220 Triathlon

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Home / Gear / Bike / Helmets / How to choose the right triathlon aero helmet

GearBikeHelmets
Helmets

How to choose the right triathlon aero helmet

Wondering how to choose the right triathlon aero helmet? We explain what you should take into account from course profile to riding style

220 Triathlon Team 220 Triathlon Team
Lauren Steadman rides time trial bike at Paris 2024
Credit: Petko Beier/World Triathlon

Knowing how to choose the right triathlon aero helmet requires you understand consider aerodynamics, your riding style and the characterstics of your bike leg.

When it comes to aerodynamics, you need to look at the bigger picture.

Rather than going for the most minimal profile possible, designers of the best aero helmets have discovered that with a wider construction it is possible to drive air out and around the shoulders of the rider, giving a greater aerodynamic performance.

Tom Bishop grabbing his bike in transition at Clash Miami
A bigger aero helmet works better for some triathletes but not all (Credit: Nordica Photography)

And, if the rider stays low and disciplined, that’s when they’ll get the most benefit from wider and longer-tailed helmets.

What if you want a more comfortable ride without compromising on performance? That’s where a different aero helmet shape comes in.

Highly versatile, narrower-profile TT and triathlon helmets with a short-tail design allow you to move more freely but still turn in a good time.

The Ride

The helmet you choose also has a lot to do with the terrain you’ll be encountering on your ride.

If a wider aero helmet achieves the optimum performance in a straight line, a smaller aero helmet is more efficient on a twisty road or when tackling crosswinds. Better still in these conditions may be the best aero road helmets.

The Fit

Tom Bishop cycling at the PTO US Open
A well-fitting triathlon aero helmet can prove fast (Credit: PTO)

Performance is important, but comfort is crucial too.

Thanks to the wide body construction featured in both types of aero helmet, there’s more room for your ears – so you’ll feel pleasantly protected without feeling claustrophobic.

And with a broad field of vision your eyes will have a greater focus with no unwanted restrictions.

Choice

Alison Peasgood cycling at Paris 2024
Credit: Wout Roosenboom/World Triathlon

Before deciding how to choose the right triathlon aero helmet, ask yourself these questions:

What type of course will you tackle: hilly, straight, with possible crosswinds? For lumpy courses in hot weather, some aero experts will question if you need an aero helmet for triathlon.

What position do you adopt on your bike and can you maintain it for a long distance?

Are you looking for a versatile helmet or a very specialist one?

Profile image of 220 Triathlon Team 220 Triathlon Team Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes

About

The 220 Triathlon team is made up of vastly experienced athletes, sports journalists, kit reviewers and coaches. In short, what we don't know about multisport frankly isn't worth knowing! Saying that, we love expanding our sporting knowledge and increasing our expertise in this phenomenal sport.