most popular helmet tour de france

2023 Tour de France Helmets Brands and Models Guide

One of the most visible gear the Tour de France riders use is the helmet, besides their bikes and sunglasses . Many brands are known to release new models just in time for the Tour de France to gain maximum publicity. After all, the Tour de France is the pinnacle cycling race of the year.

Each team is provided with three types of helmets ;

• Aero helmets for maximizing aerodynamics and speeds. These are commonly used on flat and sprint finish stages and have minimal air vents to allow the air to flow smoothly through the helmet surface.
• Lightweight helmets are all about weight and breathability and are preferred for hilly and mountainous stages where each gram matters. These helmets have up to 20 air vents for maximum ventilation to cool down the riders.
• Time trial (TT) helmets are only used during time trials . Many models have just a handful of air vents (if any) as the helmet is designed to maximize aerodynamics.

All the helmet models are the brand’s top-of-the-line and/or latest models. Depending on the brands and models, they can cost anywhere from $200 to $400.

In 2023, there will be 16 bike helmet brands present at the Tour de France.

Ekoi (4 teams) and Specialized (3 teams) helmets are the most represented, followed by Abus (2 teams). The notable helmet brands absent are Bell and Giro.

One of the most visible gears at Tour de France 🇫🇷 is the riders' helmets besides their bikes 🚴 and sunglasses 🕶️. But did you know the most popular helmet brand at the race is one that not many know? It's not Giro, Kask or POC. pic.twitter.com/NoEv2AWDEu — Mr. Mamil (@MrMamil) July 2, 2023

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Here’s the breakdown of each helmet brand and models used by the teams.

Competitive Cyclist (US) is doing a 20% off POC helmets until the end of the Tour de France (23/7/2023). Find out more here .

2023 Tour de France helmet photos

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Tour de France: A Look at Top Bike Helmet Brands

The Tour de France is not just any cycling race - it's the pinnacle of cycling where the world's best cyclists compete for glory, and where the best cycling gear is put to the test. One of the most important pieces of gear for any cyclist is their helmet, which not only provides protection but also plays a crucial role in performance. It's the difference between a close call and a nasty spill, between a good day and a great one. That's why Huace Sports are excited to take a closer look at the helmets worn by professional cyclists in this year's Tour de France. As a bike helmet manufacturer, HuaceSports is committed to providing cyclists with top-of-the-line helmets that not only provide superior protection but also enhance their performance. Our team of designers and engineers are constantly working to improve our helmets, incorporating the latest technology and innovations to ensure that our helmets are among the best on the market. We're proud to be a part of the cycling community and to contribute to the safety and performance of cyclists around the world. So, whether you're a professional cyclist or a weekend warrior, make sure you're using the best gear to achieve your goals and stay safe on the road.

In this post, we'll explore some of the popular brands and models that have made their way onto the heads of professional cyclists, and the technology and innovation that sets them apart. So, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or simply a fan of the sport, read on to discover the Tour de France's top cycling helmets.

Ekoi tour de france helmets

Ekoi is the most commonly found helmet manufacturer in this year's Tour de France, supporting no less than four teams representing the French brand. They are also a long-termed working partner with HuaceSports, a bike helmet manufacturer dedicated to details and design. Their AR14 helmet is the one that most riders have opted for, with its aerodynamic design paired with small vents up-front for breathability. The AR14 was worn by Caleb Ewan in that stage 3 crash, as well as by stage 4's breakaway nearly man, Brent van Moer of Lotto Soudal. EKOI continues to support professional cycling teams and athletes, including Warren Barguil of Team Arkéa Samsic. As one of the best French climbers, Barguil trusts the EKOI AR14 and EKOI GARA helmets to protect him during intense competitions. This was evident in his impressive win at the 2022 Gran Premio Miguel Indurain and 1st place finish in the 5th stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico. As the Tour de France approaches in 2023, we can expect to see more EKOI gear on display as top riders rely on the brand's quality and performance to give them an edge in the world's most prestigious cycling event. Ekoi's Gara and Legende helmets have also been seen on professional cyclists in the race. The Legende replicates the retro hairnet style with modern and safe materials, while the Gara features a streamlined design for optimal performance. 

Souce: Cyclingnews

HJC is a Korean brand that has recently entered the cycling market and gained the sponsorship of professional cyclists such as Chris Froome who claims to take part in the 2023 Tour de France and Greg Van Avermaet. And same as Ekoi, HJC is also a long termed partner with Huacesports who provide cyclists with top-of-the-line helmets that meet their needs. Most of the team has been using the IBEX 2.0, but for maximum aerodynamics, riders have been switching to the Furion 2.0. On time trial days, riders switch to the Adwatt, which offers maximum aerodynamics and ventilation for optimal performance.

Kask is an Italian brand that has gained significant popularity in the Tour de France in recent years. Their helmets are known for their lightweight and comfortable design, which provides excellent ventilation and superior protection. KASK has a long-standing association with the Tour de France, and for the 2022 race, the brand has unveiled its limited edition Valegro Tour de France helmet. This helmet features a unique graphic, with seven parallel yellow lines that represent the seven Tour victories achieved by KASK riders. Only 3,328 pieces of this special helmet have been produced, with each helmet bearing a progressive number at the back to signify a cyclist's personal kilometre of the 2022 race. 

Specialized

Specialized is a leading brand in the cycling industry, known for its high-quality helmets that are designed to offer maximum comfort and safety. Specialized helmets have become a staple in the Tour de France with their exclusive use by Specialized-sponsored teams in recent years. The teams riding Specialized bikes also use their helmets, shoes, tires, and wheels, such as the Roval. Fans of the race have seen the current Road World Champion, Julian Alaphilippe, lighting up the race in the S-Works Prevail 2 while Peter Sagan, a three-time champion, will be donning the S-Works Evade. The S-Works Prevail 2 is known for its regular fit, while the S-Works Evade is aerodynamic. The teams wearing these helmets in the 2022 tour de France race include BORA Hansgrohe, QuickStep Alpha Vinyl Team, and Total Energies. Fans can get their hands on these helmets at Competitive Cyclist and Jenson USA.

Giro is another popular brand that has been present in the Tour de France for many years. Their helmets are a well-known brand among the pro peloton, with a history dating back to pre-2000. This year, three teams in the 2022 Tour de France will be wearing Giro helmets, including Groupama-FDJ. Cyclists will have the option to choose from three Giro helmets; the Giro Aether Spherical, Giro Vanquish MIPS, and Giro Aerohead MIPS helmets. The Giro Aerohead MIPS helmet will be used by Trek-Segafredo riders for time trials as their helmet supplier, Bontrager, does not produce a TT helmet.

POC tour de france helmets

POC is a Swedish brand that has revolutionized bike helmets with their patented SPIN safety technology. The unique light blue liner in all POC helmets today is indicative of the SPIN system which protects riders against rotational forces in the event of an impact. Their helmets are also among the most stylish in the pro peloton and this year, the EF Education Nippo team will be sporting the pink POC Ventral SPIN Air helmets. These helmets feature an aerodynamic design and are sure to catch the eye of spectators watching the Tour de France.

Bell is an iconic brand in the cycling industry, with over 60 years of experience in crafting high-quality helmets that are built to last. Their helmets are renowned for their durability and superior construction, making them a popular choice among cyclists. In the 2021 Tour de France, the Bell Z20 was a top pick among riders, thanks to its aerodynamic design that delivers exceptional performance in any condition. Its advanced ventilation system keeps cyclists cool and comfortable during long rides. It's unfortunate to note that Bell helmets did not make an appearance in the 2022 Tour de France, leaving fans and riders alike to wonder what happened to this classic brand.

The 2022 Tour de France showcases a total of 16 different bike helmet brands. The top two helmet brands with the most presence in the race are Ekoi and Specialized with three teams each, followed by Abus and HJC with two teams. Bell, a classic brand that has been present in the race for over 60 years, did not show up in the race this year. It is interesting to note that some of the teams choose to wear helmets from brands other than their bike sponsor's brand.

