Aero Road Helmets

Lazer Bullet $320 A

The Bullet’s unique construction addresses the one oblivious shortcoming found in many aero road helmets – a lack of adequate ventilation. Like many other aero road offerings, the Bullet has a sleek shell with minimal venting on the top. While this shape reduces wind resistance, it often fails to provide the cooling necessary during strenuous efforts in warm conditions. Sure, side vents (the Bullet has plenty) provide sufficient cooling in less extreme situations, but they can’t keep up as the temperature and activity levels increase. Lazer’s elegant solution to this aeroversus-cooling dilemma is to offer a sliding louvre-like honeycomb vent that can be kept closed for maximum aero gains or opened on-the-fly for additional venting. Throw in a dial-adjustable fit system, mips protection and the ability to add an inclination monitor (to help you maintain an aero position) as well as the Lifebeam heart-rate system and it becomes clear the that the Bullet is one of the more versatile aero road helmets currently available. ( lazersport.com)

Specialized Evade II $300 B

With the new Evade II, Specialized has created a no-compromise aero road helmet. According to the company, the Evade II is the most aerodynamic helmet they have ever tested. But unlike other aero helmets, the Evade II does not sacrifice weight or ventilation to achieve its remarkable aero gains. Safety is also highlighted in the Evade II thanks to Specialized’s multi-density eps construction and the aramidreinforced skeleton. These two technologies provide superior impact absorption without adding unnecessary weight. Cooling is also surprisingly efficient thanks to a combination of deep internal channels and massive vents. Finally, Specialized specs its lightweight, height-adjustable micro-dial fit system for a secure and comfortable fit. ( specialized.com)

Oakley Aro 3 $240 C

Part of Oakley’s Aro series of helmets, the Aro 3 offers the greatest ventilation while still providing solid aero benefits. Impact protection is also top-notch thanks to the use of mips. The addition of a unique Boa retention system with a soft, flexible lace provides unparalleled fit and comfort without the pressure points often encountered with more traditional cradle systems. An added benefit from this system is that it allows for the construction of a very secure eyewear dock and also eliminates any interference that frequently arises between eyewear temples and conventional cradles. ( ca.oakley.com)

POC Ventral Spin $350 D

Weighing in at 280 g, poc’s new Ventral Spin features the company’s new Spin technology in the liner. This new liner construction seems to be like a beefed-up mips and significantly reduces damaging rotational forces during impact. Safety is further bolstered by the in-mould construction and a sophisticated eps foam liner. Massive vents provide optimized cooling airflow and a 360-degree adjustable fit system ensures exceptional comfort even on the longest rides. ( pocsports.com)

Abus Gamechanger $299 E

While the name may be a bit hyperbolic, there’s no denying that the Abus Gamechanger is a great-looking and wellventilated aero road helmet. Abus has worked hard to ensure that the shape of the Gamechanger provides excellent aero benefits regardless of your head’s position as you ride. The combination of large vents and Abus’s Forced Air Cooling Technology offers you a surprising level of cooling for an aero road helmet. A unique Airport in the back of the helmet provides storage for glasses without disrupting the helmet’s aero profile. For optimal fit, Abus specs a micro-adjustable dial system and adds specially woven straps that reduce wind flutter and improve next-to-skin comfort. ( gamechanger. abus.com)

Briko Gass Fluid $300 F

The new Gass Fluid helmet features Briko’s innovative Fluid technology construction that reduces rotational and linear impact by 39 per cent. The Fluid system (which is also found on the Briko Ventus) uses a series of pods that, according to Briko, mimic the impact-absorbing behaviour of the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid providing additional protection for the rider. From a purely performance-oriented perspective, the Gass Fluid features a clean aero shape and strategically placed cooling vents making it suitable for competitive riders training and racing in warm conditions. ( logicasport.com)

Giro Vanquish MIPS $350 G

The Vanquish is Giro’s new high-end aero road helmet and as such, it is brimming with innovative technologies and construction. One of the Vanquish’s more important and yet subtle advancements is the small step-down near the back of the shell. This element modifies the airflow so that the Vanquish achieves aero benefits usually associated with full teardrop-style time trial helmets but without the extra weight and bulk. The innovation continues with the integrated Vivid eye shield that offers excellent eye protection and also provides significant aero gains. The shield attaches to the helmet with magnets, which also allow you to store the shield on the helmet – sort of like an updated version of the eyewear dock. The position and efficiency of the numerous vents minimize overheating even in sultry riding conditions. Fit is controlled by Giro’s versatile and highly adjustable Roc Loc Air system. A mips liner adds extra head protection. ( ogc.ca)—gusalexandropoulos