Aero Helmets

That is the most likely explanation for the pros you saw at Kona.   Plus, some of the 'non-aero' helmets may actually be more 'aero' than some of the aero helmets.  There are a few other variables in the equation. 

Snailfish,

 A properly fit aerohelmet will have no impact on your neck.  The issue lies with the risk for overheating and underperformance on the run.  Some very smart coaches have recommended that most athletes never wear an aerohelmet for this reason.  Especially heavy sweaters and those that are prone to overheating/dehydration.

 A race sim ride with an aerohelmet will make this point clear.

 I think many of us ignore the risk as run underperformance is wide-spread in triathlon so the negative effects of an aerohelmet are, somewhat, hidden in race results.

 g

Hi Carol,

 In your photo you look like a lean female athlete -- you would probably be at a lower risk for overheating than the average male athlete.  

Within my own training, as well as my athletes, the ones that are going to overheat with an aerohelmet will know very quickly when they use on a race sim ride.  Of course, one does need to get out there and ride with the aerohelmet.  Speaking from experience, one can feel a bit self conscious doing a long training TT in full aerokit.  However, I believe that there are clear benefits from full-race-equipment rides.

 Hope this helps,

 gordo

I know the feeling.  In the lead up to IMAZ, I did a race sim ride.  I showed up with my aero helmet and race wheels at the park I ride from.  There were lots of other triathletes getting ready for their rides.  I did feel a bit 'goofy' heading out on my ride in full aero.  But, I was very happy I did the ride as it allowed me to check out all my race day gear.  And the aero helmet wasn't too hot.

Based on hypothesis/conjecture and nothing proven.  Those in the cycling "know" have linked some studies showing that heat loss through the head is similar in all styles of helmets and that the risk for overheating is completely bogus.  No one has linked studies showing that it really does cause overheating.

(Talk with A. Coggan on that one).

The real reason should be that in their position that an aero helmet does not reduce drag for them.  For our own BT guinea pig, jeepfleeb, he was more aero in the tunnel with his normal helmet in his position over an aero helmet.  When he tweaked his position to make the aero helmet work better it was not comfortable to ride.

But did he make more power?  Comfort and power aren't necessarily compatible. Lots of folks learns to ride in a suboptimal position, aerodynamically and mechanically, to make more watts.

Is the 6th part up yet? I couldn't 'find it.

I'm one of those strange folks that aerohelmets appear to make me slower..same watts or more...same course..same bike..same clothes...but I'm slower at 4-5 events this year with aero helmet. I no longer wear it.
 

Yes, it is definitely a heat-related decision to wear an aero helmet.

Matt Cazalas
Technical Writer

Network Cables