These slick lids turned our heads. Offering great ventilation and aerodynamic drag-reducing shapes, they can help keep you safe while increasing your speed.
Rudy Project Boost 01
$349 1 of 7
The Rudy Project Boost 01 aero road helmet boasts the drag-reducing benefits of a time trial helmet plus the versatility and ventilation of a traditional road helmet. The Boost 01 was very comfortable even after hours in the saddle, thanks to well-placed padding and a retention system that allows for precise positioning. Its removable flip-up visor was a nice feature on overcast days when glare protection wasn't needed, as well as on sunny days when we opted for lightweight sunglasses instead.
The Rudy Project Boost 01 helmet is available in seven colorways, three different lens options and two sizes. The 3-year manufacturer's warranty, in addition to Rudy Project's 6-year crash replacement program, is a nice benefit, but one we hope you never have to take advantage of.
Sizes: S/M, L
Weight: 351g (as tested without visor, size M)
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Your Next TriathlonBontrager Ballista MIPS
$199 2 of 7
The Bontrager Ballista MIPS has recently been updated to include a Boa dial for adjusting fit. Our testers agreed that once we set up this helmet, we barely gave it another thought while wearing it. The three front vents offer great ventilation, which we really appreciated when riding on hot, muggy days. And, if silent means aero, this helmet is slick: The Bontrager Ballista is the quietest helmet, aero or otherwise, we have tried. That's an especially important benefit when you need to be aware of approaching traffic, or when your riding partner asks you to slow the pace.
Sizes: S, M, L
Weight: 293g (as tested, size M)
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Your Next TriathlonKask Infinifty
$219 3 of 7
Wanna be like Chris Froome--or at least wear the same helmet brand as the four-time Tour de France winner? The Kask Infinity impressed our testers via massive font vents that can be hidden behind an ingenious sliding vent cover. This feature provided plenty of ventilation while allowing us to get more aero. As a bonus, the eco-leather chin strap was a little more comfortable on our skin than the standard nylon found in many other helmets.
Sizes: M, L
Weight: 344g (as tested, size M)
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Your Next TriathlonLazer Bullet/Bullet MIPS
$249, $299 (MIPS option) 4 of 7
The Lazer Bullet, available with or without Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS), is one of several aero road helmets that offers an adjustable front vent. In the open position, cooling airflow is enhanced. In the closed position, the Bullet becomes more aerodynamic, which is ideal for triathletes and sprinting road racers alike. A unique feature of the Lazer Bullet is the integration of LifeBEAM®. This allows for strapless measurement of the wearer's heart rate and transmission of the data to ANT+ or Bluetooth compatible devices.
The Lazer Bullet is available in seven colorways. The Bullet MIPS is available in three different color combinations.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Weight: 315g (size M)
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Your Next TriathlonMET Manta
$216 5 of 7
At 200g, the MET Manta just may be the lightest aero road helmet currently available in the U.S. Its dial-actuated retention system offers depth and circumference adjustments for optimal fit. Another key feature of the MET Manta is an optional tail light which clips onto the retention dial. The sweat-resistant gel brow pad brings comfort to a sensitive contact point.
Two sizes and eight color options--including a Mark Cavendish version--are available.
Sizes: M, L
Weight: 200g (size M)
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Your Next TriathlonGiro Vanquish MIPS
$275 6 of 7
Seen atop Team BMC pros at the 2017 Tour de France, the Giro Vanquish aero road helmet was officially announced at the Vuelta a España several weeks later. Including features like an aero-enhancing Carl Ziess visor with magnetic retention system, straps designed to lie flat against the wearer's skin for enhanced aerodynamics and nine massive-but-aero cooling vents, we're really excited to get our heads into this one. And with the unique styling of the Vanquish, we know we'll stand out in the peloton--and maybe save some watts thanks to Giro's virtual airfoil design.
Sizes: S, M, L
Weight: 305g (size M)
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