2022 bike helmet brands present at the Tour de France

In Conlusion

In conclusion, the Tour de France continues to push the boundaries of cycling technology, and the helmets worn by the pros are no exception. With the constant evolution of aerodynamics, ventilation, and safety features, it's no wonder that helmet brands are eager to showcase their products in the race. As fans and spectators, we can appreciate the commitment of the teams and riders to the sport, as well as the dedication of the helmet manufacturers to push the limits of helmet technology. Ultimately, the Tour de France is an exciting and inspiring display of the best cycling has to offer, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for helmet innovation in the race.

Ekoi Road Helmets Get Unique Koroyd Protection Debut at the Tour de France

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In the biggest race of the year, four Pro Tour teams have been racing for the past week and a half with a couple of new Ekoi road helmets equipped with Koroyd protection tech – Cofidis, Arkéa Samsic, Lotto Dstny & Israel – Premier Tech. The iconic plastic honeycomb layer tech will now boost impact protection in the new aero Aerodinamica and lightweight Stradale, while providing increased heat dissipation of the rider’s head.

Ekoi Koroyd-equipped road bike helmets at the Tour de France

Two stage winners at this summer’s Tour de France have already crossed the finish line first wearing Ekoi helmets – Victor LaFay of Cofidis on Stage 2 and then Michael Woods of Israel – Premier Tech on Stage 9 – albeit with the current non-Koroyd AR14 aero helmet.

But Caleb Ewan of Lotto Dstny has going hard and been close to victory – sprinting to 3rd in Stage 3, then 2nd in Stage 4 in sprints behind Jasper Philipsen – wearing the latest Koroyd-equipped Ekoi Aerodinamica aero road helmet.

When the race entered the mountains, we also spotted a number of Israel – Premier Tech riders with the lighter, more open-vented Stradale.

Koroyd tech inside

Ekoi says they partnered with Koroyd to benefit from increased rider protection over conventional light in-mold EPS foam construction, without sacrificing on weight or ventilation.

“ There’s a lot of stress in the peloton, especially during major events such as the Grand Tours or the Classics, which is why we wanted to work on safety in the event of a crash ,” said Jean-Christophe Rattel, Ekoi CEO. “ We approached Koroyd because we saw their concept to be the best way of optimizing the protection in our helmet.”

Tech Details – What do we know?

Ekoï describes the new Aerodinamica as their “pinnacle aero helmet, integrated with KOROYD for the ultimate in impact protection and advanced breathability”. Developed together with Italian aero specialist design firm Pininfarina, the Aerodinamica features just three vertical vents across a smooth front, no top or side vents, and a chopped-off aerodynamic tail cone shape revealing a large rear exhaust port. It looks a lot like a scaled-back aero TT helmet adapted for more versatile road riding.

The new Stradale on the other hand, opts for a fully open approach for maximum ventilation – with a new Koroyd Connect Integration Solution. Here, you can see the plastic Koroyd honeycomb as it sits under the outer polycarbonate shell and top layer of EPS foam – but is also cut away at some fully open vents to allow direct airflow cooling vs. the Koroyd solutions we’ve seen with Smith & Endura helmets in the past.

New Ekoi Koroyd helmet availability

Ekoi have technically debuted the two new Koroyd-equipped road helmets now that they’ve come out of hiding at the Tour de France, yet it’s really mostly just a teaser. We’ll still have to wait a while to get the full details, and you’ll have to wait a while until you can buy them direct from Ekoi. Official consumer availability is slated for September 2023, when we should get key data like pricing, weights, colors & sizing.

Until then, we just have to enjoy le Tour.

Cory Benson is the EU Tech Editor of Bikerumor.com .

Cory has been writing about mountain bikes, enduro, cyclocross, all-road, gravel bikes & bikepacking for over 25 years, even before the industry created some of these names. Prior to Bikerumor, Cory was a practicing Architect specializing in environmental sustainability, has designed bike shops & bike components, and worked as a bike shop mechanic.

Based in the Czech Republic for 15+ years, he is a technical mountain biker, adventurous gravel rider, and short & medium-haul bikepacker. Cory travels extensively across Europe riding bikes, meeting with key European product developers, industry experts & tastemakers for an in-depth review of what’s new, and what’s coming next.

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The Tour de France time trial helmets we'll never forget

There were several new aerodynamic lids on display in Copenhagen. We take a closer look at the most striking ones

Words: Nick Busca

Photos: Getty Images

Time trials. The races where Grand Tours are won and lost, where leader's jerseys are first given – and where aero gains materialise in all forms and shapes.

Stage one of the 2022 Tour de France was no exception. On top of the colourful EF-Education Easy Post kit and bikes , the 13km time trial in Copenhagen will also be remembered for riders forgetting to take their gilets off (we're looking at you, Geraint) and the slippery conditions.

Related: Tour de France bikes. Geraint Thomas' new Pinarello Bolide F TT

But, of course, we'll also remember a series of new, flashy helmets that have caused quite a stir on social media and generated some pretty good memes.

Specialized S-Works TT 5

T he American superbrand presented its new TT helmet as "The Fastest Aero Helmet" they're ever made – a speed dream developed in the wind tunnel (Specialized's called the Win Tunnel) with Remco Evenepoel and Kasper Asgreen from Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl.

Related: Tour de France 2022. All you need to know

Finally, the visor used in this model features a Class 1 shield that limits light distortion, something that may happen with other clear plastic lenses. The shield is also treated with hydrophobic and anti-fog coatings that help clear moisture when the weather is bad – like in Copenhagen.

Related: Tour de France prize money. How much does the winner receive?

A Specialized rider won stage one of the Tour in the end, but it's also fair to point out that Yves Lampaert of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl was using the older lid.

New Kask Bambino and Mistral visor

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, Bora-Hansgrohe and TotalEnergies were not the only teams rocking some Star Wars-like helmets in Copenhagen. The Ineos Grenadiers also showed up with a new model or – to be precise – a new optic system for their Bambino and Mistral helmets. 

Related: How fit are Tour de France riders?

However, we're sure that the sizes were correct and safety was their number one priority, and that the look was just the result of the new system.

Same same, but different

Of course, the POC Tempor used by EF Education-Easy Post is nothing new and has already proved an excellent choice in time trialling and triathlons.

Related: From ducks to dragons. EF Education partners up with Palace Skateboards once again

But given the new colour scheme featuring yellow dragons, we had to include it in the "helmets you're going to remember" round-up.

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Top seven time trial specific helmets used in the Tour de France

In stage one's individual time trial and Sunday's team time trial, we got to witness some top end kit all designed to save as many watts as possible. We look at some of the time trial specific helmets being used by the pros.

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12 July 2015 102nd Tour de France Stage 09 : Vannes - Plumelec TTT Katusha Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA

Every rider is looking to go as fast as they can using the least amount of energy. Some teams, such as LottoNL-Jumbo, have been particularly resourceful when seeking marginal gains.

Long gone are the days when Greg LeMond was seen as breaking all the rules when he chose to use time trial bars and an aero helmet in the 1989 Tour de France .

In both of the 2015 Tour de France time trials, you couldn't fail to have noticed the array of time trial specific helmets on display, from the classic long tear drop shape to some that looked a little like medieval armoured helmets.

Having a time trial helmet that fits your individual position could help you make substantial time and wattage savings.

As you’ll see below, many of the riders and teams chose to use different time trial specific helmets in the team time trial than they had used in the individual time trial.

This will have been for a variety of reasons, such as the longer distance of the team time trial, wind conditions, terrain and the amount of shelter provided by riding in a train of riders.

1. New Giro time trial helmet

The new time trial helmet from Giro caused quite a stir at the stage one individual time trial. Despite all the attention, Giro is yet to reveal the name and further details of the new helmet.

