Speed Vs Cooling: Which Helmet Will You Choose?

[@gcntech]

Which helmet would you pick?👷‍♀

[@ELMARIACHI13]

None,unless it was a MET Helmet.

[@andyGi888]

The cool one, I'm a cool guy

[@My_HandleIs_]

Taped vented MiPS helmet.

[@stanzapalny2123]

The white one

[@derickcastillo9083]

I live in the South West of the USA, where 30 C feels nice and cool. I pick the vented helmet.

[@SimonGoesSideways]

And I thought you were going to be testing which one was faster , we all know you get hotter with less vents ! Come on guys !

[@GCNuser123]

we mention which one is faster! that's spoken about in the video!??

[@SimonGoesSideways]

@@GCNuser123 Oh now you are going to make me watch the video again !

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Watch again, they compare them on speed differences

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Surprised your helmet sponsor let you do this video

[@bryanooi8815]

I live in tropical Malaysia, lightweight well ventilated helmets are MUST. I once owned a entry level Abus Macator,Its so warm and unbearable to ride during the noon until I changed to better ventilated Viantor.

[@lllengl.9660]

In Malaysia, it doesn't matter what you wear, it will always be unbearable under the afternoon sun.

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Where you live makes a huge difference. I live in central Texas and this summer most days were above 40°C.

[@gcntech]

Picking the right style helmet for your location is super important 🙌

[@LindseyH24]

Sports/Thermal Physiologist here: regarding Ollie's comment @12:05, that's a pretty common misconception. In the lab when we measure local sweat rate we observe sweat rate stops almost immediately when exercise stops. So the visible sweat dripping in the second experiment is due to the pooling of sweat already produced (and since not evaporating due to the reduction in airflow as he has stopped riding) and not related at all to Alex's current sweat rate. If he produced the same watts in the same environmental conditions, the vented helmet probably did increase evaporation with increased ventilation, but the amount this would have changed his legitimate whole-body sweat rate would probably be negligible as air velocities across the body are already reasonably high with cycling. It's really strange that he didn't warm up at all during the climb according to the CORE sensor, that is physiologically impossible unless the climb was super short (I couldn't see how long it was).

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

In hot humid environments the sweat rate continues for quite some time. Also, after you stop them is no airflow, no evaporation, and thus no cooling.

[@LindseyH24]

@@stuartmisfeldt3068 why would sweat rate continue unless metabolic heat production remains high? If it’s ~32 C there’s not really a drive for sweating as there would enough dry heat transfer as skin temperature exceeds air temperature. Unless relative humidity was well above 70% at that air temperature

[@chrisc1140]

It takes around 15-20 minutes, standing in front of a fan, to stop sweating after riding to work. And I know it's new sweat coming out, since I usually towell off when I get in and lightly while in front of the fan.

[@LindseyH24]

@@chrisc1140 sounds like you might be an anomaly!!

[@chrisc1140]

@@LindseyH24 considering how common that sentiment seems to be in bike commuting communities, I'm guessing it's more "laboratory conditions aren't translating directly to the real world"

[@Photoguti]

I have one well ventilated and one aero, and I use the aero when the temperature drops. Well ventilated is way better when comfort is needed

[@galenkehler]

Full aero helmets win out in most conditions. For my Giro Aerohead: 1. Full visor coverage blocks the direct sunlight from the cheeks, face, neck and ears, which people dont think about until they try it. 2. The aero savings mean much less energy used and heat produced, making thermoregulation easier. 3. Bonus: no sunscreen needed on the head so you dont get it in your eyes.

[@alethearobinson8132]

For 90% or so riders (those that don't race ) The helmet that is most comfortable in fit and climate and meets safety standards is fine. I have a Bell Star Pro with the removable eye shield (I wear glasses) The neat feature is that it has lots of vents and a slide lever to close the vents in rain or cold. Sadly Bell discontinued this gem and mine is aging out. 😥

[@ivenusflytrap]

I totally agree. I love it, mainly because the visor. Also that you can close the vents when it’s too cold. Are you looking for a affordable alternative? Giro had the Vanquish helmet but it’s also discontinued. My next helmet will be from the French company Ekoi.

[@melonhusk]

Vented, of course, because heatstroke is no joke.

[@purelyrecovery]

Great video. For me, I have the ABUS aero helmet 1 and think the air intake and flow is really good, even at over 30 degrees. The greater your speed the cooler it appears to be. Sure, it’s a little warmer on the inclines but nice and cool on the declines. Have fun!🙂

[@DaveCM]

I don't have an Abus, but I've noticed the same as well. The aero helmet has really good flow through and actually seems a bit cooler on a hot day. My hypothesis is because the sun is blocked from hitting my head.

