Road Bike Racing - Helmets

I saw an interesting helmet on a pro racer (possibly on Team Rabobank) that was not a TT helmet yet it was not the typical road helmet either. It had vents like the typical helmet but it also had a bit of an extention on the back that I think makes it more aero than the typical helmet. Does anyone out there know what I am talking about? And, if so, any ideas on where to purchase one?

Yeah, i know what you mean...

I'm pretty sure they were released in 1996 and I definately remember the Roslotto/ZG team of Andrea Ferrigato wearing them in the Tour...

In recent years I've seen the Lampre Squad wearing them...usually Mariano Piccoli and Ludo Dierxxsens...

But I've never seen a Rabobank rider with one...I thought they were sponsored by Giro...which to my knowledge doesn't make that style...

Possibly the brand Lazer or Met?

I posted the same question in the Helmet/Peloton thread but couldn't really tell if I got an answer what with all the arguing.

I'm interested in buying one as well. I'm guessing they're only available through euro-sites. I'll let you know if I find anything and please do the same.

What you guys are talking about is made by Rudy Project. Carrera (Italian makers of helmets and sunglasses, not the frame makers) also made a model like this that the Cantina Tollo team used to wear in years past. It's not a hard shell helmet, and not made out of the hard foam that you're used to helmets being made out of.

It doesn't pass CSPC (I think that's it...) or SNELL safety tests, and thereby isn't legal for race use in this country.

I'm not sure if Rudy Project sponsors any Euro teams with their helmets anymore (now they're sponsoring Schrodinger Iron and Prime Aliance though who can't use this model since it isn't certified...) which may be why I haven't seen them that recently. These helmets are only about half the weight of 'normal' helmets, and although they don't offer nearly the same protection, it's better than nothing, and apparently good enough for some euro-pro's.

Hope this clears things up.

- Maurizio

Thank you all. Spexy, I will let you know if I find any.

Coppie51, my bad you are right it was Lampre not Rabobank.

Thanks, Dekkerfan