this hurts my head

[dcb]

please don't tee off on me, I just am trying to understand this?

[cfg83]

dcb -

This is what they say :

SUPERLEGGERA HELMET :: Louis Garneau - $180

A new texturized front area simulating a golf ball effect creates a better laminar flow. The overall weight reduction and a forward move of the center of gravity will create less fatigue at the neck area in an aero position allowing the rider to maintain the aero position for a longer period of time and prevents the low head drag. The helmet is also equipped with 2 huge front vent inlets and 3 large back vent outlets for maximum airflow without compromising aerodynamics. The Superleggera is the featherweight of helmets, and is so light you forget you are wearing it. With the notable, Spiderlock Elite Retention System which uses a rack and pinion mechanism for quick and accurate adjustment using only one hand.

Does this require the head of the bicycler to be detached and spinning?

CarloSW2

[smokeyj]

Remember the real function of the cool design is to sell product.
Working would be nice but is not essential

[tasdrouille]

To me, if the dimples were to work on such an helmet (can't say they do or don't without WT testing), Louis Garneau placed them probably in the worst possible place. You'd want the dimples where the flow is transitioning.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

To me, if the dimples were to work on such an helmet (can't say they do or don't without WT testing), Louis Garneau placed them probably in the worst possible place. You'd want the dimples where the flow is transitioning.

That was kind of my knee-jerk reaction too... If they in theory work, why put them in front? Other than that's where they are visible though...

[majestic]

It looks about right to me.

Although the air is still going to detach off the rider's back.

It looks like this may work well in conjunction with a small spoiler placed near the buttocks of the rider. Either a belt could be worn or perhaps an extension attached to the rear of the seat.

[Peter7307]

Not to hijack the thread but if solid wheels at the rear aid aero then why not have them at the front as well?

Peter.

[theycallmeebryan]

Originally Posted by Peter7307

Not to hijack the thread but if solid wheels at the rear aid aero then why not have them at the front as well?

Peter.

Because a solid front wheel can be dangerously unstable in side winds, and somewhat unstable from frontal winds.

[Lazarus]

It really depends on the rider position. In the pro peleton they spend an amazing amount of time and money on wind tunnel testing. These helmets can save about 10 watts at 25 mph. Does not sound like much but when 5 seconds can mean the difference between wiinning and losing it's huge. Every rider will have a different position on the bike so they have to find the helmet that works for that position.

A couple of interesting links with all the different helmets used in the Tour de Califronia and wind tunnel test.

http://www.active.com/cycling/Articl...California.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7VrmKySetU

[Bicycle Bob]

Overall dimples are for creating TURBULENT, ATTACHED flow, not LAMINAR flow, on an object that rotates. They make no sense on a helmet, where a simple low ridge about 20% ahead of the maximum diameter does the job, leaving True laminar flow ahead of the ridge.
A lightweight helmet is nice for the neck, but moving the CG back would be better than forward.
This is marketing crap. If the protection is as sketchy as the prose, Darwin awards may be in order.