[@andyking8464]

Agreed, I've got the Gamechanger 1 and a Kaask valegro (baaaad mushroom effect!) The Kaask is a bit lighter and a bit cooler but only a bit. I live in Queensland Australia and regularly ride in over 30C temps and the Aero helmet is a much preferred option. I now only use the Kaask during magpie season and have already picked up six puncture 'wounds' in the hard shell so far this season.

[@T-Crack]

It must be nice to have a choice in helmet design. With a 64cm head it’s a very limited market for us bobble heads 🤣

[@edgerat]

my exact thoughts! 63cm here

[@chris1275cc]

I have the opposite problem, total pin-head so I have lots of choice but its hard to find one that doesn't make me look like Darth Vaders Butt-Plug.

[@LuciTulcea]

You have quite a noggin!😄

[@galenkehler]

Is it too late to do head binding to reduce size?

[@chrisridesbicycles]

You can‘t Pogi-tuft the aero helmet, that alone makes it slower. I wonder why there are not more helmets with a switch to close the vents. Pretty common amongst ski helmets.

[@leoburke8466]

I live in the mountains of So. California, at an elevation of 3500 ft. so generally speaking vented is preferred. Until I watched this video the idea that an aero helmet can help keep in some heat on those colder days had not occurred to me. We do get snow. Thanks guys!

[@MarrafaCycling]

why doesn't MVDP use the new Gamechanger? Aesthetics? The weight? and in fact I've seen many pros using the previous version.

[@MarrafaCycling]

@gcn Ollie! I'm sure you have Mathieu's contact ;)) Ask him and share to us 🙏

[@martinfarrell1112]

5 months later and still a good question!

[@factioncrew2106]

It's because of the fit. The new helmet is very bulky, taller and it doesn't fit every head.

[@Needs-Caffeine]

Core body temperature is so important. ***wears black kit***

[@risesir]

Color matters less than you’re thinking for the surface area involved.

[@rolandcolavizza5368]

I have a Game changer helmet. actually tested it with my power meter and my other cheap vented helmet , i did two runs on a 4km loop. and there wasn't any difference....it did protect my head when I crashed though.

[@nemeanf27]

been using the MET Manta MIPS aero lid for the last 12 months. During winter keeps top of the head a bit warmer and dryer and in summer keeps the wasps and insects from entering the helmet and stinging my head without overheating too, win win all round.

[@isilver009]

I wonder if there would have been any difference in the numbers if those helmets had been matt black?

[@TheBassallyear100]

testing has shown before that the foam used in the helmet construction insulates well enough that helmet color has little to no effect on how it feels on the head despite the outer surface of the helmet being hotter.

[@eto2352]

makes a big difference in the sun. Black helmet is noticably hotter.

[@7gibbens]

I'll stick with my Kask Infinity which is white and has a sliding panel to make it aero when closed and cooler when open. Both functions are easily noticeable. A white helmet is a no brainer for less heat absorption. 🚴🇦🇺

[@out_spocken]

I've only recently wondered why aero helmets are dark too, though not everyone lives in crazy hot Australia or hot parts of the world...or rides pro hours and not early morning. Trying to work out as a bald man if no cap and aero is cooler than vented with a cap.

[@petedannatt]

I had a Giro helmet that I ordered online and was way too big. When the speed picked up I could feel the air get under it and it would pull slightly on the straps. Not exactly aero. Now I have a Kask Protone which I paid a bit more for at my LBS, but managed to get a perfect fit. It feels faster just because there's less wind noise around my head!

[@chubbyman6929]

UK based rider here who is overweight. Heat regulation is THE governing factor for me. I recently did a 28km hilly route twice, once at 14C and again at 22C. First try 1hr 45 min, second try 2hr 15 min. Temperature impacts performance.

[@cb6866]

Is it Wintah or Summah ?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

I hope so! I just spent top dollar on Prevail 3, arguably the most vented helmet available. I need to maximize cooling in the Florida summers.

[@verdeboyo]

11 months on and Ive just bought the Gamechanger 2 'Flip-flop, thanks to you guys. I am a Giro fan but fancy an stylish aero with a cool colour

[@markreardon6663]

I have an aero and a ventilated helmet. Both high-end Bontragers. I use the ventilated for 90% of my rides. The aero is for tri's and a couple of lead up rides. Both are great helmets, but the areo definitely creates less stress on the neck while in aero position, I don't notice it at all. So, I guess it's a matter of choosing the right tool for the job at home.

