within

I have the opportunity to buy a used '07 Louis Garneau Rocket for cheap. Since I'm building up a TT bike I'm thinking why not? Originally, I had no intention of buying one, but for $40 USD it's hard to pass up. Besides, the time savings of wearing an aero helmet vs not wearing one seem too good to be true.

So, for those of you that wear a TT helmet what has been your experience with them? Have you noticed any benefits or limitations? General thoughts? Things to think about? Thanks.

Doctor Who

I don't know how they stack up performance-wise, other than they help shave a few seconds off times, but I do know is that if you show up to a time-trial with one, you better be able to put in a good time. TT helmets don't ventilate very well and if you're just getting started with racing in time trials, you might be better off with just a normal helmet.

within

So, you've experienced maybe only a few seconds advantage using one? I've read 30 seconds to 2 minutes on a 40k tt.

ElJamoquio

You shouldn't buy that. Instead, you should send me the contact info so I can buy it.

CrimsonKarter21

Get it. I'm looking at either the Giro Advantage 2 or the Lazer Chrono 3 or Bullet if there is ever info on it.

merlinextraligh

they're hot; they're ugly. But if you want to be competitive TT'ing they're the cheapest speed you can buy, and at $40 a no brainer.

cslone

What sense does that make? If you're TT'ing at all, they have a benefit. Why would you have to be an experienced tt'er to wear one?

And yes, buy it. If you don't like it, sell it.

waterrockets 

I'd call them the third cheapest speed you can buy (after a good position, then a skinsuit -- $65 new).

In this famous post, the helmet provided a <1% power savings vs. 3.2% for a skinsuit.

And that's compared to a 4.2% savings for $2000 wheels and 5% for a $4000 frameset.

Then there's the 20% just from position.

So, make sure you have the best aero position you can get into first. Then get a skinsuit. Then a helmet, then start saving your money.

But, for $40, you should already own it. Buy the helmet.

within

Man are they fugly or what? Oh, well. $40 for even 10 seconds seems worth it to me...

cat4ever

They are loud, ugly and hot. But the trade off is that you'll go a little faster if you ride in a TT position vs a standard helmet. $40 is well worth it and if you don't like it, ebay it.

Houston_Biker

I have a 2007 Garneau Rocket...and yes, it does make a difference. Having recently done a Half Ironman triathlon and a two man team TT, I do notice a difference with my Rocket over my normal helmet, a Giro Atmos.

For $40, it's a steal. Buy it. Buy it.

urbanknight

Probably 2 seconds physically, and 28 seconds psychologically.

Because many MANY beginners keep their head down in a time trial, making the back of the helmet into a sail instead of an aerodynamic extension. If you don't believe me, watch a local time trial and mark the people who are Cat5.

But yes, the OP should buy it. For $40 it's worth a shot.

cslone

But I've even read a study leading to the fact that a tilted aero helmet is still more aero than your out of the box Atmos, etc. :shrug:

Hickeydog

No they are not. I think they are sexy.

urbanknight

I suppose that's possible. The last aero helmet I wore was of the 80's vintage.

Triguy

Cobb let out some numbers that for one person, a Rocket with it's tail up was still significantly faster than a road helmet at all yaw angles.

Always wear a TT helmet.

within

Got it today. Thanks all...