aero helmet

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2009-06-16 1:27 PM

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Stuart
Subject: aero helmet
I think I have reached the point in Tri that I want a aero helmet. Im told that the aero advantage is close to that of running a disc wheel. Is this true? I dont have $ to buy a disc yet but a helmet is in my price range. Any that I should stay away from? I hear that fit is everything so I will buy from my LBS. Just looking to get the most speed out of limited $. I already blew the budget on a used P3 this year.

2009-06-16 1:33 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: aero helmet
Yes.  A helmet gets you WAY more bang for your buck than wheels...  someone has the actual numbers, but a helmet might only save you 75% the time as race wheels would, but they are only 5% to 10% of the cost of wheels.

If you want to 'buy' speed.  wheels are probably the last think you would need, IMO.
2009-06-16 1:54 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Expert
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Subject: RE: aero helmet
I've read that the aero helmet benefits vary a ton with position on the bike. Some people can actually be more aero in a roadie helmet based on their bike position.
2009-06-16 2:17 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Expert
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Chenequa WI
Subject: RE: aero helmet
They say that no other piece of equipment will save more time for less money than an aero helmet.  

Its good to go to your LBS to try them on.  Keep in mind a couple of things.  Do you want a helment that covers your ears or not?  That's one of the bigger differences between helmets.  Bring your riding glasses with you as not all glasses fit well with all helmets IMO.  And, think twice about an aero helmet if you often find yourself out of the aero position or if you need the extra ventilation of a regular helmet.
2009-06-19 11:10 AM
in reply to: #2221791

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Stuart
Subject: RE: aero helmet
Looks like Im leaning towards the LG Rocket air. Any reson I should look in another direction.
2009-06-19 12:30 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Elite
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Subject: RE: aero helmet
tridantri - 2009-04-28 1:46 PM These are the time savings for various bits of equipment at different wattages.

As you can see aero wheels give you a bigger advantage at 100w (1min 13s) than at 300w (50s).  Just thought I'd share this as I've come across quite a few people recently (not on BT) who have been criticising slower athletes for having state of the art equipment when actually they are getting more bang for their buck than faster athletes.


 

Wheel Type

 

40km @ 100 watts

 

40km @ 200 watts

 

40km @ 300 watts

 

Standard

 

87:50

 

67:43

 

58:29

 

Aero Wheels

 

86:37

 

66:46

 

57:39

 

Disc and Aero Front

 

86:20

 

66:32

 

57:26

 


 

Handlebars

 

40km @ 100 watts

 

40km @ 200 watts

 

40km @ 300 watts

 

Standard Handlebars and Clip on Bars

 

87:50

 

67:43

 

58:29

 

Integrated Aero Bars

 

86:40

 

66:48

 

57:40

 


 

Frame Type

 

40km @ 100 watts

 

40km @ 200 watts

 

40km @ 300 watts

 

Standard

 

87:50

 

67:43

 

58:29

 

Semi-Aero

 

86:52

 

66:57

 

57:49

 

Full Aero

 

85:14

 

65:39

 

56:40

 


 

Fork Type

 

40km @ 100 watts

 

40km @ 200 watts

 

40km @ 300 watts

 

Oval Legs

 

87:50

 

67:43

 

58:29

 

Airfoil Legs

 

87:10

 

67:11

 

58:01

 




here you go this was posted here:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=156656&start=1


my understanding is that $ for $ the helmet will produce pretty significant gains.  but there is a HUGE but with aero helmets since for some it can actually hinder them.......HOWEVER wheels give you a constant advantage.

2009-06-19 5:59 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Subject: RE: aero helmet
The tri talk podcast recently did an unscientific study on Aero Helmets. I dont remember the exact details, but it sounded like it was important how the face shield fit with your face.
2009-06-19 9:03 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Stuart
Subject: RE: aero helmet
I have no doubt that race wheels offer a great advantage. I plan to add them at some point when the wallet allows or I stumble on a deal of a lifetime. I also understand that if you wear a aero helmet and do not keep down in aero position it can actually slow you. I did not know that aero helmets gave you that much of an advantage if used and fitted correctly. Im just lloking to maxamize every dollar that I have avalible towards this sport. With a 15 month old and a boat those dollars are harder and harder to come by.
2009-06-20 4:33 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Master
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Rochester, NY
Subject: RE: aero helmet

A guy in my tri group did some research on the benefit of the aero helmet.  He's a PhD in something related to military aerospace, so he knows what he's talking about.  

It was several years ago when he did the study, but one of the conclusions is that you have to go at least 20 mph to get significant benefit from the aero helmet.  The benefit grows more and more the faster you get above 20.   Apparently, its at that speed point that wind resistance becomes the greater factor in slowing down the rider versus other forces.

So if you're averaging 20+ mph or more, then you'd benefit from an aero helmet.  If less, then work on your bike fitness first.

2009-06-20 6:18 PM
in reply to: #2230943

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Subject: RE: aero helmet
Ridgelake - 2009-06-20 6:33 PM

A guy in my tri group did some research on the benefit of the aero helmet.  He's a PhD in something related to military aerospace, so he knows what he's talking about.  

It was several years ago when he did the study, but one of the conclusions is that you have to go at least 20 mph to get significant benefit from the aero helmet.  The benefit grows more and more the faster you get above 20.   Apparently, its at that speed point that wind resistance becomes the greater factor in slowing down the rider versus other forces.

So if you're averaging 20+ mph or more, then you'd benefit from an aero helmet.  If less, then work on your bike fitness first.



While he may work in military aerospace, he is wrong.  The 20mph comes about as common cycling folklore but is little more than that.

Cervelo published some info about it that you can read here http://www.cervelo.com/slideshow.aspx?id=3.

Shane

2009-06-21 8:56 AM
in reply to: #2231042

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Master
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Subject: RE: aero helmet

gsmacleod - 2009-06-20 7:18 PM
Ridgelake - 2009-06-20 6:33 PM

A guy in my tri group did some research on the benefit of the aero helmet.  He's a PhD in something related to military aerospace, so he knows what he's talking about.  

It was several years ago when he did the study, but one of the conclusions is that you have to go at least 20 mph to get significant benefit from the aero helmet.  The benefit grows more and more the faster you get above 20.   Apparently, its at that speed point that wind resistance becomes the greater factor in slowing down the rider versus other forces.

So if you're averaging 20+ mph or more, then you'd benefit from an aero helmet.  If less, then work on your bike fitness first.



While he may work in military aerospace, he is wrong.  The 20mph comes about as common cycling folklore but is little more than that.

Cervelo published some info about it that you can read here http://www.cervelo.com/slideshow.aspx?id=3.

Shane

 

So Shane, without even seeing his research, you're definitively stating that he's wrong?  And referencing a slide show that's useful, but not really applicable to the point I've made?

Shane, you're much better than that.  Come on.



Edited by Ridgelake 2009-06-21 9:00 AM

2009-06-29 12:20 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Subject: RE: aero helmet
Just to add to the debate - I've actually read a couple of articles with interviews from pro coaches that say you need to consider how well you can manage the increase in body temperature you have going from a regular helmet to an aero (because the aero helmets have so little ventilation, and are heavier).  The concern was that while you may gain a few extra minutes on the bike, you can get so overheated that you wind up being a lot slower on the run, so you may wind up breaking even or even with a net loss in time between the bike/run.  I've never used an aero helmet so I can't say, but I thought it was an interesting point...
2009-06-29 1:36 PM
in reply to: #2221791

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Pro
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Subject: RE: aero helmet
I just got an LG Chrono at www.trizone.com for $75, free shipping.
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