Aero road helmets...what is allowed?

[Pedrosanchezo]

Nice theory, but evidence required before making such a sweeping claim - there are far more factors than a "set of clip on bars and aero wheels" in play. The position and reducing drag factors is the key, and if I could have improved 10 minutes in an hour race using a TT bike and aero helmet, I would have been close to a podium in any TT!
On the matter of aero helmets, "head fairings" are not allowed in UCI/BC (TT) races, and not at all in road races/crits, and the updated UCI rule does not allow additions to the helmet that is not part of the original product. An unlined bit of GRP on your head is likely to do some damage in a fall, rather than protect anything.
Kask have it right with their TT helmet so far as aerodynamics is concerned, hat daft long tail only works on one soecific position which is almost impossible to get, and as soon as the head drops a bit, sends a sail up into the airflow around the back of the rider!
A rider or two have tried unvented helmets in crits, I saw one at a Tour Series once, he thougt it would help but simply boiled for lack of ventilation - not nice. A very red face! It didn't happen again whhich says everything.
A good ventilated helmet is all that's needed, plus good legs!

Regarding the bold area above, i put a link in for the type of helmet "claimed" to be road suitable. Here it is again:

Link to aero helmet for road

 

[Rob3rt]

I have seen those articles before, in fact they are both the same article really and some of those comparisons are mind bogling.

Swap your rear disc for a 3-spoke? No-one does this........... when a disc is allowed, you use a disc.

Swap your tri spoke to a deep section and save a 40 seconds?

Box section front rim to a 5 spoke?

Why does the author not choose relevant comparisons, i.e. Standard road wheelset, 20-30mm deep to a tri spoke in the front? Standard road wheelset, 20-30mm deep to a deep section wheel 60-90mm deep on the front? Deep section rear to a disc?

Or how about wheel pairings, disc + trispoke vs standard road wheelset or disc + deep section (60-90mm) vs standard road wheelset.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Remember the rider has been out there for 48 minutes travelling at 50kph.

Make of it what you will. I think some has merit and some not so much. IMO rider position, TT helmet and aero wheels are going to be the noticeable gains. After this things such as overshoes are going to be part of the overall effect.

I merely listed these two articles to show that my comment above was not a "sweeping statement" and that there is research to support such theories.

Key thing is to remember the test is done with the rider averaging 50kph or 31 mph approx. The effects for someone averaging 20mph will be much less.

 

[Rob3rt]

I know, I am just commenting on those articles, not your post. They have some bizarre comparisons.

At the same time, I am not really even questioning their results (although some of them look like they have been interpreted in some obscure way in order to reach such conclusions), I am questioning why on earth they choose to make some of those comparisons.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I know, I am just commenting on those articles, not your post. They have some bizarre comparisons.

At the same time, I am not really even questioning their results (although some of them look like they have been interpreted in some obscure way in order to reach such conclusions), I am questioning why on earth they choose to make some of those comparisons.

Something to write about in that months magazine probably. Lazy buggers.

It does seem they have tested rider in all situations and taken time differences. It's just that they seem to imply the benefit would be for everyone. Not the case.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Point being Old fat fool, is that it ALL adds up.

don't confuse 'oldroadman' with 'oldfatfool'....'oldroadman' is likely to sue you for defamation...

 

[oldroadman]

don't confuse 'oldroadman' with 'oldfatfool'....'oldroadman' is likely to sue you for defamation...

Not a chance, unless he tries a "Kimmage" on me. That would be different!
I'll cnfess to being a bit fat though, at least 6kg above my old race weight (but then I'm so old it's hard to recall what it was!). Happy New Year!

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Ah, apologies. I must have confused the two.

 

[ufkacbln]

I love the US version of the regulations.

THE USA Cycling website clearly states that:

The helmet rule is in force anyplace in the vicinity of a USA Cycling sanctioned event from the opening of registration to the final awarding of prizes for the event.

So compulsory helmets whilst climbing on to the podium?

 

[montage]

I love the US version of the regulations.

THE USA Cycling website clearly states that:



So compulsory helmets whilst climbing on to the podium?

I've raced over there a bit, luckily that rule is enforced with a bit of common sense. On a side note, the racing over there was absolutely fantastic - well organised, from a racing point of view brilliant courses, and not to mention half of them being stunningly beautiful. Not many races in the UK that can throw in a 6 mile climb at altitude where you can enjoy the views of montana....I had plenty of time to enjoy the views as well after being dropped on that one!