VELOMOTION.DE 1/2014
Casco Speedairo: Dynamischer Klimaschutz
Aero helmets were one of last season's major trends and this year will be no different. They have become a familiar sight in the professional peloton and amateur races alike. Although their design can take some getting used to, their advantages are another matter altogether — superior aerodynamics can have a crucial effect on a rider's power reserves during the race. Even though the benefits of an aero helmet may appear marginal, they are far from irrelevant. However, a drawback of previous aero helmets was their ventilation. With the Speedairo, the German helmet manufacturer Casco has come up with a design which, in their own words, provides “an outstanding combination of aerodynamics and cooling”.
The Speedairo is a relatively light aero helmet whose distinctive appearance sets it apart from other models in this category. For instance, in addition to a large visor, it also incorporates 27 latticed ventilation holes. At the rear of the helmet there are small, spoiler-like struts which help to adapt the aerodynamics to the riding position.
And of course, the Speedairo's fit is outstanding. Unlike traditional helmets, the shell does not rest directly on the head, but is rather stretched over a mesh which encloses the head. This has allowed Casco's engineers to decouple the helmet from the rider's head, which has two advantages. Firstly, this type of construction guarantees constant ventilation of the head. Secondly, the helmet's behaviour is altered in the event of a fall as it first moves across the mesh and not directly across the head.
Fine adjustments to Speedairo are made via side-mounted straps and a medium-sized adjustment wheel. The fastener is secure and easy to operate following a short familiarisation period. The same applies to the visor, which is integrated into the helmet by means of an elastic band, but can be pushed up onto the helmet. Because of its size it surrounds the eyes well at all times. A useful feature is that it does not rest directly on the nose and so allows glasses to be worn. The Speedairo thus offers an additional advantage for riders who have previously had to resort to wearing special cycling glasses or contact lenses.
In use, the helmet excels not only thanks to its efficient aerodynamics, but also because the cooling is so impressive and reminiscent of normal helmets. With this helmet, racing in summer is just as manageable as in cooler seasons. I was won over by the Speedairo from the first moment — at least in terms of its performance. In terms of its appearance, a wider colour range would be desirable.
Conclusion
The Casco Speedairo is a very well ventilated aero helmet which makes a refreshing change from other models of this kind. The fit and large visor are absolutely first class. In terms of the available colours, a somewhat larger selection would be a good thing.
Product highlights
- generous ventilation combined with excellent aerodynamics
- very good fit thanks to innovative design
- fully-fledged racing helmet which can also be used in summer road races
- can be worn with glasses under the visor
Price and web
- 249.90 euros (with visor)
- www.casco-schutzhelme.de