In the team time trial both Katusha and IAM riders could be seem donning the latest time trial helmet offering from Giro. The first thing you notice is the huge wrap-around visor which appears to go beyond the rider’s ears. Secondly, the front of the helmet protrudes over the visor which gives a futuristic look. The helmet has a short cut off tail and the visor is held on by a row of magnets.

Rohan Dennis rode to victory in the individual time trial wearing Giro's new helmet. However, for the team time trial the BMC riders largely reverted to what looked like a shortened version of the popular Giro Selector. This may have been due to the team trial being close to double the length of the stage one individual time trial and that save for small vents on the visor it looks like there are no other vents on the new helmet.

2. Catlike Chrono and Catlike's new time trial specific helmet

For the team time trial Alex Dowsett and the rest of the Movistar riders appeared to be using a mix of Catlike’s popular Chrono WT and the latest aero lid from Spanish helmet manufacturer.

With quite a long tail, the Chrono is not for riders who have a tendency to look down. Nairo Quintana obviously felt he was one such rider as he opted for the new Catlike helmet in both the individual and team time trials.

Compared to the Chrono the new helmet looks more like a motorbike helmet with its very short, if not close to non-existent tail. It also appears to have far more ventilation, in particular it has two large vents in the middle of the helmet and 'gills' on the side of the visor.

3. Giant Rivet TT Helmet

Giant-Alpecin are more recognised for the team’s sprinting prowess . However, they can put in a mean time trial. The Giant-Alpecin riders were seen using the Giant Rivet TT helmet, which like some of its competitors has large air vents at the front of the helmet.

The helmet looks minimalist and has a very short tail which is definitely a trend in aero helmets at the moment. Giant claims the short tail produces minimal drag in real world conditions.

4. Specialized S-Works McLaren TT

Astana and Mark Cavendish's Etixx - Quick-Step wore the S-Works TT McLaren in both time trials. The McLaren, the original of which has been around since 2012, uses a cone like profile which Specialized claims has been developed to be as aero as possible in a variety of positions, not just head on.

Due to his unfortunate crash whilst in the yellow jersey , in the team time trial Team Etixx-Quick-Step had to do without the substantial time trial ability of the former world time trial champion, Tony Martin. As shown above, Martin opts for a long tailed helmet from Specialized.

5. Kask Bambino

In the team time trial, wearing the Kask Bambino, Sky rode as a tightly knit and efficient unit to just miss out on winning the stage by under a second. The Kask Bambino with a stubby and curved tail is a prime example of how the shape of time trial specific helmets have changed in recent years.

6. Bell Javelin

Having won the team prize on stage one the LottoNL-Jumbo riders stuck to wearing the Bell Javelin for the team time trial. Although LottoNL-Jumbo were not able to repeat the success of stage one, the Bell Javelin is commonly recognised as a very competitive time trial helmet.

7. Lazer Wasp

For both the individual time trial and team time trial, Lotto-Soudal riders wore the Lazer Wasp. The Wasp has a very distinctive shape with a relatively wide front profile and a curved tail that is designed to follow the contour of the rider’s back.

It looks very fast but it is a prime example of when a rider must be able to maintain a good riding position, otherwise the long tail could be a hindrance.

Tour de France 2015 stage nine highlights

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The Crazy-Cool Helmets of the 2016 Tour de France

These lids are designed to keep riders safe, cool, aerodynamic—and sleek as hell

Ekoi Corsa Lite With Cover

Show your love of the Tour with our striking, limited-edition "Les Couleurs de la Victoire" poster .

Giant Pursuit

Giant introduced a new aero-road helmet for the Tour. The Pursuit ($230, available this fall) weighs about 250 grams and incorporates large front vents and internal channeling for ventilation. Aerodynamics are handled in part by a unique scallop to the rear of the helmet. 

     RELATED: The Totally Awesome Road Bikes of the 2016 Tour de France

Specialized Prevail

Riders on Tinkoff, Astana , and Etixx—Quick-Step were wearing a new version of the Specialized Prevail helmet. They company has not released full details of the Prevail II (they should come any day), but a quick examination revealed dual-density foam (designated by different colors), sleeker shaping, and revised vents, most obvious from the rear.

Limar 007 Superlight

Limar’s offering in the aero-road helmet category is the 007 Superlight ($239). Essentially the company’s Speed King Superlight TT helmet without ear flaps, the 007 doesn’t appear to have tremendous ventilation. Claimed weight is 320 grams, and it’s offered in one universal size.

     RELATED: The Coolest Gear from the 2016 Tour de France

Giro Air Attack

Giro’s Air Attack continues to spark heated debates about its appearance, but its arrival on the scene in 2012 helped kick off the aero-road helmet phenomenon. Though Giro’s Synthe helmet is far more popular with Giro’s riders, the Air Attack continues to see use. A medium Air Attack weighs about 300 grams and retails for $200. 

Giro Synthe

The Synthe is Giro’s top-of-the-line road helmet. It’s nearly as aerodynamic as the Air Attack, but lighter (claimed weight 270 grams). It also offers much better ventilation, and a less-polarizing profile. It retails for $250, or $270 with MIPS.

MET offers two versions of the same helmet: The Manta, shown, has fewer vents and a smoother profile, so it’s the more aerodynamic of the duo. Its sibling is the Rivale, which MET says is still an aerodynamic helmet, just less so because it has more and larger vents. According to information provided by a MET representative, the Rivale saves 3 watts at 50kph; the Manta saves 10 watts at 50kph, “compared to other similar road helmets.” Claimed weights for the CPSC versions are very low: the Manta, 265 grams, the Rivale 260g. MET helmets are now available in the US. The Rivale sells for about $200; no US price for the Manta was available. 

     RELATED: How Racing the Tour Changes Cyclists' Bodies

Specialized Evade

Though Specialized debuted a new Prevail helmet at the Tour, the Evade aero-road helmet ($225) continues to be a popular helmet with riders, particularly on flatter stages. Over three years old now, the Evade is one of the oldest helmets in the category, and, with the Giro Air Attack, helped popularize the trend. The Evade is used by Etixx—Quick-Step, Astana, and Tinkoff. World Champ Peter Sagan , shown, gets a custom-painted Evade to match his sweet bike.

The FDJ team wears the BBB Icarus, a low-profile helmet with a generous helping of vents: 29 in all. Not available in the US, the Icarus is a mid-priced helmet that comes in at about 280 grams. BBB also offers its version of an aero-road helmet, called Tithon; however, FDJ riders have shown a clear preference for the Icraus. 

ABUS Tec-Tical v.2

In the US, ABUS is known primarily as a lock company. It's less-well-known that the brand also offers a complete line of helmets. Bora-Argon 18 riders are primarily seen wearing the Tec-Tical Pro v.2, a 260-gram helmet with 31 vents. Team riders also have access to the variant shown, which closes off many of the forward vents for improved aerodynamics.

Spiuk Dharma

Fortuneo-Vital Concept riders wear Spiuk’s Dharma, a mid-priced (about $100 in US dollars), mid-weight (260 grams claimed) helmet with 20 vents. Spiuk’s products are currently not sold in the USA, but the brand offers an extensive range of value-priced products.

POC Octal Aero

For days when aerodynamics are the priority, Cannondale-Drapac riders reach for POC’s Octal Aero. Essentially, this is POC’s Octal road helmet with a cover glued over most of the vents. Claimed weight is 285 grams (size medium), and it’s available in four colors for $270 to $300. Shown is the Octal Aero in POC’s 10th anniversary yellow.

Bell Zypher

Bell provided Lotto-NL Jumbo’s riders with a brand new helmet for the Tour. Bell won’t provide any details until the helmet officially launches in late August, but based on a hands on inspection, it’s called the Zypher, it has MIPS, and a new version of Bell’s fit system called Float Race, which is height and diameter adjustable. Also interesting is the brow pad, which has a tongue which wraps over the front rim of the helmet and extends forward. 