[@fgreen411]

Vented definitely. Im too slow for aero. Spend too much time grinding up 8% climbs at less than 5 mph.

[@livibam]

I only ride aero helmets, have no issues with heat

[@kpsig]

Me too, in Dubai.

[@Afrikakorps68]

Does not matter Aero or vented. What matters is that for a middle range helmet, you are supposed to spend at least 200£/€

[@magicknight8412]

I live in the UK and thus wear an aero helmet pretty much all the time. Also more protection from the sun,cold winds and also the rain!

[@razorree]

220W is not too much, try it with closer to 300W and see your temp :). Vented helmet (s-works prevail 2 vent) was the best thing i bought, works perfect at any temperature above 5*C

[@suhdud4646]

Did ou guys browse through my cart. I have both of these on hold in my cart because I cant decide. What a treat to wake up and see that my feed has some applicable and much appreciated shopping advice and not just the typical run of the mill Tubless and disc brakes are "better" content which seems to be the only buyers guides relating to cycling as of late.

[@lo691]

2 questions : - is the Spé evade 3 enough ventilated for hilly terrain in the south of france (35-40°C) ? - how many °C difference between black and white helmet ? Tks.

[@flflam]

Comfort is speed. Whatever marginal watts I'd save with an aero helmet wouldn't take me away from ventilated comfort.

[@croninnicholas9063]

I am more of a ventilated helmet person, tend to overheat on climbs, therefore I untighten somewhat my helmet and open my zippers for better ventilation, and close everything again prior to descending.

[@pauleusabio8136]

Where in Majorca was that climb with the sea in the back ground?

[@stephanieperry1119]

How does that work when the Aero Helmet is 55 gram heavier?

[@animalgarden825]

I wear a lightweight aero helmet - it covers more of the head and therefore feel safer. And I like to sprint :)

[@robbchastain3036]

Okay, now we need a deep dive into Slush Puppies and the fastest flavors. :)

[@The_Cotswold_Engineer]

Ollie's beeps are excellent, was that a tested thing during the interview for the job?😂😂😊

[@gcntech]

1...2...3...Beep 🏁

[@BiffBruise]

Or, IMHO, you go "two for one" - as an example, Lazer G1 paired with the Aeroshell … aero when you need it (as well as for those cool / cold weather days), lightweight and vented when you don't

[@ChrisCapoccia]

lightweight vented helmet for me… up until recently i was wearing an old catlike as my main helmet, pretty similar to the one dan wore on the cevelo test team

[@daisy_dispatch_]

I wear the Abus Gamechanger. I live in the UK and find wearing it any temps fine. In fact, I have to say that it is probably the comfiest helmet I have ever worn. However, aero helmets are all well and good until to have an itch and no vent to poke your finger through to get it!

[@wtspman]

It would have been interesting to see how much sweat collected inside each helmet during the test rides. I’ve only ever worn vented helmets, and even still I know there will be a cascade of sweat coming off my head when I take off my helmet at the end of a ride.

[@madmick9205]

Dear GCN Tech. I have an Alloy Obrea Avant. 2021 or 2022 I think. It has a Sora group set. A surprisingly decent bike, when compare to my all carbon Sensa Aquila with Ultegra 8000 group set. Which is a 2016 bike. It was great value at £1300 When I bought it in 2019 I do like the ride quality of the Obrea and am thinking of swapping the Utegra kit over to the Obrea. Then using the Sora on the carbon bike and use it for training. Does this make good sense in your esteemed opinion?

[@christopherkelly9153]

Aero in the winter, keep the rain off. Vented in the summer because I am big and need all the cooling I can get.

[@chepeflussie2078]

i prefer the gamechanger in general. i also like aero, its kinda important for me haha. but for me the gamechanger fits me better than the airbreaker. but on hotter days or when i go climbing, i use the airbreaker. it is cooler on hot days and more convenient for climbing.

[@MggW]

7:47 Love Olie's "Beavis and Butthead" snigger

[@iSnowdog]

In the UK an aero helmet is much better at keeping the rain out!

[@FredrikGranlundkayaker]

I sweat (and drink) a lot. I will probably get two new helmets. An aero helmet for "normal" rides at home in Sweden, and a more vented and lighter helmet for hot days at home and my trips to the mountains in warmer areas.

[@scottvessey915]

Vented for me, with a summer skull cap underneath to help with sweat wicking (I'm a baldy so don't have hair to help with that!)

