Rudy Project Nytron

£152.99 Well-vented aero road helmet

RUDY PROJECT HAS brought in aerodynamicist for hire, Swiss Side, to help develop its latest road lid. It’s been developed in the wind tunnel and using CFD (computational fluid dynamics), with good ventilation a top priority. You may have already spotted the Nytron on the heads of team Bahrain Victorious.

Most aero designs can look a little mushroom like. Not the Nytron. Its compact shape looks great on and the six forward-facing vents are subtly placed. The twin vents on the outermost edges also make great ports for glasses, perhaps because the helmet is made by one of the world’s leading sunglass makers?

Internally, the forward-facing vents lead into substantial channels that run the length of the helmet into nine exhaust ports. This provides great airflow and impressive cooling for an aero helmet, as long as your riding position is racy. I tested the helmet on road rides in a long, low ride position and was hugely impressed. However, the low-set horizontal vents weren’t face-on to the wind when I was on my gravel bike.

At 307.4g for my Large helmet, the Nytron is light for its type and, considering the extensive coverage of its outer shell to protect the EPS core, that’s even more impressive. The rear retention system works well with its micro adjustment.

The Nytron hits the high WG11 rotational impact standard (as used by Kask helmets) and is well finished with its matt outer and printed graphics (no peeling stickers here).

In all it’s a great addition to aero helmets, and one that combines fit, performance and aero gains without compromising cooling, providing you’re in the right position.