Aero Helmets vs. Standard Helmets: A Guide For Road Cyclists

For a lot of roadies, cycling is about going fast and so for obvious reasons they will try to eke out every last bit of performance from their setup, be that the weight of their bike, the energy gained from their nutrition, or the Watts saved from components and clothing. In this article, we're going to look at whether wearing an aerodynamic helmet will benefit you more than wearing a standard helmet. We aim to examine the benefits and drawbacks of each of them, to help you make an informed decision.

The Case For Aero Helmets

What Is An Aero Helmet?

An aero helmet (or more specifically, aero road helmet, as they are rarely used for MTB), is designed to reduce drag and enhance speed by minimising air resistance. These helmets often feature a sleek design, smooth surfaces, and are often quite visually striking due to their more unorthodox appearance.

Benefits Of Aero Helmets

Improved Speed and Performance: The primary advantage of an aero bike helmet is its ability to reduce drag. Scientific studies and wind tunnel test data has shown that an aero road helmet can save significant time over longer distances, which is particularly beneficial in competitive settings.
Energy Efficiency: By reducing air resistance, cyclists can maintain higher speeds with less effort. Over long rides, this energy saving can really be noticeable, helping you go faster for longer.
Advanced Design and Materials: The Kask aero helmet, Utopia, is constructed from Resistex Carbon which is not only anti-static and reflective, but also helps regulate temperature with fewer vents, to allow the aero profile to be optimised.

Drawbacks Of Aero Helmets

Ventilation Issues: While some aero road helmets are designed with vents, they typically offer less ventilation compared to standard helmets. This can lead to overheating, particularly during intense rides in hot weather.
Cost: Aero helmets are generally more expensive than standard road bike helmets due to the research and devlopment that goes into them and the advanced materials used in their construction.
Weight: Although modern aero helmets are relatively lightweight, they are often slightly heavier than standard helmets. Although the difference is usually only a few grams, it can still be a drawback for some cyclists.

The Case For Standard Helmets

What Is A Standard Road Bike Helmet?

A standard road bike helmet is designed primarily for safety and comfort. These helmets typically have a more traditional design and aesthetic, and tend to have as many vents as they can fit without compromising on safety, in order to prioritise comfort when riding.

Benefits Of Standard Helmets

Superior Ventilation: One of the main advantages of a standard road cycling helmet over an aero helmet is its superior ventilation. Multiple vents allow for maximum airflow, which keep you cool and comfortable, particularly on longer rides.
Comfort: Standard helmets are often more comfortable to wear due to a portion of their deisgn being dedicated to comfort when in the saddle.
Affordability: Standard helmets are generally more affordable than aero helmets, making them an excellent choice for recreational cyclists and those on a budget.

Drawbacks Of Standard Helmets

There aren't really any drawbacks as such from a traditional helmet, as they provide comfort and protection, all in a cost-effective package. They aren't as fast as an aero helmet, which becomes more noticeable the faster and longer you pedal, so if you're entering a competition, an aero helmet might be more beneficial.

Choosing The Best Helmet For Road Cycling

When searching for the best road bike helmet for you, it is best to think how you are going to use it. For riders looking for comfort, ventilation, or a more budget friendly option, then a standard road bike helmet from the huge choice available will definitely fulfil your needs.

For anyone looking for performance and doesn't mind sacrificing comfort along the way, then an aero road bike helmet is certainly worth considering.

Another consideration is the type of bike you ride. Anyone riding an aero road bike should consider an aero helmet in order to maximise the speed gain provided by the bike, whereas endurance road bikes will likely cancel out any performance benefits that an aero helmet offers.