Folks,

After field testing several helmets and addressing the question as to which one works best, here are my conclusions. Frank scale is 1-10, 10 being BORI DAMN GOOD!!!

Louis Garneau Racket Air:  Bad-ass helmet with awesome ventilation, sleek look and fits comfort ably. Drawbacks are that it is noisy and the several vents make it not as aero as one would like for  the reason you are using it. Overall it gets 4.5 Franks

Louis Garneau Chrono: Awesome smaller version of the Rocket (its daddy!!!), no worries about being fully enclosed with the fact it has no ear coverage, so it is more ventilated by nature.  Downsides are fit and it too can be loud.  Overall it gets 3 Franks

Rudy Project Syton: This is the bomb when it comes to ventilated non ear covering helmets with a kick ass look.  Just look at the folks that use it; Jalaine, Billy, Andrew Johns...  Need I say more!!!  Drawbacks are the fact that it can be more aero with the ear pieces option.  Overall 7 Franks

Giro Advantage 2: Now this is the shizzle.  Look at the sexy people who use this bad boy; Linda Wiifi herself and the freekin smokin pace she is setting at all races this year!!  I used it at Ironman 70.3 World Champs last year and set a PR for me, and at St. A's as well.  It is the most popular Tri and road racing helmet for many reasons. Primarily because it meets all CSPC standards for Tri and road TT races, translated means better for your cabeza!!!  It is the most wind tunnel tested helmet with the best ratings an least drag. Drawbacks, ventilation is less than an open ear helmet, feels like you are in a rocket ship and you better win your freekin age group with it f you use it!!!  Overall 9 Franks

The final word is that unless you are going over 20mph on the bike or riding a cooler long 70.3 or IM race, the advantages of an aero helmet will be minimal for you.  True, it may look dorky, but the clear science and technology behind it are not to be overlooked.  I suggest that you train with it on ocassion and see how it feels.  You must get use to the feel of this helmet compared to your regular road skull cap!!  If you are looking for the next level of science and want to make a difference in your performance consider an aero helmet, race wheels and loosing 10 pounds DAN!!!!!!!!!!!

PS, congrats to all who did NYC TRI, also checkout the new Shimano gear for late October 2008: http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/news_and_info/news/shimano_introduces0.html

Frank