Who uses an aero helmet?
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Blake posted 2 years ago.
I got a chance to use the Giro one, and the LG Rocket... i just ordered the rocket... really nice... however i like my head covered while riding (i wear a hat even in the summer) so venting is not an issue... The Crono from LG is nicer for really warm events.
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Iron Man posted 2 years ago.
people who go really fast, or wannabe's.
just jokes if there was one approved for racing in aust i would buy it.
Speed Kills. Strength Punishes
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vmarwin posted 2 years ago.
Yeah I just placed an order for the Rocket myself, I chose "fuel" as the color, all kidding aside I think TT helmets look pretty B.A. I was also considering the Giro Advantage, but I heard a lot of positive feedback on the Rocket.
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
I think they are pretty sweet also. A lot of people think they look stupid and are only another toy for triathlete's to spend money on. In actuality, they can have as much of a time savings as race wheels (position pending). All in all, I'd buy on If I had the money to spend.
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Tri Hard posted 2 years ago.
In regards to what glbrum wrote, how much time do people think they save using an aero helmet?
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
Tri Hard wrote:
In regards to what glbrum wrote, how much time do people think they save using an aero helmet?
If the rider using the helmet is able to keep the tip of the helmet on his/her back, which is a tough position to hold, then the helmet is as helpful as aero wheels. Time wise, I don't have exact figures, but calculate out the savings of race wheels and you've got that for the helmet also. So let's say your original 40k avg. was 20mph. Now you've got a disk that gives you an extra .5 mph (or 1.5 min @ 20mph)for a 40k race. If that helmet is worn correctly it is subject to the same time savings. Thus you could possible save somewhere in the range of 3minutes. I'm not sure if this applies to all distances or just HIM and IM distances to get solid benefit.
disclaimer: this is all stuff that I've read from other people. Don't take my word as the only truth.
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Triguy98 posted 2 years ago.
I just think they look goofy on MOP's/ dudes that odnt finish in the top 5 of their AG. It's like a high end bike, it's my personal opinion that one should have the engine to power it.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
So you are saying that you are going to bash on the guy who wants to save time any way he can?
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deepbluex posted 2 years ago.
Everyone works to improve their engine to get as good as they can, but that is a separate issue from finding aerodyamic advantages to optimize the use of that power. The more ways we can find to minimize wasted energy so that more of it goes toward propulsion rather than drag, the better. It works for Lance Armstrong and it works for Joe Age Grouper.
It's like saying "noone should use wetsuits, they should just learn to swim better."
Still I agree there's kind of a peer pressure issue at play - that of feeling self conscious about using a tool that doesn't match your performance. Like a slow 14mph rider using a Softride with a carbon fiber disc wheel... While noone will mock you for being a poor swimmer AND having the latest Blue Twenty full suit but with some biking gear, things seem to be different.
Maybe everyone will start adopting them soon and they'll become as standard as aero bars. I'm sure there was a time when cyclists were discussing the use of lycra shorts as something only pros should wear...
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Triguy98 posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
So you are saying that you are going to bash on the guy who wants to save time any way he can?
I'm not gonna bash/ flame anyone for something like that. You just wont catch me doing it. Just like I am not gonna run out and buy a top of the line Guru with Zipp Z series wheels in hopes of dropping 7 minutes off my HIM time. It's like showing up at the race track with a tricked out stage three turbo when you can barely drive stick. But thats just me.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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deepbluex posted 2 years ago.
I'm just surprised that people don't seem to find poor ventilation to be an issue. I guess you have enough of your body exposed to fast winds to cool off but I noticed a pretty big difference in "head cooling" by going from a no-name $50 helmet to a Giro Atmos even though the first helmet had plenty of ventilation.
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vmarwin posted 2 years ago.
I agree to some degree with both Triguy98 and deepbluex. While anyone is welcome to use the latest and best equipment they can afford to buy in hopes to shave some seconds from their time, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for hard work and training the engine. Also, I'm not trying to "bash" anyone but let's be honest...the dude who's riding the Trek TTX with Z99s and an aero helmet, rolling along at 16 mph looks silly, and I loved blowing by those guys on my entry level bike when I first started out.
Now, after a long time training MY engine, busting my ass and finding speed within myself I'm fast enough to reap the true benefits from aero wheels and an aero helmet. I train hard, have tweaked my position on the bike and can hold the proper positioning to use my helmet.