      RELATED: 5 Great Helmets for Less Than $50

Lotto-Sudal’s riders continued to use Lazer’s existing Z1 road helmet for most stages. Riders wore yellow helmets on stage two to designate their position as leaders of the team classification. The Z1 sells for $270, $310 with MIPS, and is offered in three sizes and 10 colors.

Bontrager Ballista

Trek-Segafredo riders are wearing the Bontrager Ballista aero road helmet for the Tour’s flatter stages. Claimed to be one of the fastest aero road helmets, Bontrager also says it is one of the best ventilated. For sure it’s one of the least expensive, selling for $175. The Ballista is offered in three sizes and five colors.

Lazer Z1 Fast

When it’s a flat stage and the team is planning to lead out sprinter Andre Greipel , Lotto-Soudal riders wear the Lazer Z1 Fast. This helmet is simply the Z1 road helmet with a glued-on cover blocking the vents, which improves aerodynamics. Lazer sells a removable cover for the Z1 road helmet which essentially turns the Z1 into the Z1 Fast. However, because of one of the UCI’s equipment regulations, racers in the Tour cannot wear a helmet with removable cover—it must be glued in place. The Z1 Fast sells for $280 and is offered in three sizes and one color. 

Bell Star Pro

Though Lotto NL Jumbo riders primarily wore Bell’s new Zypher road helmet, the did pull out the Star Pro aero road helmet for some stages. This helmet’s unique feature is a slider that lets riders close off the vents on the fly, improving aerodynamics for the final sprint, or shutting out the weather. Shown is the custom-painted Star Pro for Dutch national champion Dylan Groenewegen. The Star Pro is offered in four colors and three sizes, and comes with a clip-on eyeshield. It retails for $280 to $320. 

      RELATED:  How Tour de France Helmets Have Evolved

Suomy Gun Wind

Like last year, the most unique helmet in the peloton was the Suomy Gun Wind worn by Lampre-Merida. The Italian-made helmet is not offered in the USA, which is unfortunate because it’s offered in a staggering 13 color variants. 

Though some Katusha riders occasionally wore Giro’s Air Attack, they were most often seen in the Synthe in an attractive red on red color combo. 

Scott Centric Plus

Scott unveiled two new helmets for the riders of Orica-BikeExchange. The Cadence Plus ($200) and the Centric Plus ($250, shown). While both helmets have claimed aerodynamic benefits, the Cadence is more aero, but less ventilated, while the Centric has larger vents, but isn’t as slippery. The helmets should be available in the USA later this year.

Ekoi Corsa Lite

The Ag2r-La Mondiale team wears one of the least-expensive helmets in the peloton. The Ekoi Corsa Lite sells for €129.90 overseas. The helmet is quite light—189 grams for sizes S/M, though European CE-spec helmets are typically lighter than CPSC-spec helmets due to different test standards—and features 24 vents and a height-and-size adjustable fit system. 

Limar Ultralight+

Direct Energie’s primary helmet for the Tour is Limar’s Ultralight+. Claimed to be the lightest helmet in the world (175 grams, size medium), the Ultralight+ has 22 big vents to move air, and netting in the vents to keep the bugs out of the riders hair. It retails for $229. 

      RELATED: This Helmet Has a Heart-Rate Monitor Built In

Orbea isn’t just Cofidis’ bike sponsor—it also provides the team with helmets. The low-profile R10 has 29 vents, but comes with a cover that blocks off all those vents and improves aerodynamics. While you can get Orbea’s bikes in the USA, the helmets don’t make the trip over here. 

Giant’s Pursuit aero-road helmet was all new for the Tour, but some riders still turned to the more traditional Rev helmet. Available in five colors and three sizes, the Rev sells for $150.

Kask Protone

The helmet most often used by Team Sky’s riders was the Kask Protone, a helmet that combines large vents in front, with a smooth, aerodynamic rear section. The Protone employs some unique features, including a leather chin strap and Kask’s Octo Fit system, the most adjustable available. The Protone sells for $300, and is offered in two sizes and 17 colors.

Catlike Cloud 352

Catlike’s helmets are always eye-catching, and that’s certainly one way to describe the Cloud 352, the company’s entry into the aero-road helmet game. Two interchangeable tops are offered: Shown is the more breathable, but less aero, ventilated top (which has 352 holes), while a smooth closed top offers better aerodynamics. The Cloud 352 is offered in three sizes and six colors with a claimed weight of 330 grams (size medium) and sells for $250. Catllike’s USA offices expect the helmet to be in stock this fall. 

      RELATED: 14 Questions You've Always Had About the Tour de France

Limited-Edition POC Octal

To celebrate its 10th year in business, POC provided Cannondale-Drapac riders with the company’s familiar Octal helmet in a limited edition Unobtanium Yellow color. If that’s not your style, the Octal is offered in many other colors. The limited edition helmet sells for $270 and does not use the MIPS system. Standard-color Octal helmets sell for $240; the Octal with MIPS is $320. 

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Exploring Tour de France Helmets: A Comprehensive Guide

As a professional copywriting journalist, I have witnessed the increasing popularity of cycling and the sport’s most renowned event, the Tour de France. The race brings together the world’s top cycling athletes and showcases their skills on one of the most challenging courses. With such high-speed races, the safety of the athletes is of utmost importance, and Tour de France helmets play a pivotal role in ensuring their protection.

In this comprehensive guide, I will take a closer look at Tour de France helmets , their history, design advancements, and reviews. Whether you’re a professional cyclist or a cycling enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions when choosing the best Tour de France helmet for your needs.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of lightweight helmets, the advantages of aerodynamic design, the future of tour de france helmet technology, kask protone helmet, bell z20 aero mips helmet, giro aether mips helmet, make informed decisions, analyze top-rated options, benefit from essential aspects, are tour de france helmets different from regular cycling helmets, what are some key features to look for in tour de france helmets, can i use a tour de france helmet for recreational cycling, how do i determine the right size for a tour de france helmet, how often should i replace my tour de france helmet, can i customize the design of my tour de france helmet, are tour de france helmets compatible with all cycling accessories, are tour de france helmets suitable for all weather conditions, where can i purchase tour de france helmets, related posts:.

• Tour de France helmets play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the athletes during the race.
• This guide will provide an in-depth exploration of Tour de France helmets, their history, design advancements, and reviews.
• Whether you’re a professional cyclist or a cycling enthusiast, this guide will give you the necessary knowledge to choose the best Tour de France helmet for your needs.
• Stay tuned for insights into advancements in Tour de France helmet technology and a closer look at the top-rated Tour de France helmets available in the market.

Advancements in Tour de France Helmet Technology

When it comes to Tour de France helmets, performance is everything. To gain an edge over their competitors, professional cyclists need helmets that are both lightweight and aerodynamic, providing superior speed and comfort on the racecourse.

In recent years, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber have become extremely popular in the construction of Tour de France helmets. These helmets are designed to be as light as possible, allowing riders to move faster and expend less energy during the race.

But how much of a difference can a few ounces really make? According to a study by the Journal of Sports Sciences, reducing the weight of a rider’s helmet by just 10% can result in a 2% increase in overall cycling performance. For professional cyclists, where every second counts, this can be the difference between winning and losing.

Another key factor in Tour de France helmet technology is aerodynamics. Aerodynamic helmets are designed to reduce wind resistance, allowing cyclists to cut through the air with greater ease. This, in turn, can significantly improve a rider’s speed and performance on the course.

There are many features that make a helmet aerodynamic, such as streamlined shapes and ventilation systems that reduce drag. Some manufacturers even use wind tunnel testing to optimize their helmet designs and ensure maximum performance on the racecourse.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovations in Tour de France helmet design. From improved materials to advanced ventilation systems, these helmets will continue to push the limits of what’s possible on the racecourse.

• Smart helmets that provide real-time feedback on a rider’s performance and health are already in development.
• The use of 3D printing technology is enabling manufacturers to create customized helmets that fit each rider’s head perfectly.
• Some manufacturers are even experimenting with built-in cameras and communication systems, allowing riders to stay connected and record their experiences on the racecourse.

