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 may 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 really be UCI unlawful? In the end the UCI assessed extra of what helmet makers might and couldn’t do, and the floodgates have been opened.
The Ekoi R&D crew described it as such a fast-moving improvement, that they needed to pull out all of the stops – even synthetic intelligence – to rapidly 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 into the Pure Aero helmet.
Ekoi says that they had three objectives after they got down to create their all-new Pure Aero TT helmet. They wanted to optimize consolation & ergonomics so riders might 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 needed 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 primarily based on 3D scans of three high TT & triathlon athletes with drastically various physique sizes & shapes – Stéphane Rossetto, Patrick Lange & Chris Froome. That method, Ekoi leveraged CFD improvement to check how airflow shifted over totally different physique varieties.
The result’s a large bulbous shell with a basic slim 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
In the end, Ekoi claims a 6% discount of aerodynamic drag vs. another helmet in the marketplace. For a financial savings of 13W at 50 km/h race common speeds.
typical aerodynamic polycarbonate shell over EPS foam building
Smoke-tinted polycarbonate lens/visor (VLT 22%): for sunny or barely overcast situations
air flow makes use of the big area between the visor & rider’s face to attract air into inner air flow channels, without having exterior vents
BOA dial match adjustment system on the again
Fidlock magnetic buckle for the chinstrap
obtainable 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 obtainable now instantly from Ekoi.
For now, the helmet is available in only one broadly adjustable dimension (55-60cm) and in six colour choices. You get to choose from a white or black principal shell, with purple, blue, or holographic silver racing stripes. After which it will get easy white or black Ekoi logos.
First raced finally summer season’s Tour de France, Patrick Lange wore it to his third Ironman World Championship final October in Kona. Then, in November, Jelle Geens received gold on the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Ekoi.com