Oh, and when I first started off doing tris 3 years ago, I couldn't swim...not at all. My first race I doggy paddled/swam this weird improvised stroke for 400m with my head out of the water and I thought I was going to die of exhaustion. I actually had no idea how to properly swim and I was embarrased. I didn't have a brand new blue seventy wetsuit (or IronMan wetsuit, as they were called a few years ago) because I didnt feel like I deserved one and I thought I would look even more silly flopping around exhausted in the water wearing one. I got into the pool and could't even swim 25 yds without succombing to total exhaustion. I spent the last year training and learning how to swim and now I can swim quite well. I used to be totally wiped after 25 yds but now a 1650m is no problem, and I'm swimming much faster than many people I lost to previously. I'm in the pool 3-4 times a week, training my engine, and now my triathlon training feels complete. My reward to myself? Brand new XTerra Vector Pro2 Fullsuit, because now I'm fast enough to wear it without looking silly.
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
Okay, this all makes sense. Working the engine is the best way to get better, although the helmet, bike, wheels etc. help, there no substitute for actual training. I personally don't have any problem with some guy riding 16mph with Zipps and an Aero helmet. It is his decision to buy these products in his quest to be the best that he can be. I think some people buy these things as a "cope out" for not training thinking they wil make up the lost ground, but that is not going to happen. I personally don't have one as I don't think I'm fast enough to justify it. I'd need to improve my whole game (swimming, and running included) before I could go out and buy one of those helmets.
What would be your definition of MOP or in other words, what is the "line" where an aero helmet can bo worn or is considered dorky?
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runpuddrun posted 2 years ago.
posers do
I guess either fast people or people who want to be fast or people who think their fast wear them. Not me, ever, they look silly.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the Gift."
"Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it."
"A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts."
"Something inside of me just said 'Hey, wait a minute, I want to beat him,' and I just took off."
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Triguy98 posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
What would be your definition of MOP or in other words, what is the "line" where an aero helmet can bo worn or is considered dorky?
If the time benefit of the helmet wont even get you within a reasonable shot of hardware, there's the line.
If youre in it for fun, and not to win, why wear it? To save time? If you're not in it to win and in it for the challenge, wouldnt the benefit youd gain from the helmet kinda be contrary to the purpose of doing it for the challenge? If you're all about the challenge you'd train the engine to beat yourself. If youre about winning or placing, then yes, every second counts.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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vmarwin posted 2 years ago.
I'm in it for the challenge...I just traded in my aero helmet for a pair of HED Stalingrad descending wheels and a beach cruiser. Timberman here I come.
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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rbreddin75 posted 2 years ago.
At the "Beast of the East" 1/2 Iron distance race 3 weeks ago, I saw only 1.. It was worn by a 61 year old man who finished around 5:20:00 -05:30:00.
(I have no other input than my observations...)
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
rbreddin75 wrote:
At the "Beast of the East" 1/2 Iron distance race 3 weeks ago, I saw only 1.. It was worn by a 61 year old man who finished around 5:20:00 -05:30:00.(I have no other input than my observations...)
did he win or place in his AG?
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vmarwin posted 2 years ago.
a 61 year old dude who finished in 5:20-5:30 would definitley be in the top of his age group
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.
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rbreddin75 posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
did he win or place in his AG?
Im pretty sure he won it... (I didn't stay for the results after finding out that my brother got 3rd in his AG - he got his plaque and we went home..)
oh it was my bro's first 1/2 IM and 2nd triathlon ever... (his first was a sprint)
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Dkidd posted 2 years ago.
i need aero helmet for my 20k commute. weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!~!!!!
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trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
There is validity to the claim that you have to have the engine to reep the benefits. The race wheel comparison works. Look, you can spend $2,000+ on the lightest and most aero race wheels. However, if you cannot move your steed at an average speed that reeps the aerodynamic benefits then the only advantage you gain is the marginal weight savings. Truth be told, there are many who spend big $$ race wheels and average 15 mph. over 112. Is worth is it? I think the same principle applies for the aero helmets. And in this case, there are also the comfort issue discussed in early posts.
That said, if as an individual you are comfortable with spending the $$ and/or the equipment boosts your race day confidence; strap in on! Just don't expect it drop hours off your splits.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
trithis04 wrote:
Just don't expect it drop hours off your splits.
I don't think anyone is saying it is going to drop hours off your splits, but the minutes that wheels and an aero helemt will save over an IM can mean the difference between a PR or even a Kona slot.
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rbreddin75 posted 2 years ago.
the faster you go the more beneficial it is...
<15 mph average - no real benefit
>20 mph average - moderate benefit
>25 mph average - big benefit
>30 mph average - its not legal to have a gas powered motor on your bike :P
same with aero wheels and disks
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As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another. proverbs 27:17
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johnj919 posted 2 years ago.
