Unlocking the Speed: The Rise of TT Helmets in Road Racing

In the realm of cycling gear, 2024 is shaping up to be the year of the aero helmet, overshadowing even the mighty dragon of the Chinese zodiac.

 

Notable tech trends are already making waves, with a sleek new ear-cover helmet and time trial lids making their mark in the peloton.

 

Recently, at the Volta ao Algarve, Uno-X Mobility riders turned heads with an unreleased version of the Tucker TT helmet. This comes hot on the heels of EF Education-EasyPost riders sporting new POC helmets reminiscent of the brand’s Procen TT at the Tour Down Under.v.

 

According to Uno-X's resident aero expert, Casper von Folsach, the surge in popularity for aero helmets boils down to one thing: the substantial aerodynamic advantage they offer.

 

"The increased focus and understanding of aerodynamics among riders have led to a significant aero gain," Von Folsach explained to Cycling Weekly. He emphasized that the Tucker helmet, despite being slightly heavier and less ventilated than their Falconer 2Vi model, provides a notable speed boost under the right conditions.

 

Von Folsach revealed that the Tucker helmet yields an average improvement of around 0.006 m² in CdA, the measure of aerodynamic drag. While seemingly small, this advantage is increasingly impactful in today's fast-paced peloton.

 

"We've been using these helmets since around 2019 or 2020, initially in smaller races," Von Folsach noted. Now, the trend has caught on, with more riders opting for TT helmets even in mountain stages.

 

The Tucker helmet worn by Uno-X this season is an unreleased model. It's lighter and visor-free compared to the previous version, offering enhanced aerodynamics without sacrificing performance.

 

Described as a "supreme aero road helmet," the new Tucker 2Vi will hit the market in mid-March, promising consumers the same cutting-edge technology used by the pros. This release follows the success of the Redeemer 2Vi TT helmet, known for its striking resemblance to Darth Vader, which will now serve as the team's primary choice for time trials.