Aero Helmets: Function over Fashion

Keeping with the current topic of aerodynamic upgrades, I set about looking into the benefits of properly selecting and incorporating an aero helmet into one's riding. I actually found two sites that have done the leg work for me.

Just a few of the options

1) Follow this link, and you'll find an insightful article by Andrew Beck, of the Boise Triathlon Examiner, entitled, "Is the aero helmet advantage real?"

(by follow the link I meant click on the linked article title above)

One addition to the article that I feel I must make is that the 15 minute reduction in time during an Ironman-distance race is theoretical. A more accurate figure is in the range of 4.5 minutes, which can be substantial savings when you're racing for a Kona Slot or simply a PR.

2) Follow this link, and you'll find an excellent product analysis of available aero helmets performed by Tom Demerly et al. of the now defunct Bikesport Michigan triathlon store. Click here to read "Speed for Sale" 

Here pro-triathlete Jordan Rapp, renowned for his precise and analytical approach to triathlon equipment, demonstrates perfect use of the aero helmet. 

The linked articles provide some solid insight into the justification for purchasing an aero helmet and how to make a proper selection for your personal characteristics. 

Here are some additional comments I would like to make on the subject, to both be redundant and to elaborate further:

-An aerodynamic helmet, by streamlining the laminar flow of air around your prominently positioned head and shoulders, will make you faster and/or more efficient to some extent.  

-When buying an aero helmet, first make sure that you're properly positioned on your bike (a F.I.S.T. certified shop can help you along here), then make a selection of the model that best fits your needs and is most compatible with your position. Getting set up on a trainer at a shop with multiple models will give you a good opportunity to make the best choice. 

-After selecting a model, try it out for a bit. For example, is the Giro Advantage 2 comfortable at first but you find that your ears are too compressed about 10 minutes in? Maybe you should try a Rudy Project Syton. 

-Practice putting the damn thing on and off before taking it into a race. Models with ear flaps can at times be problematic, and the mental cloud that you have from racing through the swim certainly won't help. 

Case in point- Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack. Widely considered on of the most talented (and 'outspoken') triathletes to ever grace the sport, Macca struggled with his helmet in T1 during Kona 2007. Don't let this be you:

-While we're on the subject of practice, I'm going to make myself quite clear- Do not use an aero helmet in a race and spend half the bike leg looking down. You might as well attach a parachute to your head. The helmet should turn you into a missile, smoothly merging your head into and over your shrugged shoulders.

Maintaining this position can be difficult, however, so make sure you train yourself for it at home. You want to achieve a position often called "The Turtle" where your head and chin are tucked down and into your upper chest, hovering above your bike stem, with the tail of the helmet resting medially along your upper back.

A good way to practice this is hopping on a trainer and setting up something to watch (be it TV or a movie) in front of you that forces you to maintain the proper position for an extended period. It's especially important to acclimate yourself in this way with the longer distance races.

-Finally, the only real detrimental characteristic of aero helmets is that, with their reduced ventilation capacity, they trap heat. Having vents is counterproductive on an aero helmet, but wearing an aero helmet and overheating yourself is even more counterproductive. Try and train with the helmet in race-like conditions and see how you do. Some people are sweltering, others are nicely cool. It depends on both the person and the model. If you find you don't need the vents, you can close or cover them by either using what's included with the model or simply taping over the vents with packing tape. One nice feature is found on the relatively new Lazer Tardiz, which has a top port and channel system within which you can poor cool water during a race. Overall,  use common sense- if you find that you overheat easily, don't buy a black helmet with minimal venting for Ironman Arizona.

Properly fit on the right bike, the alien would probably easily outsplit the Predator

I don't know what's worse, the actual resemblance, or the fact that I seriously went and just did that in MS Paint

When used intelligently, an aero helmet can be a great addition to your training. Sure, your spouse or significant other may no longer find you attractive, but hey, that will just leave you with more energy for racing...