“Free speed” – Go faster this summer with one of these aero helmets

Triathletes are all aware of the importance of aerodynamics on the bike. You’ve no doubt heard that roughly 80 per cent of your energy goes into overcoming aerodynamic drag, which is why anything you can do to improve how you and your bike become more aero makes a huge difference. Your position on the bike is the first thing you need to pay attention to on this front. After that your wheels and an aero helmet are going to make the biggest difference, with the latter offering the best bang for your buck when it comes to “free” speed. (No, that doesn’t refer to the price—it just means you go faster using the same effort.)

Why does a helmet make such a difference? Turns out that a head is not a great shape when it comes to aerodynamic performance. (Most cylinders aren’t.) So, anything you can do to help control the airflow around your head can lead to some dramatic improvements in your bike split.

Ekoï Veloce

C$523

The French company prides itself on its pro input when it comes to all its products, and that’s especially true when it comes to its aero helmets. The Ekoï designers spent lots of time in a Swiss wind tunnel with the likes of Anne Haug and Patrick Lange while working on this speedy helmet, which has been used by those two world champs along with many other Ironman winners (Matt Hanson and Rudy Von Berg, for example) to refine the fit and shape.

In addition to the aero shape, Ekoï came up with a special “spacer” at the back of the helmet that helps you keep your head in the most aero position. The magnetic buckle makes it easy to do up in transition, while the Coolmax foam inserts come in three different thicknesses for optimal support and comfort. The Veloce comes with an aero visor that offers excellent visibility, too.

Lazer Volante Kineticore

C$500/US$400

This lightweight helmet was purpose designed and wind tunnel tested to ensure you’ll get the most out of a solo effort on the bike. The tail is specially designed to increase aerodynamic performance, and the integrated smoked panoramic visor features a drag-reducing inward bend to cut through the wind even more. A comfortable fit is ensured thanks to the TurnSys dial and strategically placed Polygiene padding that also helps with air flow to keep your head cool. The built in Kineticore technology provides added protection from rotational impact in a crash, too.

Scott Cadence Plus

C$300

Wind tunnel testing allowed the Scott engineers to come up with the best shape and size for the new Cadence Plus, and the latest version of Scott’s fastest racing helmet offers 5.2 per cent less drag than the old version. There’s a magnetic buckle, which triathletes will appreciate in transition for easy and secure fastening, while the new MIPS Air Node helps with comfort, weight reduction and ventilation, while providing protection against rotational impacts in case of a crash. If you want to eke out a bit more aero performance, you can use the optional front vent plugs, which are also useful in cold weather. There’s even a clip-in rear light to make you more visible out on the road.

Trek Ballista

C$400/US$300

This is an aero road helmet that offers outstanding aerodynamics along with lots of air flow. The latest edition save 5.4 watts of power. The Trek engineers managed to keep the weight down, too—the Ballista weighs in at just 275 g. There are three huge vents, along with a vent on the top to help guide air along the top of your head to keep things cool. There’s a BOA dial to help create a customizable fit. There are MIPS air pads for both safety and comfort, and their perforated to help with cooling, and channeled to keep sweat out of your eyes.

POC Procen Air

C$450/US$400

POC has managed to combine the benefits of a time trial helmet with the comfort and ventilation you’ll find in a road helmet in the Procen Air. Shaped like POC’s time trial helmets, the helmet is designed to use the Venturi effect to provide cooling across the head thanks to the path the air is forced along. For maximal aero benefits you’ll want to use the integrated visor with its magnetic attachment and storage system. The lens uses Clarity Road technology which provides excellent contrast and colour control, so you’ll see everything clearly ahead. There’s an integrated adjustment system to ensure you’ll get a comfortable fit, along with soft EVA ear covers to streamline the shape of the helmet and reduce wind noise.

POC launches Procen helmet – aero enough for pro cyclists, but cool enough for triathletes

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