aero helmet
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jhudalla posted 48 weeks ago.
From what I've read, the time savings over 40k is less than 2 minutes.
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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Nobody posted 48 weeks ago.
This topic has been discussed at length before, but if you think about it....if a device could help knock x min. off a course that's y long, then it's going to knock .25x off a course that's .25y long. Though the overall amount of time saved is less, the overall finish time is also less. So even though a theoretical 15 min. off your IM time is only 3.2 min. off an Oly ride, 3 min. is proportionally just as important as the 15 in a 112 bike ride, right?
And as speeds increase the benefits of being aero increase exponentially. So I'd say that an Aero helmet is even more important during shorter races 'cause yer goin' faster.....
Greatness is only achieved by those who perpetually raise the expectations of themselves to the point where it ruins their life.
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CadenceGuy posted 48 weeks ago.
Two minutes might not sound like a lot of time but it was less then two minutes that kept Andy Potts from the Olympics. I use one and I think it makes a difference. Even if it isnt a huge time savings on the bike any advantage that you can get that makes you even think your faster then have at it. Look at yourself in the mirror with a normal helmet then put on an aero helmet and youll 'feel' faster so I say rock it out!
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TriSooner posted 48 weeks ago.
Nobody wrote:
I know you are just throwing out hypothetical numbers, but 15:00? That would be the equivalent of going from an 18mph avg to 18.66 mpg avg over 112. Doubt it. Regardless, I think aero helmets look as bad homemade soap. Just sayin'
So even though a theoretical 15 min. off your IM time . . .
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Carlos Mx posted 48 weeks ago.
It is possible that you will save a few minutes over 40K. If that makes the difference between winning your age group or coming in second, go for it. I wouldn't use it because I thinks it looks too geeky for a MOP like myself. Besides, one of the most exciting parts of the bike segment is passing those people with all the gadgets.
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jhudalla posted 48 weeks ago.
Carlos Mx wrote:
It is possible that you will save a few minutes over 40K. If that makes the difference between winning your age group or coming in second, go for it. I wouldn't use it because I thinks it looks too geeky for a MOP like myself. Besides, one of the most exciting parts of the bike segment is passing those people with all the gadgets.
+big time! Lance could still smoke me no matter how much carbon my bike had.
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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jhudalla posted 48 weeks ago.
Wellington doesn't wear one either, and she's a decent triathlete.
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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kylie posted 48 weeks ago.
But Chrissie could ride a BMX bike and beat me... so does that mean I should ride one?
Just because some of the greats in the sport choose not to use something that has been proven to be an advantage (in most cases) doesn't mean that no one else should.
I wear an aerohelmet. I'm racing me and doing this for fun but I like seeing how fast I can go, playing in the same rules as everyone else. Those rules make that equipment available to me, so I'll take advantage of it where I can.
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Gsal posted 48 weeks ago.
Nobody wrote:
I think aero helmets look as bad homemade soap. Just sayin'
I understand why certain people think aero helmets look funny, but i think ones like the spiuk kronos and specialized tt2 (unavailable to general public) are the sh!t. they look cool and are definitely more aero than a regular helmet. I think that aero helmets help cut some time, but nothing incredibly significant. If you really know how to hammer the bike, you dont neccesarily need it. Craig Alexander wore a basic road helmet for ironman ford world championships in kona and won, just one of many examples of how you don't NEED technology (but its always fun to have).
"You can never be too rich or too skinny."
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jhudalla posted 48 weeks ago.
kylie wrote:
But Chrissie could ride a BMX bike and beat me... so does that mean I should ride one?Just because some of the greats in the sport choose not to use something that has been proven to be an advantage (in most cases) doesn't mean that no one else should.
I wear an aerohelmet. I'm racing me and doing this for fun but I like seeing how fast I can go, playing in the same rules as everyone else. Those rules make that equipment available to me, so I'll take advantage of it where I can.
You make a fair point :)
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
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jnrice posted 48 weeks ago.
kylie wrote:
But Chrissie could ride a BMX bike and beat me...
this is the fundamental issue. The question is why are you out there? Are you doing it to look hip? Are you there to just have fun? Are you there to go as fast as you can? If you are #3 then I say yeah, grab that aero helmet. If you're trying to just go fast then every bit helps.
Jonathan
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jwillia852 posted 48 weeks ago.
Nobody wrote:
And as speeds increase the benefits of being aero increase exponentially. So I'd say that an Aero helmet is even more important during shorter races 'cause yer goin' faster.....
Just a thought, but if benefits increase exponentially then the theory that .25x will equal .25y is mathematically false.
Jeff
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deepbluex posted 48 weeks ago.
Carlos Mx wrote:
one of the most exciting parts of the bike segment is passing those people with all the gadgets.
That's actually why I am not getting an aero helmet. I don't want to give those people passing me the satisfaction of passing an aero helmet. I know because I get a little kick out of passing a more expensive bike or aero wheels or aero helmeted fella with my cheap rig and non aero helmet.
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Kwschs posted 48 weeks ago.
My philosophy on this,
Same thing as people who are to ignorant to use computer's because it's NEW technology. If it's proven to be faster, I'm going to use it.
I understand it's not cheap plastic (for your head, right?!) but hey, if it's gonna make me beat another guy by 10 seconds in the end, I'm glad I wore it.
