Entries Tagged 'helmet' ↓

Aero helmets can make a significant difference to time trial speed. The Bell Meteor aero helmet is one of the lightest safety aero helmets, weighing only 365 grams. It has been used by many professional cyclists in the tour de France and Olympics. It has been worn by Fabian Cancellara – arguably greatest time triallist of generation. It has been extensively wind tunnel tested to improve aerodynamics.

The inner lining is EPS foam liner with Fusion In-mould construction to give optimal protection.

I’ve used this for over two seasons and am quite happy with its performance.

One major drawbacks is that it is very uncomfortable for anything longer than a 10 mile time trial. It really squashes my ears, as soon as the race is over, I want to take it off as soon as possible.

Also, because it is a tight fit, it has developed a slight crack where I have bent ear flaps over my ear. Maybe it is my fault for not getting bigger helmet, but I fear if it was bigger it would be too big and less aerodynamic.

The aerodynamics of aero helmet depend on

• your own posture
• how you wear your helmet.

This is true for any aero helmet, the real secret is to wear the helmet high on your forehead and try and get the tail touching your back. If your tail is pointing up in the air then the aero benefits will be neglible.

Testing aero helmet for best position. The tail here is close to back, but could still be a little closer.
If you go in for wind tunnel testing, you will find that the best helmet varies. You can’t say this bell meteor will be the best for all. However, it does look good and does a reasonable job in providing aero benefits. Just make sure you wear it properly.

Wearing helmet in British Time Trial championships

Buy Online

• Bell Meteor Helmets at Wiggle
• Performance cycle helmets

Related

• Aero safety helmets
• How To Improve Aerodynamics on bike

For most training rides I will be wearing a helmet, my old Met was around 250 grams, so this seemed like a relatively useful way to save 75 grams. Not a huge amount but, still worth doing. As well as the light weight, the helmet is also pretty attractive and very well ventilated. To be honest, I rarely overheat in a helmet anyway (I think I would need to try cycling in South of France) rather than England. I needed to replace my helmet because the straps had gone on my old helmet and was intrigued by this simple design focused on a simple elasticated strap, keeping the helmet in place. It is said that the Self-adjusting RL SL fit system only weighs 5 grams – perhaps why the helmet is so light.

With the low weight and good strapping system, the helmet feels easy to wear and it is soon forgotten on a ride. At this kind of weight, you don’t really worry about not wearing a helmet because it will slow you down.

Apart from that it meets the basic EU safety standards (as you would expect). The US model apparantely weighs an extra 30 grams to meet more stringent safety requirements.

When buying a helmet, you don’t have to spend this kind of money, you can buy a cheaper one for same safety standards. There are also good pro helmets for around 225grams for about half the price. So you pays your money and takes your choice. But, if you want the best, the Giro Prolight is hard to beat.

There is a choice of colours, and three head sizes.

• Giro Prolight helmet at Wiggle
• Helmets at Evans Cycles

Related

• Giro Helmets

Made popular by being worn by Lance Armstrong. The Giro Atmos helmet offers a good value top of the range road helmet. With I.C.R. in mould carbon reinforcement it offers extra protection without any extra weight. The liner is fused with the external shell to offer very good overall protection. As you would expect from a top of the range helmet the styling is pretty good and comes in a range of different colours.

The Giro Atmos helmet is one of the most popular road helmets and with good reason.

Other features of the Giro Atmos Helmet:

• Advanced five piece hardbody moulding
• 26 Wind Tunnel design vents and internal cross-rib-channelling draw air through the helmet for excellent cooling whilst riding
• RocLoc 4 fits like a glove allowing lateral and vertical adjustment
• Weight: 240 grams
• Meets CE EN1078 certification

Road Helmets at Wiggle