Overall, the future of Tour de France helmet technology is bright, and we can expect to see even more exciting advancements in the years to come.

Top-Rated Tour de France Helmets: A Closer Look

When it comes to professional Tour de France cycling, choosing the right helmet is crucial. The best Tour de France helmets offer a combination of protection, comfort, and performance-enhancing features. Here are some of the top-rated helmets that professional cyclists trust, and what sets them apart from the rest.

The Kask Protone Helmet is a popular choice among professional cyclists, and for good reason. With its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction, this helmet can help cyclists shave precious seconds off their time. The helmet features a multi-layer construction, providing excellent protection in the event of an impact. It also has a comfortable fit, with soft padding that molds to the rider’s head, ensuring a secure and snug fit.

The Bell Z20 Aero MIPS Helmet is a helmet designed to optimize aerodynamics, while still offering superior protection. Its unique design features a dimpled surface and a special padded interior to reduce wind resistance and enhance ventilation, ensuring a cool and comfortable ride. The helmet also incorporates MIPS technology, providing an extra level of protection against rotational forces in the event of a crash.

The Giro Aether MIPS Helmet is a helmet designed specifically for the Tour de France, with input from professional cyclists. Its aerodynamic design and MIPS technology provide excellent protection and performance enhancement. The helmet has a unique construction, with a dual-density foam liner that provides extra protection in high-impact areas. It also features a comfortable Roc Loc Air fit system, allowing for a customizable fit that can be adjusted on the go.

• Kask Protone Helmet: Lightweight construction, Multi-layer protection, Comfortable fit
• Bell Z20 Aero MIPS Helmet: Unique aerodynamic design, MIPS technology, Ventilation system
• Giro Aether MIPS Helmet: Designed specifically for Tour de France, Dual-density foam liner, Roc Loc Air fit system

Choosing the best Tour de France helmet is a personal decision, and each cyclist has their own preferences and requirements. However, these top-rated helmets have proven themselves on the racecourse, offering superior protection, comfort, and performance-enhancing features. As a professional copywriting journalist, it’s my recommendation that the Kask Protone Helmet, Bell Z20 Aero MIPS Helmet, and Giro Aether MIPS Helmet are the top options for professional Tour de France cyclists.

As a professional copywriting journalist, I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into Tour de France helmets. By exploring their history, design advancements, and reviews, you now have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing the perfect helmet.

Remember, when choosing a Tour de France helmet, you must consider the key features that make them stand out. From lightweight materials to aerodynamic designs, every aspect of the helmet can impact your performance and safety. Therefore, it is essential to make informed decisions when selecting one.

If you’re a professional cyclist participating in the race, analyzing the top-rated Tour de France helmets in detail is crucial. These helmets are tailored to meet the needs of professionals like you, providing optimal safety and performance. So, make sure to scrutinize them closely before making your final choice.

With this knowledge, you can benefit from the essential aspects of Tour de France helmets. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a professional, this guide has covered everything you need to know to make an informed decision about a helmet. So, choose wisely, and get ready to take on Tour de France with confidence!

Yes, Tour de France helmets are specifically designed for professional racing and have advanced features that optimize performance and safety on the racecourse.

Lightweight construction, aerodynamic design, superior ventilation, and a secure fit are some important features to consider when choosing a Tour de France helmet.

While Tour de France helmets are designed for professional racing, they can also be used for recreational cycling. However, keep in mind that they may have a more aggressive fit and may not prioritize comfort for longer rides.

To ensure a proper fit, measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows. Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find the corresponding helmet size.

It is recommended to replace your Tour de France helmet every 3 to 5 years, or immediately if it has been involved in a significant impact or crash.

Some Tour de France helmet models offer customization options, allowing you to personalize the design with your team colors, logos, or other graphics. Check with the manufacturer for available customization features.

Tour de France helmets typically have universal compatibility with various cycling accessories such as sunglasses, helmet covers, and chin straps. However, it is still advisable to check the helmet’s specifications for specific compatibility details.

Most Tour de France helmets are designed to offer adequate ventilation for hot weather conditions. However, some models may also include removable or adjustable vent covers to provide better insulation in cold or wet conditions.

Tour de France helmets can be purchased from reputable cycling retailers, online stores, or directly from the manufacturers’ websites. Ensure that you buy from authorized sellers to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the helmet.

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2023 Tour de France bikes — your definitive guide to what the top pro cycling teams are riding this year

First Published Jun 28, 2023

Let’s check out the bikes and equipment that the world’s best road cyclists will be riding in the Tour de France.

There are 18 WorldTour men's teams in 2023. All of these will race the Tour de France along with four wildcard teams that have been invited to compete.

Of the WorldTour men's teams, 12 use Shimano groupsets, only one runs Campagnolo and the rest are on SRAM. Perhaps the most unexpected shift (no pun intended) for this season was made by UAE Team Emirates, which dropped Campagnolo as its component sponsor along with other Italian components from its bikes. This might have left quite a few Italians mortified, as the UAE team are now running very Italian Colnago bikes with very much not Italian Shimano groupsets...

In terms of the teams themselves, the men’s WorldTour roster has seen two new teams in 2023: Alpecin-Deceuninck and Arkéa-Samsic. Both Israel-PremierTech and Lotto–Dstny have left the World Tour but they take part in the Tour de France as wildcards alongside TotalEnergies and Uno-X.

Without further ado, let's have a look at the bikes... 

AG2R Citroën Team

We also spotted a new BMC bike being used by team members at the Criterium du Dauphine, and it's likely to see more action in the Tour de France.

> BMC prototype aero superbike spotted at Dauphine

We can also spot something that has become a rarity in the WorldTour: Campagnolo groupsets and wheels.

Yes, AG2R Citroen is the only WorldTour team that is running a Campag groupset in 2023. It'll be interesting to see if all of the riders are on the brand-new version of Super Record.

> Campagnolo ditches iconic thumb shifter and goes wireless with new Super Record Wireless electronic groupset... and it'll cost you £4.5k

The team bikes also feature Italian-quality components, with Pirelli tyres and Fizik saddles.

Alpecin–Deceuninck

Alpecin-Deceuninck were only promoted to the WorldTour level this year, which might come as a surprise given riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen are in its line-up. 

Spec-wise, the team run Shimano’s Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and wheels. The tyres are Vittoria – usually the new Vittoria Corsa Pro – and the team sit on Selle Italia saddles. 

Arkéa–Samsic

French team Arkéa-Samsic have welcomed Bianchi  as their bike sponsor to replace Canyon, having the Oltre RC, Specialissima and Aquilla TT at their disposal.

The bikes come with Shimano groupsets and wheels, except for TTs where the wheels are Vision. The team uses Continental tyres and Selle Italia saddles.

Astana Qazaqstan

Mark Cavendish's Kazakh team is continuing with Wilier Triestina bikes: the Zero SLR and Filante SLR models, equipped with Shimano groupsets and Corima wheels...

...although they've also used wheels from HED, which isn't a sponsor, this year. Those huge blue logos are hardly subtle.

For time trials, the team swaps onto the Wilier Turbine. The fresh “chrome-painted graphite” paintwork of the Wilier frames has impressed art lovers and bike enthusiasts alike. 

Bahrain Victorious

Bahrain Victorious are using the same trusted Merida bikes as last year, with the Reacto, Scultura and Warp TT models forming the line-up – but in a Pearl finish especially for the Tour de France. It's a "homage to Bahrain’s rich pearling history", apparently.

Shimano Dura-Ace remains the groupset, the wheels are Vision, the saddles Prologo and finishing kit is handled by FSA.

Bora-Hansgrohe

Even though they’ve been a World team since 2017, it was only last year we saw Bora-Hansgrohe win their first Grand Tour when Jai Hindley smashed the Giro d’Italia  and became the first Aussie to win the Giro. 

