Do I need an aero helmet for triathlon?

Aero helmets promise superior aerodynamics and faster bike splits, but the headgear of today’s tri stars may have you wondering ‘Do I need an aero helmet for triathlon?’.

We’ve asked triathlon coach Joe Beer and aerodynamic expert Matt Bottril for their opinion. The pair debate how and why to use an aero helmet for triathlon and if the best aero road helmets are a better option for most triathletes. Are the days of the traditional time-trial aero helmet numbered? Read on to find out what our experts think.

Before doing so, it may be helpful to read our explainer on road, aero road and TT cycling helmets and how much difference the type makes.

Joe Beer – No

Joe has been 220 Triathlon’s Coach of the Year multiple times

The short answer is no. And that’s partly because what an aero helmet is considered to be has changed. It’s no longer a simple choice between vented, ‘brick wall’ helmets or super-slick, ‘long-tail’ time-trial options. The former cools better but saps speed. The latter enables speed gains but can lead to your head overheating.

The writing was on the wall for the TT helmet when Sebastian Kienle used the vented Scott Cadence helmet back at 2016’s Ironman Hawaii. He was still able to post a suitably stunning bike split and run well enough to take a superb second place behind Jan Frodeno.

Scott have told me they’d reduced to Cadence’s drag within 4 watts of his usual Scott Split helmet. But perhaps more importantly, the Cadence significantly reduced temperature build-up prior to the run. Et voilà, a ‘road helmet’ that’s aero and cools!

In Kona, staying cool is more important than total bike drag.

Vented road helmets vs aero road helmets

The penalty a ‘bad’ road helmet might actually cost you compared to a vented aero road helmet is probably 10-15 watts. This equates to 5-6mins over 180km, so aero is obviously still very important.

But if you’re a bigger athlete, you won’t dissipate heat as well as the smaller guys/girls and will need to take on more energy. If that’s the case, you’ll probably want to make getting off the bike cooler a priority.

If you can afford it, having multiple helmet options may be a good idea to cover different race distances and conditions. But your priorities should be a great position and great clothing. Only after you’ve sorted those is it worth trying to reduce drag as far as your finances and physical abilities allow.

Matt Bottrill – Yes

Matt Bottrill is a coach and a record-breaking time triallist

This is a question I get asked a lot and being fairly new to triathlon. I’m amazed how often aero gains still get overlooked. Before you choose a helmet it’s worth considering that the rider is responsible for 80% of the drag generated as a bike is moving.

As such, anyone who is looking to make time savings should first turn their attention towards their position and get a good bike fit.

In my opinion, there isn’t such thing as the fastest helmet in the world. It’s more about how a helmet fits you and your position. Head position and a correctly fitting helmet are the key elements you need if you’re going to go faster.

Try before you buy

All aero helmets save time over a standard vented helmet, so what should you look for to ensure you pick the one that’s right for you? Firstly, make sure the fit is correct, and check the sizing according the brand’s guildelines. I’d always suggest testing a helmet out first, to make sure you can see clearly.

Otherwise you’ll be constantly moving your head to see better, which will create drag. I’d also recommend selecting a helmet with a visor. There are watts to be saved there and if the weather’s poor you can always remove it.

An aero helmet is a sensitive thing but, without a shadow of doubt, it will make you faster. Although how many watts it can can save totally depends on the rider.

I’ve probably got one of the most aero positions out there and tested all the major helmets. The numbers I’ve found during my tests have ranged from a couple of watts up to 16 depending on the helmet. That shows how much the rider and their ability to hold their position can affect things.

From personal experience, I’d recommend wearing an aero helmet in all conditions, even more so when you start taking on long-course triathlons. Just think how much training you’d have to do to find 15-20 watts using a standard helmet!