[@mateuszsolak81]

for me its simple: oreo for autumn / winter, vented for spring / summer :)

[@davidshardlow4369]

So you prefer biscuits in the cooler weather..? 🤣

[@mateuszsolak81]

@@davidshardlow4369 with gravy!

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Is an oreo more aero than, say, an energy bar?

[@theindependentlifestyle]

Your head is your central processing unit or CPU in your body. It controls your thinking, reasoning, motor movements and it affects how you ride your bike. Keeping it cool is very important. It is like a PCs CPU that is need to be cool in order to perform flawlessly. So I rather have a vented helmet that cools my head while I am riding than an aero helmet. A cool head means a cool rider, and you don't need to curse while you ride🤣🤣🤣

[@robcalkelme]

Brilliant and beautiful Helmets 😊 ABUS airbreaker for summer and the Gamechanger for winter

[@mileslong9675]

Aero is lost on me. I seldom get fast enough to justify a need for it. However, I do like long rides, and lighter weight appeals to me there.

[@kayy-03]

I'd argue the weight of a helmet is a lot more important than just for the seconds you save on a climb. After all, every gram you have on your head will have to be held up by your neck muscles and during a long ride, having a lighter helmet can just make the last stretch ever so slightly more comfortable as keeping your head upright will require less energy overall

[@brentlewis4570]

Came to say the same thing. Isn't Ollie remembering his 1000km torture fest? Weight on your neck over a long long day/days makes a difference. Maybe not your average ride, of a few hours, but plenty of us do rides over 4 hours. Weight can matter.

[@jeffhunter007]

@gcntech - I’d like to see you guys test some helmet communications options? For example, have you tested the Sena Bluetooth helmets? I’m testing now for MTB. Seems like it would be a good option for team cycling

[@PeterZsadanyi]

1 year ago I was at the exact place in Mallorca, but I only started cycling half a year ago. So now I envy you guys cycling there. 🙂 good for you. Did you go to the very end of Formentor too?

[@roca00]

did he say Aus Tra Lay Shia (autralia)? @1:05

[@oplkfdhgk]

Aero cus I don't notice any difference in temp between Aero and non Aero.

[@dreamer6345]

Sweat test weighing clothes after effort might be more beneficial??

[@aluminati9918]

Or like me, (and Uno X Pro Cycling Team) go with Sweet Protection Falconer aero/ vented 2in1 helmet. 😎

[@mathewrose2951]

Really. the only concern, all safety standards being equal, is how comfortable it is. The best fits for my. head were. an. Oakley helmet and a Kask Bambino aero helmet with a. magnetic visor. I'd expect everyone else to prefer something else.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

What's the purpose of putting a fullstop after almost every word?

[@Star14trek]

I wonder how you cooled snoopy down? ... Handy ice cafe just on top climb out Puerto Pollenca to Forementor ..., 🎉 ... Did Alex not get to castle?😂

[@andrewmcalister3462]

I'll bet Ollie's neck might have an opinion on aero vs lightweight helmets during his Tour des Stations.

[@brasilchris06]

Alex, 30 degrees isn’t boiling. 40 degrees is boiling.

[@kevinbourke4038]

Too true.

[@TheBassallyear100]

one ride in a south Florida summer and you will have your answer! i own both but my Aries is the one that is most regularly on my noggin.

[@lterra72]

my cycling style (look) wants the aero helmet. my reasoning wants the vented since i sweat a lot.

[@larrystark9141]

Thank you for this BUT ..... For this test and several others I've watched I have wished that you had more than one presenter doing the testing. I'm thinking you would have 6 different results if Conor, Olli, Si, Alex, Daniel and Manon all did a similar runs. I know you can't have them all testing at the same time and place but something similar I feel would be nice to have others thoughts on. That would lead to probably the same number of interpretations from the presenters to their thoughts of their testing.

[@savagegtalks5912]

test one of these vs the Abus Pedelec 2.0 ACE

[@ScottyCycles]

In San Diego a well ventilated helmet is the priority

[@dh7314]

I use a kask protone and it’s not an aero helmet and even that makes my head drenched in sweat. Regretted it on the first ride

[@gregmuon]

Another thing to consider is that the efficiency of your body physiology drops off at higher temperature. We are heat engines, after all. Carnot cycle.

[@rondvivre3636]

Shermer's Neck would like a word about helmet weight.

[@andipiper9289]

How much a helmet drops sweat 😰 on my glasses is for me super important !! 😅

[@theshadow8008]

What happened to giro?