The German team rides Specialized bikes, the US brand being a key sponsor. Specialized supplies it all: the Tarmac SL7 for the road, Shiv TT for the time trials, Roval wheels and Specialized tyres. Groupsets are Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and the saddles and the finishing kit come from both Specialized and Shimano subsidiary PRO. 

> Look unveils lightened 795 Blade RS road bike and disc brake-equipped 796 Monoblade RS time trial bike

Cofidis has moved from Campagnolo to Shimano this year, which means they had an opportunity to introduce yet another French brand, Corima, as the wheel sponsor. The tyres on those wheels are from Michelin.  

EF Education-Easypost

The American team, well known for their bold kit designs, sticks to the same bunch of sponsors as before: Cannondale bikes with Shimano groups, Vision wheels and Prologo saddles.

The riders are on the Cannondale SuperSix Evo (above) which was updated earlier this year.

> Cannondale launches new aero-optimised SuperSix Evo 4 with threaded bottom bracket — all the details + first ride review

They also have the SystemSix aero road bike which, launched back in 2018, must surely be the next Cannondale bike to get a refresh.

Groupama-FDJ

The French team entering its 28th season is continuing its long-lasting partnership with Lapierre bikes, which come equipped with Shimano groupsets and wheels.

In terms of models, the Xelius and Aircode framesets are the go-to options.

Ineos Grenadiers

Another team with very few changes: Ineos Grenadiers continues to ride the Pinarello Dogma F and the refreshed Bolide TT.

The groupsets are Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and the wheels are usually from Shimano too – although the team has been known to dip into the Lightweight and Princeton ranges in its search for those famous marginal gains. 

The tyres are Continental, the saddles Fizik and the finishing kit is from Pinarello's MOST brand. 

Intermarché–Circus–Wanty

The Belgian team continues to ride Cube bikes equipped with Shimano groupsets, Newmen wheels and Prologo saddles.

Riders can choose either the superlight Cube Litening Air C:68X or the Litening C:68X Aero for lower drag. The Aerium C:68 TT is there for time trials. 

> Cube launches Litening AIR C:68X Series road bikes with a claimed frame weight of 799g

Israel - Premier Tech

Pic © Zac Williams SWpix.com (t-a Photography Hub Ltd)

UCI ProTeam Israel Premier Tech rides bikes from Factor, usually the Ostro VAM (above). However, we know that Factor is releasing a new bike on 10th July 2023, the first Tour de France rest day, which suggests it’s a road race model that’ll play a part in this year’s race. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.

Israel Premier Tech use wheels from Factor’s Black Inc brand fitted with Maxxis tyres.

Although the riders use FSA chainsets, the shifters and derailleurs are Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.

Jayco Alula

Team BikeExchange-Jayco has had a slight name change to Jayco AluIa but the team’s bikes stay the same with riders on Giant’s Propel Advanced SL, TCR Advanced SL (above) and Trinity TT.

Wheels are from Giant's Cadex brand and Shimano is the main equipment partner. 

Jumbo-Visma

Jumbo-Visma won the Tour de France last year with Jonas Vingegaard and the team roster for this year's race includes huge names like Wout Van Aert and Christophe Laporte, as well as the defending champion.

Cervelo is still the bike supplier to both the men's and women's teams, although the S5 (above), R5 and P5 models are now equipped with SRAM groupsets instead of Shimano. Vingegaard used a 1x (single chainring) setup for some stages of the Criterium du Dauphine. It'll be interesting to see if he takes the same approach in the Tour.

> Is Vingegaard going 1x for the Tour de France?

Wheels are new too, with the teams riding on Reserve hoops. 

Trek-Segafredo has just changed its name to Lidl-Trek. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen whether the riders will be racing immediately on bikes with updated livery.

The Trek Madone and Emonda road bikes are the usual weapons of choice, with the Speed Concept for time trials. 

SRAM supplies the groupsets while Trek's Bontrager brand provides pretty much everything else.

Lotto–Dstny

Lotto–Dstny use bikes from Ridley, usually the lightweight Helium or the aero Noah. However, we spotted a prototype being ridden by Maxim Van Gils in the Criterium du Dauphine, and it doesn’t look like any bike from the existing range.

> New Ridley road bike breaks cover at Critérium du Dauphiné 

We don’t have a name or a launch date yet but it looks like Ridley is combining light weight with aero features – which has been a big trend in the road bike market over the past few years.

Lotto–Dstny uses Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets, DT Swiss wheels and Vittoria tyres.

Movistar Team

Movistar continues to ride Canyon bikes – the lightweight Ultimate (above) and the aero-optimised Aeroad (below). 

The team uses SRAM Red eTap groupsets, Zipp wheels and Fizik saddles. 

Soudal Quick-Step

After yet another name change (the eighth, if you’re counting), Soudal Quick-Step races the 2023 season with trusty Specialized bikes and Roval wheels, saddles, tyres and finishing kit. Groupsets are still from Shimano.

Scott returns to provide the DSM men's and women's teams with bikes, the Foil RC being the popular choice for most stages. 

> Check out our review of the Scott Foil RC Pro 2023

The groupsets are Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, the wheels are Shimano and wrapped on them are Vittoria tyres. Scott’s subsidiary Syncros is providing all of the finishing kit, including the saddles. 

TotalEnergies

Although it’s a UCI ProTeam rather than a WorldTeam, TotalEnergies boasts riders of the calibre of Edvard Boasson Hagen and Peter Sagan on the Tour de France start list.

The team is sponsored by Specialized so uses Tarmac SL7 road bikes and Royal wheels.

This is yet another team that uses Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets.

UAE Team Emirates

The UAE Team Emirates riders have used the Colnago V4RS road bike this year after Tadej Pogačar raced on the prototype version in 2022.

It's all change regarding the groupset, UAE Team Emirates switching from Campagnolo to Shimano.

Pirelli tyres have been swapped to  Continental , and the wheels are now Enve.

UNO-X Pro Cycling Team

Uno-X has changed little for 2023. Norway's Dare continues to be the bike and finishing kit sponsor – a brand that's little known in the UK. The bikes come equipped with Shimano groupsets and DT Swiss wheels.

What's your favourite bike in this year's Tour de France? Let us know in the comments...

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Suvi joined F-At in 2022, first writing for off-road.cc. She's since joined the tech hub, and contributes to all of the sites covering tech news, features, reviews and women's cycling content. Lover of long-distance cycling, Suvi is easily convinced to join any rides and events that cover over 100km, and ideally, plenty of cake and coffee stops. 

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Looks like the Lotto rider has just borrowed a TCR. 

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Checked on the TV guide last night.

Pleased to see that ITV still get to show it.

I wonder for how much longer?

No Tarmac SL8 this summer then...

Really sad to see Bianchi making such ugly bikes.

Scoob_84 wrote: Really sad to see Bianchi making such ugly bikes.

They only had an image of the Oltre RC. I am biased, I think the Specialissima looks fine.

philsinclair wrote: Scoob_84 wrote: Really sad to see Bianchi making such ugly bikes.

That is a lovely looking bike to be fair. Probably their only decent looking tour level bike in the last 10 years though. The aria also looks good, but not tour level. 

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On the last day before time trials at the Tour de France, teams are on their last seconds to fine-tune their kits. Specialized team riders will choose from a quiver of three updated S-Works helmets.

The new lineup of Specialized S-Works helmets encompasses three familiar models, all optimized for airflow and aerodynamics. Each one focuses on a specific set of conditions and riding disciplines.

To perform the upgrades, Specialized rolled out fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and testing on multiple continents including aero trials in its “Win Tunnel.” Rider feedback informed the process that ultimately produced the competition-focused Evade 3, lightweight Prevail 3, and speed-optimized TT5.

Without further ado, here are the three models you’ll see on the noggins of Specialized riders.

S-Works Evade 3

When Specialized looked at updates the Evade 2 needed, it found the most room for growth in airflow. But fluid dynamics tests also showed its slight teardrop shape made sense. Making aero gains would require a redesign that didn’t compromise overall form factor.

