ABUS GAMECHANGER TT

£399 A helmet that lives up to its name

91 %

VERDICT COMES WITH A HUGE PRICE THAT’S MATCHED BY HUGE PERFORMANCE

The Gamechanger is already the name of Abus’ aero road helmet. Now the brand thinks the game needs changing for time-triallists and triathletes too… enter the Gamechanger TT, as used by 2018 Challenge Roth champ Daniela Bleymehl.

As you’d expect at this price, it’s been to the wind tunnel for aero optimisation and the short-tailed design is said to provide optimal aerodynamics in various head positions – good to know for triathletes who may struggle to hold a perfect position over long races.

The inclusion of a magnetic clip for faster fastening will appeal to triathletes, and the inside of the ear covers are padded for extra comfort. Despite the cocooned appearance, we didn’t get that boxed-in feeling we get with some TT helmets either, which often makes them hotter. The Gamechanger is well-vented thanks to a large front vent, two at the sides and three rear gaps for the air to pass through. There’s always a temperature limit with TT helmets of course, and this tester personally wouldn’t race in one above 30°C, but we found this one as airy as some aero road lids. It’s also not heavy at 432g with the visor, so you needn’t worry about switching for hilly courses.

Our only slight criticisms are the price, making it hard to justify for most of us, and the side covers being a little tight to get over the ears at speed in T1. Otherwise, we think the Gamechanger in TT form (if you can afford it) is one of the best watt-saving helmets you can buy.

87 %

VERDICT IMPRESSIVE VALUE FOR MONEY AND EXTREMELY FUNCTIONAL

Made from super-lightweight and soft 200gsm suede microfibre, this Red Original robe is comfortable and offers plenty of room to change with modesty. It has two deep pockets for valuables and a drawstring hood to help keep you toasty post-swim. Due to the thin material, it’s not the warmest robe out there, but impresses with its quality and practical features. The robe packs down much smaller than the typical bulky affair, making it easy to stuff into your training bag and keep on hand in case of any spontaneous dips. Said to absorb four-times its weight in water, this robe came in handy during our trips to the lake and seaside, often being completely dry within 24hrs of use. redoriginal.com