides lots of ventilation.—km
Scott Cadence Plus Smith Overtake Bollé One Road Premium Giant Rivet