Enlarged front vents primarily help increase airflow. A rear diffuser, brand new to the design, helps airflow as well but also supports aerodynamics at the top back of the helmet. That area, according to Bikerumor , was one of the previous design’s few draggy spots.

Everything from Formula 1 cars to structures found in nature inspired the diffuser. The result? The Evade 3 has 10% better ventilation than the Evade 2, and it maintains aero performance at the top of the road helmet class.

The Evade 3 (like the Prevail 3) also adds MIPS Air Node technology to lower rotational impact force but minimize sacrifices in profile and breathability. MIPS Air Node integrates directly into the padding, behind a sleek low-friction layer.

With proprietary development, Specialized added perforations in search of a balance between breathability, safety performance, comfort, and weight savings.

S-Works Prevail 3

Seeking to make the S-Works Prevail even more lightweight and ventilated without compromising protection, Specialized took the design to the Win Tunnel. The all-around helmet still had to perform on long climbs in the hot sun and hold up in case of a worst-case scenario on a downhill.

Through testing, the team found it could eliminate the bucket’s air-blocking foam “bridges” from the Prevail’s crown by introducing a narrow carbon roll cage. The unique design also increases the previous unit’s ventilated surface area by a massive 24.5%.

Woven aramid “cables” span the helmet and anchor to carbon fiber side panels. On impact, the so-called AirCage technology works like a suspension bridge to diffuse force across the system.

The design not only looks wild, but it should also work wonders to keep riders cool, especially at low speeds and huff-and-puff scenarios like big climbs.

S-Works TT5

Per Bikerumor , Specialized admitted the TT4 fell behind the peloton of futuristic aero helmets. Now, it hopes the redesigned TT5 will help it pull back even with the pack.

Riders Weigh In on Redesign

World-class riders like Remco Evenepoel and Kasper Asgreen of Quick-StepAlpha Vinyl consulted on the new, slippery design, spinning for hours in the Win Tunnel.

Fluid dynamics helped the team draw the rear of the TT5 back over the rider’s shoulders in an attempt to create a slipstream. An internal sock seeks to help keep the helmet in the right place on the rider’s head and cut down on rotational force on impact.

Evenepoel then put the screws to the TT5 in a time trial — to substantial effect. Specialized reported he hacked 26 seconds off a previous 40K time trial; true, this year’s Tour de France time trial only covers 13K, but in a race where the top finisher usually wins by tenths of a second, almost a half-minute represents a gulf.

Virginia Tech tested each helmet for safety in its highly respected facilities, and gave the Evade 3 and Prevail 3 a 5-star (highest) rating. Each of these Specialized helmets comes in three sizes, various colors, and retails for $300 MSRP.

Check them out on Specialized-sponsored riders at this year’s Tour de France, which kicks off tomorrow in Copenhagen .

Tour de France: Making Sense of Cycling's Biggest Race

There are only a handful of events in the world that showcase the endurance capabilities of the human body like the Tour de France. Read more…

Sam Anderson is a staff writer at GearJunkie, and several other All Gear websites.

He has been writing about climbing, cycling, running, wildlife, outdoor policy, the outdoor industry, vehicles, and more for 2 years. Prior to GearJunkie, he owned and operated his own business before freelancing at GearHungry. Based in Austin, Texas, Anderson loves to climb, boulder, road bike, trail run, and frequent local watering holes (of both varieties).

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EKOI and Pininfarina unveil the Aerodinamica helmet

EKOI unveils the first cycling helmet designed by Pininfarina.

In 1936, Battista Pinin Farina designed one of his first aerodynamic vehicles: the Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica. Eighty-seven years later and the famous design house drafts its first cycling helmet in partnership with EKOI. The EKOI Aerodinamica helmet will be used in this year’s Tour de France by four teams; Cofidis , Israel-Premier Tech , Lotto Dstny and Team Arkea-Samsic . That makes EKOI helmets the most popular in the peloton.

EKOI said that their engineers worked with Pininfarina’s designers to produce a helmet that made “made no concessions between elegance and performance” : no small task. The shape of the helmet was refined at Pininfarina’s legendary wind tunnel along with choice of racing colours and the incorporation of the latest safety innovations.

Meanwhile on the safety side the EKOI say the Aerodinamica will be the only helmet using Koroyd technology in the UCI WorldTour. The helmet uses four inserts of Koroyd, which consists of a honeycomb structure of long, thin tubes heat-welded together. The tubes’ thin walls collapse evenly in the event of impact, absorbing the impact’s energy on the helmet. Koroyd’s honeycomb structure means that as well as being light-weight it allows air to circulate, keeping you cool.

Tested by the pros!

The EKOI Aerodinamica was tested during its development phase by pro riders Giacomo Nizzolo and Caleb Ewan. They took it to wins in the Tro Bro Léon and the Van Merksteijn Fences Classic respectively. In EKOi’s promotional video Ewan describes how important aerodynamics are when sprinting at 70Kmh: speeds most of us will only approach on a long down-hill! However it’s good to know that at our reduced speeds we’ll be able to make use of Pininfarina’s styling.

No date has been given for the release of the new Aerodinamica helmet, we can assume it will be post-Tour. While Tour de France riders can use the Aerodinamica some – like stage 2 winner Victor Lafay – are still using EKOI’s AR14 and AR15 helmets. The latter takes an interesting approach to aero, with magnetic clip-on side panels, allowing the rider to choose between aero or cooling benefits. We’ll try and get our hands on one of these new helmets and let you know how they perform. We have previously tested EKOI’s Corsa helmet, read the review here .

Technical specifications of the EKOI Aerodinamica helmet

High level of protection thanks to Koroyd® technology (+48% energy absorption compared to standard EPS)

First cycling helmet in the world to be designed by Pininfarina

Developed in a wind tunnel to minimize its drag ratio (CX)

Modular design: 100% aero closed helmet / 100% comfort and airflow open helmet.

Fidlock® magnetic buckle: intuitive single-handed adjustment to open and close the chinstrap

ATOP® wheel: micrometric adjustment of occipital support

Adjustable straps with lateral V-shaped adjustment buckles under the ears

Koroyd® protection: 2 side inserts and 2 front inserts

CE / CPSC / AS NZ / UKCA certifications

Helmet available in two colour options: white-red and black

Price : 249,99 euros

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THE YELLOW HELMET AND THE WISP OF HAIR

What remains of the tour de france after it ends   do we remember the suffering—the last meters climbing mont ventoux do we still feel the tension of racing—the top of the col du portet just meters before the finish line do we remember the champagne and the glory on the champs-élysées   for us the image that remains from this tour de france is the pure joy of tadej pogačar riding his bike with hair coming out of his yellow helmet. because in the end, we all live for the joy of cycling.   relive with us the best moments of the tour and this amazing victory..

Despite the chaos of the first stage, Tadej secured the white jersey which he kept until the end of the race. A great way to start the Tour De France!

Racing is a hard and risky job. Marc Hirschi separated his shoulder during the opening stage and Rui Costa hit the ground hard. Incredibly Hirschi carried on and managed to keep going!

The penultimate stage of the Tour de France 2020 and its climb of La Planche des Belles Filles remains the climax of last year’s Tour. From then on, we all knew that Tadej was a big threat for all of the favourites in such stages. Nobody was surprised when he won the Time Trial of stage 5, getting closer to the yellow jersey.  

Stage 8 will remain as the most decisive stage of the Tour, and one of the nicest pieces of cycling in recent years. Tadej, riding in a reduced GC group launched a solo attach 32km before the finish. At the front, Teuns couldn’t be caught but Tadej put a massive 4 minutes gap between himself and his closest rivals. He conquered the Yellow Jersey kept it until Paris. Sometimes you don’t need to win to be victorious!

After a massive effort which saw UAE riders setting the pace, Tadej attacked quickly followed by Vingegaard and Carapaz. Despite some moves during the uphill, the small group remained together until the final sprint. Pogi didn’t let his chance fly away and took his first victory in the yellow jersey. For sure it would have a different taste.