Just my thinking, no pun intended
Kevin
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CGroth posted 48 weeks ago.
Gsal wrote:
Nobody wrote:I think aero helmets look as bad homemade soap. Just sayin'
I understand why certain people think aero helmets look funny, but i think ones like the spiuk kronos and specialized tt2 (unavailable to general public) are the sh!t. they look cool and are definitely more aero than a regular helmet. I think that aero helmets help cut some time, but nothing incredibly significant. If you really know how to hammer the bike, you dont neccesarily need it. Craig Alexander wore a basic road helmet for ironman ford world championships in kona and won, just one of many examples of how you don't NEED technology (but its always fun to have).
from what i understand, a lot of people choose to wear traditional helmets in the IM distance races due to the increased heat associated with aero helmets. they are not vented nearly as well as traditional helmets, and as most of you would probably agree comfort is more important when you are hammering 112 miles than the possibility of saving a few minutes on the bike. i would imagine that the advantage of an aero helmet could be negated if one was so uncomfortable with a hot head that they had trouble concentrating on their cadence.
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Gsal posted 48 weeks ago.
i agree that if you are simply trying to complete an IM then a road helmet is fine, but if you are a competitive age grouper looking to place i would probably say that an aero helmet over 112 miles will help
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Ironmom posted 48 weeks ago.
I personally like my aero helmet on our chilly Northwest mornings, especially for my favorite fall half-ironman. Because it keeps my ears warm! Other than that, I think if it's going to make the difference for you between placing and not and you've got the available cash, then why not? Go ahead, prop our economy with your frivolous helmet purchases :-)
Blue Skies, -Robin-
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kylie posted 48 weeks ago.
CGroth wrote:
from what i understand, a lot of people choose to wear traditional helmets in the IM distance races due to the increased heat associated with aero helmets. they are not vented nearly as well as traditional helmets, and as most of you would probably agree comfort is more important when you are hammering 112 miles than the possibility of saving a few minutes on the bike. i would imagine that the advantage of an aero helmet could be negated if one was so uncomfortable with a hot head that they had trouble concentrating on their cadence.
There is no real temperature difference in the helmets that I can feel. However, where there is a difference is if you like to pour water over your head as part of your cooling. I tend to pour it more on my neck or back if at all so I wear the aero helmet in any temperature.
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spomeroy posted 48 weeks ago.
I can't believe no one pointed this out yet:
It's Triathlon. Where else you can dress up like a superhero and no one will look twice at you.
cheers
S.
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Donnermann posted 48 weeks ago.
spomeroy wrote:
I can't believe no one pointed this out yet:
It's Triathlon. Where else you can dress up like a superhero and no one will look twice at you.cheers
S.
Enough said?
The people I talk to say it has some effect, but mostly placebo. I've used an aero helmet once and didn't notice a difference over a 20 mile time trial
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Carlos Mx posted 48 weeks ago.
spomeroy wrote:
I can't believe no one pointed this out yet:
It's Triathlon. Where else you can dress up like a superhero and no one will look twice at you.
You are absolutely right.
I just feel that I should perform as a Superhero to deserve the "costume".
The spirit is "Every race is Halloween"
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longhair posted 48 weeks ago.
This year, I abandoned my road bike that I morphed into a tri bike, and purchased a full carbon tri specific bike. I also purchaced an aero helmet. I jumped in hole hog.
My first ride with the aero helmet, I was wearing a loose fitting tshirt, and was zipping around the neighborhood. When my head was in a good aero position, I noticed that my shirt did not flutter around like it does with a regular helmet, or if I looked down while wearing the aero helmet.
I did make a lot of improvements in my times and placing in age group. I don't really think that the bike split improvement from one year to the next was due to equipment...more the fact that I trained more and trained smarter.
I guess one must ask themselves to what level are they willing to commit to this sport. You have amazing athletes on old equipment kicking everyones butt, and you also have the geek with every new toy under the sun finishing middle of the pack. No right or wrong answer in my opinion. Whatever makes you happy.
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Dunger posted 46 weeks ago.
They are definately faster. Proven in wind tunnels etc etc. Pro cyclists in TT's wear them every time. But if you 'sit up' a few times to stretch your back or take a drink, or if you don't wear tight fitting clothing etc then you can evaporate all the time 'savings' made. And if you do buy one - consider the type of helmet carefully based on the climate for your race(s) - as some of them are very hot over 180km in warm weather. I think that is why Crowie wore a regular one in Kona this year.
Bang for your buck goes like this (assuming resaonable TT bike to start with):
1. Tight fitting clothing
2. Aero helmet
3. Deep rim carbon race wheels and by and far lastly;
4. A power meter (which for IM is nearly like cheating they are so good - apparently!)
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Triguy98 posted 46 weeks ago.
Dunger wrote:
Bang for your buck goes like this (assuming resaonable TT bike to start with):
1. Tight fitting clothing
2. CH Aero disc cover
3. Aero helmet
3. Deep rim race wheels
4. A power meter (which for IM is nearly like cheating they are so good - apparently!)
Fixed two lines for you.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
This will be my third season of competing and i just got a new P2C and im really getting into tri's and duathlons and my goal is to place top 5 in my AG all season and was wondering if an aero helmet helps that much during short course races like 40k bikerides, i know they save alot of time during IM but is it that big of a difference in short races? thanks in advance