[@apostolospapacraypapacray4661]

Very useful guys thanks

[@maartends6051]

Since i bought a aero helmet i sweat all the time even at 5°c (not that hard) i havent had that before so if i would buy a new one i would choose one with vents

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Then we have the kind of rider who will never go aero in favour of well-vented, but then puts on a neon rain-cover for better visibility to never take it off, no matter how hot the weather is😉.

[@DelPi1974]

If only we could have a lightweight aero helmet… 😎

[@zbigniewpyka899]

die casco nuhtilo mjko grewino wino ??

[@laurentitolledo1838]

aero for cold rides....vented for the hot ones... simple choice...

[@Vinch22]

I have the gamechanger 1 it's hot when it's hot but good in windy and cool condition too! The 2.0 is looking better tho! nice video GCN thanks

[@verdeboyo]

The aero for me but Im still waiting for ABUS to release the 'Barbie' limited version

[@bubblesezblonde]

The many weather references aimed at their co-workers cracked me up. Evil genius move!!! I wondered when I saw the guy who tried to install Mr. Foamy into a bicycle tyre coupled with the mad Doctor that built his own disc wheels together in a vid. Did not disappoint!! Fun vid.

[@mmoorms8803]

Dr Olli and Alex, Always cooling and light weight over areo and over heating. Keeping body temp regulated and reducing energy lost in muscles (neck muscles in this comparison) that are not making power puts more power and reserved power into the pedals. It seems that the Tech Show has never put the fatigue and comfort of the motor (RIDER) in these aero comparisons. If then the motor blows up ( THE BONK) no amount of aero will get you to the end of the ride.🤣

[@serisingh]

5:01 why do the presenters never seem to wear cycling gloves?

[@TTTJJJLLL]

Living in Dubai I choose helmet based on cooling. 😀

[@bertackaert5957]

Been riding an aero helmet in all sorts of conditions, and it's definitely a plus in both cold and/or rainy conditions. There is also the benefit of not getting as many insects in the helmet. I am someone who sweats a lot, and even in warmer conditions (25°C +), the aero helmet (white color) feels comfortable regarding heat regulation.

[@frankdatank2570]

the fact that you used 25°C as a baseline for warmer weather shows that you just don't live in a hot environment. I agree an Aero helmet would be great in colder weather but I live where its 35°C most summer days. An Aero Helmet would be unbearable.

[@coldforgedcowboy]

@GCN... Didn't the Mel Brooks Space Balls look go out of style in 1987???

[@julianallen515]

I would choose the light, vented helmet for two reasons. 1. you can store your sunglasses in them. 2. In Spain "you must always keep both hands on the handlebar while riding. So, unlike Oli I would be riding legally and therefore not be subject to 500 euro fine. Naughty Oli. LoL

[@Xhadp]

Your first point about safety is incorrect, they are aspects that are different and as such may not be sold in the NA, the new Kask helmet and Abus helmet are examples of this. There is also other aspects to a helmet that may sway you towards your choice of picking such as locking/retention mechanism, the method on Lazer helmets was awful for me to use compared to the regular rotary dial on the back.

[@matt_acton-varian]

I can't afford a helmet that diverges into either category 😂😂 although as somebody whose head gets hot quickly regardless of helmet choice and conditions, the ventilation advantage would be pretty moot for me, so I would go aero if I could. Although since starting to use a helmet with MIPS, I don't think I would revert to a non-MIPS product now.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

I wear a Poundland woolly hat.

[@davidpomerantz]

"Yeah Science"

[@steve-bs3qp]

Got one of each which is the way to go

[@mrflaxtv81]

Reks the aero helmet would not be out of place among death star troops...

[@mipko]

97% of cyclist are choosing helmets based on price and looks... I would be really surprised if any normal person gives a flying F about performance of the helmet...Sure fit would be criteria too, but I think most people are first selecting price bracket, then looks and then fit is mostly criterium for rejection of a model rather then criterium for selection...

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... a criterion* (criteria = plural) / rather than*

[@mlee6050]

Aero? I'm looking at one Britain used in Olympics 2012 to wear

[@RayzLeeKL]

I feel these tests are flawed. Remember those contactless head thermometers... Those should be very helpful to measure the forehead and on the scalp right after the ride!

[@edymarkonthego4096]

Wearing an Aero helmet on a hilly terrain is like you put your head inside a microwave..😂

[@Dreamweaver94]

Aero is faster and looks cooler, so it's an easy decision.

[@izi941]

200+g for a “light helmet” is heavy…Kasks one has 180g