Over the weekend, the brand new Rudy Challenge Wingdream time trial helmet bought its official rollout on the heads of Bahrain Victorious on the Giro d’Italia’s stage 7 TT. From the facet, it seems to be downright regular for a time-trial helmet. However head-on, its bell-shaped flare cuts a singular profile that Rudy Challenge says will make you quicker…
Rudy Challenge Wingdream time trial aero helmet
We already bought a sneak peek on the new Rudy Challenge Wingdream in camo. Sneaking in again within the UCI aero helmet controversy at Tirreno-Adriatico over a number of the many spaceship-inspired TT helmets. The sharp-edged Wingdream slipped just about underneath the radar. Plus, Rudy Challenge didn’t tack on any of the doubtful extras, not targeted on rider security, that sparked the UCI’s ire.
But, Rudy Challenge says the helmet’s distinctive form can save a rider “nearly 10 watts in comparison with the earlier Wing mannequin, equal to 4 seconds per 10km, or greater than a minute over an Ironman distance” (of 180km). At a relentless 200W rider output for that full distance, Rudy Challenge says the brand new Wingdream would lower 5 minutes & 6 seconds off a rider’s time vs. a conventional highway helmet.
The official Giro debut doesn’t actually reveal an excessive amount of element – moreover the riders getting the Staff Bahrain Victorious colours. However there’s additionally a bit extra backstory.
Aero TT helmet R&D
Bahrain Victorious has labored with Rudy Challenge since 2016. And the brand new Wingdream is the product of two years of R&D to enhance over the short-tailed Wing.
The brand new helmet opts for a extra open decrease half of the shell. It will get straight edges in comparison with the earlier curving form meant to tuck towards a rider’s shoulder and again. The results of the extra open design is seemingly even higher course of the turbulent airflow over the rider’s shoulders and again for “superior aerodynamic penetration”.
Rudy Challenge says rider security remains to be the primary concern with the brand new Wingdream – with typical strap, buckle & dial retention.
However in addition they acknowledge that aero helmets should ship air flow to maintain a racer from overheating – whether or not throughout a 40-minute TT or a number of hours in a triathlon. So it will get a single open entrance vent.
Rudy Challenge Wingdream – Not simply but availability
The professionals have been racing in all of it season, and the Giro noticed its official launch. However, the brand new Rudy Challenge Wingdream TT helmet gained’t really be accessible to customers till October.
When it does come into grasp this coming autumn, the Wingdream will likely be supplied in 2 sizes and in 2 colour choices.