I'm looking to buy a TT helmet, as I will be doing 2 TT's within the next quarter. In a full season I might participate in 4-5 TT's, and a helmet seems like one of the places where I can gain some advantage.

I know absolutely nothing about TT helmets, but have more or less narrowed it down to either the Giro Selector or the Bell Javelin. There's quite a gap in prices between the two, with the latter being the cheapest. Any idea if the Selector is a better helmet, or is it more or less the same?

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I like Spanish bikes and cars. Riding an Orbea Orca and a Seat Ibiza.

Triathlete here:

From what I have seen, TT helmet selection is largely based on personal body position and anatomy. It is a great piece of equipment you can use to gain substantial aerodynamic advantage, but just like fit, a helmet could get pretty damn specific. How did you narrow it down to those two?

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Cervélo S2 2012 Red
Great minds think alike... sadly, so do the mediocre ones.

Here's an interesting article;
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/SPE011_McLarenTT_KIT_062112_hi.pdf

It is a marketing packet but I can confirm that all of the testing was done with the correct procedures and that all of the data is accurate. There were more helmets tested but this is the data that was from the fastest helmets in the fastest configurations.

All that said, an important consideration when looking for an aero helmet is the position you ride in. Different helmets work better for different people. Before you take the next step and purchase a helmet I would take a look through the Slowtwitch forums. They have a lot of information about the different helmets and for the most part they do know what they are talking about.

-Will

Dayam - that Specialized helmet looks pretty sweet. If you go to Slowtwitch forums, you'll see a lot of people who are going to be spouting about Rudy Project.

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Cervélo S2 2012 Red
Great minds think alike... sadly, so do the mediocre ones.

It is very much an incredible helmet. Fits nice and tight up against your head too. Slowtwitch does have a lot of Rudy Project talk going on but there is also discussion concerning the Giro, Bell, Spiuk, Lazer (various models), Specialized, Kask, and Uvex to name a few. You just have to dig a bit.

I don't really think there is one correct answer right now because there are so many helmets and body types. With the last generation, the Rudy Project was a favorite because their wind tunnel testing showed that it was good in all situations. Regardless of your body type or position, the Rudy Project was fast. It might not be the fastest but you would need wind tunnel time to determine the perfect helmet for your body.

However, the other companies have released a new slew of helmets that have adopted the shorter tail (KASK, Specialized) or have become more versatile (Giro w/ two interchangeable "skirts").

I still vote for the Rudy simply because I know its plenty fast, it can adapt to different conditions with interchangeable pieces, and it has worked for me.

Not so much body type verses the position you time trial in. If you can get your neck back and keep the tail of a long tailed tt helmet on your back then that is what you should be. Having the tail stick up in the wind if you are a head down time trialer like I am is not very aero. I used to do fine with a long tail but neck injuries has me riding head down now. Here comes that Rudy Project. I do ride with a Wingspan and it is the best fit for my riding position.

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-For my next trick I will set myself on fire!
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I would go for something a little more like the Kask. It's out now for pre-sale but dealers are suppose to be getting stock soon since it was announced to be released after the olympics. Glory cycles has a pre-order.

For something you will use 3-5 time a year I would get something inexpensive and do some trials with different ones. See if friends have some to try while you decide on the "perfect" one.

I see two styles of TT Helmets currently:

Without a tail (BMX Helmet). http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kryptonics-Adult-Helmet-Red/14644809. Which is basically the same as the new Giro Air Attack minus the visor. Say what you will i'll ride one and it's a great cda/$ if your are a head down rider. Plus it could double as your crit helmet.

With a tail. Like others said these are particular to your fit and anatomy. I finally decided the Las Cronometro was perfect for me. <$100 on ebay, fits perfect on my back, visor, quiet, and very aero, though it can be hot on 35+deg days. If you dig around on old aero charts you'll see it performs quite well.

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CAAD9 - 6.32kg

Would love to see wind tunnel data on that walmart helmet vs something like a Giro.

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Cervélo S2 2012 Red
Great minds think alike... sadly, so do the mediocre ones.

Old data but shows the lack of vents helps even on a road bike (Atmos untaped and taped).

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/cgi-bin/gfo ... 072#939072" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/cgi-bin/gfo ... 404#939404" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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http://climbinglama.blogspot.com.au

Thanks for all the replies. I narrowed it down to the Giro and Bell due to availability and looks. I really like the look of the shorter aero helmets, but will definately also look into the Rudy Project which I had totally forgot.

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I like Spanish bikes and cars. Riding an Orbea Orca and a Seat Ibiza.

Since you have the PM, I'd suggest trying to borrow a few helmets and do some field testing. The only way to really know which helmet is the fastest for you is to test, in the field or the tunnel.

I only tested two of the helmets pictured as they were mine and another helmet not pictured below during my session in the windtunnel, as only a few were local standard approved at the time. Of the few that were AS/NZS approved, one offered a 10 watt saving over the other certified aero helmet so I sold the slower helmet immediately...

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http://climbinglama.blogspot.com.au

Having just gone through this and going on the advice of one of the previous posters and slowtwitch (who actually rides TT regularly instead of just chiming in), I went with the rudy project over bell, kask, giro, etc. I'm very happy I did. I there was a 40% code for rudy project and I believe they have a 90 day trial period - you'd have to look at their website. I ended up getting mine for around $189 shipped. It's one size though so if you have a big head it might not fit (I think it's 53-59cm, but I can't remember exactly).

Edit: the code for 40% off at e-rudy.com is "MYHEAD"

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Speedplay is the devil.

Not to imply those who just "chimed in" weren't imparting some decent info still...


Anyway, tossing up between the Advantage 2 and Selector offerings from Giro. Trying to see what I can find on places like SlowTwitch.

Any thoughts?

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