HOW AERO CAN YOU GO?

We examine the latest breed of aero helmets, which are blurring the boundaries with time-trial designs, and consider whether they're worth buying, especially with the impending UCI changes...

- Simon von Bromley

You've probably noticed the increasing use of time-trial helmets in road racing. In fact, it's been one of the most recognisable trends of the past few seasons.

But why the sudden penchant for wearing oversized pointy helmets with no vents? Well, the UCI's technical regulations don't draw a distinction between 'time trial' and 'aero road' helmets, so enterprising riders and brands have revived old models and borrowed design cues from TT lids in the hope of finding yet another way to cheat the wind in road races with mass starts.

However, all this has led plenty of commenters to declare, “The game’s gone!”, while the UCI recently revealed that they intend to put an end to this trend as part of sweeping revisions to their technical regulations, aimed at combating technological fraud and enhancing rider safety through stricter equipment standards. Set to start coming into force from January 2026, the changes cover the introduction of distinct helmet regulations for road races versus time trials (as well as such things as rim depths, handlebar widths and frame dimensions), with a new helmet safety protocol to be announced in 2027.

But should these more extreme-looking helmets be vilified? I've been lucky enough to try plenty of time-trial and aero helmets and, in my experience, the best TT models feature far fewer compromises than you might expect (looks aside!). And though we'll have to wait and see how the UCI will delineate between TT and aero-road helmets, revising the sport's regulations in this area should be an opportunity for them to improve rider safety, not just to ban something because it looks different.

Switching it up