aero helmets

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2009-07-08 4:32 PM

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Subject: aero helmets
A friend of mine offered her aero helmet to me for SOR and I am wondering what the thought is.....do I or don't I. Do they really take time off?

2009-07-08 4:45 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Pro
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

i have read it depends.  one of the big factors is if you are gonna stay hunkered down in aero position a lot of the race.

2009-07-08 4:49 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
Do it. I have heard claims that they are as effective as a disk wheel. Or was that an aero front wheel? I forget, but they are as good as some kind of wheel. And at a fraction of the cost of a wheel they are probably the best value in terms of time saved per dollar.

They aren't really much hotter than regular helmets even though they have fewer vents. The main issue is that the wind is more noisy, especially if you get your head out of the correct position. Also you should test out to make sure you can wear sunglasses under it because there is usually less room under the ear flaps.

To get the biggest benefit, you have to keep the tail flat on your back. That means not looking down all the time.
2009-07-08 5:01 PM
in reply to: #2271249

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

If you want to podium and can bike over a sustained 20 mph and up, and need to consider every factor and edge, then why not?  The biggest factor of reducing drag is getting the front wheel setups (like HEDs, ZIPP 404s, or better, ZIPP 808s), then the back wheel, then staying in aero, then an aero helmet, by what I've read.  The drag coefficient means a lot to those wanting that minute extra edge.  How heavy is the bike?  Is it under 20 lbs,19 lbs??  You shaved the legs?

Okay, okay.  I'll stop.

2009-07-08 6:27 PM
in reply to: #2271333

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
1stTimeTri - 2009-07-08 5:01 PM

If you want to podium and can bike over a sustained 20 mph and up, and need to consider every factor and edge, then why not?  The biggest factor of reducing drag is getting the front wheel setups (like HEDs, ZIPP 404s, or better, ZIPP 808s), then the back wheel, then staying in aero, then an aero helmet, by what I've read.  The drag coefficient means a lot to those wanting that minute extra edge.  How heavy is the bike?  Is it under 20 lbs,19 lbs??  You shaved the legs?

Okay, okay.  I'll stop.



damn....are you saying i should shave my legs? crap.

lots of great input. i can always count on you guys...thanks!
2009-07-08 6:29 PM
in reply to: #2271292

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
jszat - 2009-07-08 4:45 PM

i have read it depends.  one of the big factors is if you are gonna stay hunkered down in aero position a lot of the race.



which might be realistic for racine...not too hilly from what i remember.


2009-07-08 7:02 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Elite
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

I say go for it, unless it's going to be hot (90+). I have one that I always wear for races, might as well!

 

Skoov, I think what you were getting at is that the aero gain/cost ratio is greater with an aero helmet vs race wheels.

2009-07-08 7:56 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Elite
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

sure, if you werent doing the aqua bike thingy..........

2009-07-08 8:00 PM
in reply to: #2271490

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
Yep, definitely the best aero/cost ratio.

Okay, here's an example of the performance of aero helmets. This guy did some sort of test and found that his aero helmet gave him a 45-second advantage over 40K at around 24 mph:

http://www.tritalk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=39931

And then this picture has some estimates of times savings from aero wheels:

http://i43.tinypic.com/1zx8ab5.jpg

And then Cycleops claims the Zipp Sub-9 disc is supposed to save 12 W at 15 degrees of yaw.

The exact time savings will depend somewhat on bike speed and wind direction, so these aren't perfect comparisons. However, at least a rough estimate shows that the aero helmet is comparable to running a Sub-9 disc in the back and maybe half as aero as having two 1080 wheels.

Oh yeah, and the aero advantage gets larger the slower you go, just because you're riding over a set distance and not over a set time.




Edited by skavoovie 2009-07-08 8:12 PM
2009-07-09 8:53 AM
in reply to: #2271620

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Subject: RE: aero helmets

skavoovie - 2009-07-08 8:00 PM Yep, definitely the best aero/cost ratio. Okay, here's an example of the performance of aero helmets. This guy did some sort of test and found that his aero helmet gave him a 45-second advantage over 40K at around 24 mph: http://www.tritalk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=39931 And then this picture has some estimates of times savings from aero wheels: http://i43.tinypic.com/1zx8ab5.jpg And then Cycleops claims the Zipp Sub-9 disc is supposed to save 12 W at 15 degrees of yaw. The exact time savings will depend somewhat on bike speed and wind direction, so these aren't perfect comparisons. However, at least a rough estimate shows that the aero helmet is comparable to running a Sub-9 disc in the back and maybe half as aero as having two 1080 wheels. Oh yeah, and the aero advantage gets larger the slower you go, just because you're riding over a set distance and not over a set time.

As long as the helmet looks cool....

2009-07-09 9:51 AM
in reply to: #2271249

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
Really, as long as you are under 19mph average you aren't really gaining anything.  (from what i understand)

2009-07-09 2:12 PM
in reply to: #2272756

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Subject: RE: aero helmets

Rosshole - 2009-07-09 9:51 AM Really, as long as you are under 19mph average you aren't really gaining anything.  (from what i understand)

The way I have read it, aero will help no matter what the speed.  It may offer more benefits over a certain speed, but even if you are under that magic speed it still helps to reduce the amount of time that you are going to be on the course.

 

That being said, I have one, I am wearing one, so I would say go for it.

2009-07-09 2:45 PM
in reply to: #2273792

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Elite
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

sgoehner - 2009-07-09 2:12 PM

Rosshole - 2009-07-09 9:51 AM Really, as long as you are under 19mph average you aren't really gaining anything.  (from what i understand)

The way I have read it, aero will help no matter what the speed.  It may offer more benefits over a certain speed, but even if you are under that magic speed it still helps to reduce the amount of time that you are going to be on the course.

 

That being said, I have one, I am wearing one, so I would say go for it.

So sayeth Lord Helmet, the Duathlon King!

2009-07-09 3:03 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Master
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Subject: RE: aero helmets

Yeah, that's right.

2009-07-09 9:08 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Master
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: aero helmets

so no, Donna, what your friend told you, unfortunately was kinda not so true about the 2-3 miles an hour...sorry sweetie...what the guys quoted above about 45 sec was more like what I told ya last night...sorry...but you will look darn cute, and you will still kick bootie!!!!



Edited by pjgrande 2009-07-09 9:12 PM
2009-07-09 9:14 PM
in reply to: #2271249

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Subject: RE: aero helmets
you can definitely stay aero most of the course!

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