A comparative study of aerodynamic forces of time trial bicycle helmets

Abstract

The aerodynamic efficiency becomes essential design criterion for time trial bicycle helmets as small time difference can make the winner. Currently numerous manufacturers market time trial helmets claiming to have superior aerodynamic efficiency. Unfortunately, the aerodynamic performances of these helmets were not well publicised and in most cases data is kept in house. Additionally, no comparative study of aerodynamic performance of various time trial helmets has been reported in the open literature. Therefore the primary objectives of this research were to study the aerodynamic performance of several time trial helmets that currently used in time trial racing in Australia and elsewhere. The helmets were tested on a mannequin in the time trial head positions over a range of yaw angles and wind speeds. The results indicated that there was a significant variation in aerodynamic performances of these helmets. However, their performances varied depending on yaw and pitch angles