I can understand people trying to eek out every aerodynamic advantage. What I don't understand is someone with poor to average bike splits and lots of extra pounds around the waste obsessing over 100 grams here or 200 grams there, considering just drinking a 24 oz. bottle of water/gatorade will add ~1.5 lbs. (that's about 675 grams)
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trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
glbrum wrote:
I don't think anyone is saying it is going to drop hours off your splits, but the minutes that wheels and an aero helemt will save over an IM can mean the difference between a PR or even a Kona slot.
That was "slight" exaggeration. Look, all I'm saying is you need to achieve a certain level of performance on the bike for an aero helmet or wheelset to make a real difference.
Not doubt, a well trained and capable cyclist will benefit from both pieces of equipment. I agree, easily minutes with the wheels (I have no personal experience with the helmets). However, battling along at 15-16 mph. will not allow for the aerodynamic function of either the helmet or the wheels to really take effect.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
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o2Ripper posted 2 years ago.
Now what if they are just trying to get ahead of the game, just came into some money...and took advantage of buying new wheels, new aero helmet, fresh out of the gate? With plans to perfect their "engine" down the road? :D
I'm just stirring the pot, hehe.
Reminds me of a Dane Cook joke - "The nothing fight". :D
-Branden
"Its an addiction"
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
trithis04 wrote:
However, battling along at 15-16 mph. will not allow for the aerodynamic function of either the helmet or the wheels to really take effect.
I would have to disagree, to a point. At any speed, race wheels (ie: aero wheels) will have a benefit. BUT, the faster you go, the more benefit you will see. So your point being that someone riding at 15-16 mph is not getting a lot of aero/speed benefit is valid. The helmet is a benefit if it is worn correctly. That is unconditional to speed. The position needed for the helemt benefit is very tough to hold, so many people would not be seeing much benefit from that.
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jmonaghan posted 2 years ago.
I have one from Louis Garneau, $5.00 at the factory outlet in Newport VT. I might look stupid but for five bucks, how can you go wrong....It may just have helped me come in next to last instead of last...Definately worth it. Just kidding, I'm usually going 20-22 mph depending on the course and in the top 10% for bike splits. I have no idea if its my conditioning, bike or the helmet. If I can find a wind tunnel test for $5.00, I'll let you know how much the helmet contributes. Helmets are good for seconds off your time nothing more.
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Red5 posted 2 years ago.
I've never raced in one, but I have a friend who has here at IM Arizona and he overheated big time on the bike and had to drop out this year at mile 105. His conditionong was lacking and it certainly wasn't just the helemet...but if it's a 85-90 degrees at 9:00am on the bike and you are going 1/2 or full IM, cooling is more important than an aero helmet. Certainly for anything less than a 1/2 IM, I don't see any mechanical advantage to an aero helmet as you constantly looking around, making passes, trying to drink something, and as mentioned, the difficulty in just holding the proper position to actually reap the benefits.
_______
Bryan
Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
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trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
glbrum,
After your well articulated points I've decide to give one of these things a (possible) try. A friend wants to unload a Louis Garneau Chrono to upgrade to the Rocket. I'm going to take it to IM LP and give it a run. Based on previous years, I don't see the temp. and overheating due to lack of ventilation as a problem. However, I will take my standard dome just in case.
Once I've had ample time to test it, I'll report back.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
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trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
As I promised, I'm reporting on my first race with an aero helmet. I used the Louis Garneau Chrono at IM LP. It is the same basic shape as the more aerodynamically agressive Rocket model, but cut above the ears and higher in the rear.
As far as performance, I did'nt notice any difference in ventilation or cooling verse a normal bike helmet. Although, the temp. was only about 60 at the start of the bike. However, it was closer to 80 by the time I was done. I would say that there is definately some aero benefit. At speeds over 20 mph you can feel the air being forced overhead and down the lower back. This is a feeling I've never experienced with another helmet, so I have to assume that it was working. I would say the faster and flatter the course more benefit you get from such a device.
I would recommend the Chrono model for those athletes looking for rather cheap ($90) aero benefit without the restriction and large size of some of the other models. It is the perfect compromise between a standard bike helmet and a larger more ominous aero helmets.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
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hipfan posted 2 years ago.
Reading this thread just reminded me of the Malcolm in the Middle epiode where the father took up olympic speed walking, and ended up in a full lycra body suit and the biggest aero helmet i had ever seen. The back went all the way down to his butt. Good times.
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Red Devil posted 2 years ago.
LG Rocket - i love it!
My Race Page:
[URL="http://www.vincerosetta.com"]http://www.vincerosetta.com
...and if so, which make/model?
If you wish to be out front, then act as if you were behind.