Buyer’s guide: Three aero road helmets to cheat the wind

by Gus Alexandropoulos

For cyclists, an aero road helmet presents many of the advantages of an aero helmet while also providing more ventilation so your head doesn’t over heat. Here are three aero helmets for you to consider:

Lazer Bullet

$320

The Bullet’s unique construction addresses the one oblivious shortcoming found in many aero road helmets – a lack of adequate ventilation. Like many other aero road offerings, the Bullet has a sleek shell with minimal venting on the top. While this shape reduces wind resistance, it often fails to provide the cooling necessary during strenuous efforts in warm conditions. Sure, side vents (the Bullet has plenty) provide sufficient cooling in less extreme situations, but they can’t keep up as the temperature and activity levels increase. Lazer’s elegant solution to this aero versus-cooling dilemma is to offer a sliding louvre-like honeycomb vent that can be kept closed for maximum aero gains or opened on-the-fly for additional venting. Throw in a dial-adjustable fit system, MIPS protection and the ability to add an inclination monitor (to help you maintain an aero position) as well as the LifeBeam heart-rate system and it becomes clear the that the Bullet is one of the more versatile aero road helmets currently available.

Specialized Evade II

$300

With the new Evade II, Specialized has created a no-compromise aero road helmet. According to the company, the Evade II is the most aerodynamic helmet they have ever tested. But unlike other aero helmets, the Evade II does not sacrifice weight or ventilation to achieve its remarkable aero gains. Safety is also highlighted in the Evade II thanks to Specialized’s multi-density epS construction and the aramid reinforced skeleton. These two technologies provide superior impact absorption without adding unnecessary weight. Cooling is also surprisingly efficient thanks to a combination of deep internal channels and massive vents. Finally, Specialized specs its lightweight, height-adjustable micro-dial fit system for a secure and comfortable fit.

$299

While the name may be a bit hyperbolic, there’s no denying that the Abus GameChanger is a great-looking and wellventilated aero road helmet. Abus has worked hard to ensure that the shape of the GameChanger provides excellent aero benefits regardless of your head’s position as you ride. The combination of large vents and Abus’s Forced Air Cooling Technology offers you a surprising level of cooling for an aero road helmet. A unique AirPort in the back of the helmet provides storage for glasses without disrupting the helmet’s aero profile. For optimal fit, Abus specs a micro-adjustable dial system and adds specially woven straps that reduce wind flutter and improve next-to-skin comfort.