The struggle to make the wildest-looking aero TT helmet goes robust within the professional peloton, and Ekoi’s new Pure Aero is a robust contender. And one you possibly can already purchase now. With an virtually comically outsized cowl and visor, the Pure Aero guarantees pure aerodynamic positive aspects with a design developed with Synthetic Intelligence. And it’s apparently already been ridden to 2 World Championship wins…
Ekoi Pure Aero TT helmet designed by AI
We’ve seen some fairly wild aero TT helmets previously 12 months – kicked off by the Giro Aerohead 2.0 that gave off robust Spaceballs vibes. It additionally fueled fervent discussions about whether or not these excessive aerodynamic designs may truly be UCI unlawful? Finally the UCI assessed extra of what helmet makers may and couldn’t do, and the floodgates have been opened.
The Ekoi R&D group described it as such a fast-moving improvement, that they needed to pull out all of the stops – even synthetic intelligence – to shortly rethink their very own aero TT helmet design.
Improvement from AI to CFD to the wind tunnel
To show across the new helmet with simply 1 12 months of R&D and testing, Ekoi used AI to match all different helmets on the market, to create a brand new design, after which turned to CFD to refine what would turn out to be the Pure Aero helmet.
Ekoi says they’d three targets once they got down to create their all-new Pure Aero TT helmet. They wanted to optimize consolation & ergonomics so riders may simply keep of their most aero place longer, then to make sure nice visibility whereas the rider was deep of their aero tuck, and naturally, they wished absolutely the final in aerodynamic efficiency.
Giving a little bit perception into how one aero helmet will be quickest for all riders, Ekoi created their design based mostly on 3D scans of three prime TT & triathlon athletes with significantly various physique sizes & shapes – Stéphane Rossetto, Patrick Lange & Chris Froome. That approach, Ekoi leveraged CFD improvement to check how airflow shifted over completely different physique varieties.
The result’s a large bulbous shell with a traditional slender however brief tail. Then, it will get an enormous built-in visor with sides that even barely flare out on the backside to redirect air across the entrance of the rider.
Tech particulars
Finally, Ekoi claims a 6% discount of aerodynamic drag vs. every other helmet available on the market. For a financial savings of 13W at 50 km/h race common speeds.
- typical aerodynamic polycarbonate shell over EPS foam development
- Smoke-tinted polycarbonate lens/visor (VLT 22%): for sunny or barely overcast circumstances
- air flow makes use of the big house between the visor & rider’s face to attract air into inside air flow channels, without having exterior vents
- BOA dial match adjustment system on the again
- Fidlock magnetic buckle for the chinstrap
- accessible in a single M/L dimension for 55-60cm heads
- 415g claimed weight
Ekoi Pure Aero TT & Tri helmet – Pricing, choices & availability
The all-new Ekoi Pure Aero TT helmet sells for $395 / 350-400€ (nation dependent). And it’s accessible now instantly from Ekoi.
For now, the helmet is available in only one extensively adjustable dimension (55-60cm) and in six shade choices. You get to select from a white or black important shell, with pink, blue, or holographic silver racing stripes. After which it will get easy white or black Ekoi logos.
First raced ultimately summer time’s Tour de France, Patrick Lange wore it to his third Ironman World Championship final October in Kona. Then, in November, Jelle Geens gained gold on the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.