The iconic Tourmalet represented the last chance to score points for the Polka Dot jersey, as the tour was moving away from the Pyrenees. And he did it – you can smile Tadej, job is done!

The rest is history now.

Last year was the year of superlatives and this year is the year of confirmation. It might not sound so glamorous but in fact it was.   “I think that’s the point of sport; to have fun, to enjoy what you’re doing“ - Tadej Thank You Tadej!

Helmets of the tour.

Manta Mips ®

We’re taking a well deserved break! Shipments will be sent until 12:00 on the 22nd of December and will restart on January 8th . We thank you for your support. Happy riding!

Ride like the peloton, not on a Peloton: Tour de France 2021 pro gear that you can buy too

From glucose monitors to aero helmets: Tour gear to make you feel like Geraint Thomas on your cycle to work

The Tour de France 2021, the world’s most famous cycling event, kicks off on Saturday 26 June, and we can’t wait. Before the winner pedals down the Champs Elysée, we can look forward to many hours of aerial footage of the peloton cycling through the picturesque French countryside, sneak breakaways, arduous mountain climbs and sprint finishes.

If you‘re a keen cyclist, watching the Tour de France may well inspire you to shop for the gear used by the pro peloton. To help you out, here are 5 things the pros will be using that YOU can actually buy – and without having to remortgage your house, too.

One good thing about pro cycling is that although you might not be able to get the top of the range Pinarello road bike, there are plenty of cycling accoutrements you can actually purchase that’s are being used by cream of the crop pros like Julian Alaphilippe, Geraint Thomas and Mathieu van der Poel. These include cycling sunglasses, turbo trainers and bike computers as well as the actual bikes.

Ready to splash out on some cycling gear? Let’s take a look at the Tour de France 2021 gear used by the pros you can actually buy for yourself.

• The bike and gear used by Mark Cavendish
• The bike and gear used by Chris Froome
• Virgin Galactic x Under Armour Capsule Collection : sci-fi sportswear! 

Wahoo Elemnt BOLT bike computer

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is sitting at the top of T3’s best bike computer guide, no wonder all the pros use this reliable device for their training. Bora Hansgrohe team members in particular prefer Wahoo computers. The new Wahoo Bolt features a 64-colour display, ambient light sensor, watertight body and automatic rerouting, all in a compact yet resilient body.

Supersapiens Energy Management System

The Supersapiens energy management system is an interesting concept that can help you ‘fuel’ almost with minute precision throughout the day. Although it’s been ruled out for use in the Tour de France competition, many teams, including Jumbo-Visma, uses the Abbott Libre Sensor Glucose Sport Biosensor-powered Supersapiens to get their riders ready for the Tour.

Essentially, after applying the semi-permanent biosensors on your skin, it feeds data back into the Supersapiens app where you can see your blood glucose levels real time. This is a game changer in terms of staying on top of your energy needs all throughout the day but especially during racing. The tech doesn’t come cheap though: see the pricing options at Supersapiens . 

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Specialized Tarmac SL7

Another T3 No.1, we think the Specialized Tarmac SL7 is the best road bike . It also won a T3 Award recently, which is way more prestigious than a mere yellow jersey. As we said in our Specialized Tarmac SL7 review , “If you’re a rider who likes speed, efficiency and precise handling, the newly redesigned Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 offers race-proven performance and aerodynamic design.” Need we say more? The bike is used by QuickStep on TdF 2021. 

Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer

Team INEOS riders mount their bikes on Wahoo KICKR v5 turbo trainers when they aren’t out on the road. The recently updated KICKR v5 offers a more realistic ride and increased precision without spin down. This amazing turbo trainer also features the new AXIS feet that  allow a bike installed onto the trainer to smoothly tilt up to 5 degrees from side-to-side with each pedal stroke, creating a more realistic ride feel. 

Of the 184 riders that started the race this year, 169 are on Zwift . Zwift is a virtual platform where riders from all over the world can compete against each other riding their road bikes mounted on a smart turbo trainer. You can collect virtual badges and attend a lot of different events, a fun way to get fit indoor with cycling .

Many of the TdF pros now use indoor training to supplement their outdoor riding – whether it's because they need to do structured intervals or, like us regular folks, just want to escape the bad weather for a bit.

Cavendish is one of the most popular riders on Zwift and current green jersey wearer. The pros also use Zwift during their recovery from injury. Jake Haig was Bahrain Victorious' leader this year before he crashed out and has since been using Zwift to recover from his injuries.

Read what we think is the best Zwift setup for every budget.

Specialized S-Works Evade w/ ANGI

Best cycling helmet , anyone? The Specialized S-Works Evade w/ANGI is used by the Bora-Hansgrohe team to protect the noggins of its riders. Not surprisingly, it’s the same team that uses the BOLT computers as the it’s compatible with ANGI, Specialized’s patented helmet-mounted sensor, that measures the forces transmitted to a helmet during a crash. Let no crash happen to you but even if it does, you can rest assured that your head is well protected. And you can enjoy the great aerodynamic properties of the S-Works Evade as long as you’re on the bike.

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well , and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews ) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

You'll have to be quick!

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POC and Giro roll out new helmets to commemorate the 2023 Tour de France

Limited-edition versions of the poc ventral air helmet for team ef and giro aries helmet for team canyon-sram commemorate july's big races..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Ahead of the 2023 Tour de France , POC and Giro respectively have released a pair of special-edition helmets.

The two helmets aim to allow mere mortals among us to emulate our favorite riders on Team EF Education First-EasyPost or Team Canyon-SRAM Racing with what might just be the two most distinctive kits in the men’s and women’s pro pelotons.

POC Ventral Air EF Education First-EasyPost edition helmet

The POC Ventral Air helmet in EF’s characteristic pink hues is highly distinctive, and now they’re available for purchase. POC says the helmet presents the classic pink the team uses alongside different shades that are a nod to the past, present, and future of EF Education-EasyPost. There’s also a hint of argyle print for good measure.

Helmets are based around the POC Ventral Air Mips helmet. Key changes include color-matched helmet straps and a pinked-out retention system.

MSRP for the POC Ventral Air Mips EF Education First-EasyPost is $280/$360 CAD/€300/£270

See more at pocsports.com .

Giro Aries Canyon-SRAM Racing Spherical helmet

Canyon-SRAM has one of the most distinctive kits in the peloton with a maximalist design that stands apart from other tamer kits in the Women’s World Tour. This limited edition Giro Aries Canyon-SRAM team helmet takes that infamous kit and offers it to the masses.

Helmets are based on the Giro Aries Spherical helmet that the brand calls “its best-ever road helmet.” The helmet straps and retention system are flat black, but both layers of the helmet feature the colorful, bold coloring that carries to the team’s kits and bikes.

MSRP for the Giro Aries Spherical Canyon-SRAM Racing helmet is $300 US/€320/£289.99.

See more at giro.com .

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NEW: Tour de France 2023 Collection

01 Jun 2023

Special edition versions of three Lazer helmets get a Tour de France and Maillot Jaune inspired make-over. 

Le Tour de France – Once a local cycling event created to promote a French newspaper, now the most watched sport event, with 10-12 million spectators on-site and more than two billion others tuning in around the world. It’s a grueling competition where the best cyclists give it their all on their bikes in a battle for those infamous leader’s jerseys.  

Lazer’s long-standing presence on the heads of cyclists at the Tour de France is a big part of Lazer’s history, with the losses, learnings, and successes to show for it. As of 2023, Lazer is a proud official merchandise partner of Tour de France making it possible to introduce three new special edition helmets inspired by La Grande Boucle.  

More than a competition.

The Tour de France is not just for professional athletes. The chance to witness a piece of cycling history makes passionate hearts beat wildly and inspires a whole range of riders at all levels, be it serious racers, casual cyclists or even kids taking to two wheels for the first time.  

With this in mind, Lazer’s special edition Tour de France and Maillot Jaune collection fits all with a passion for cycling no matter the level. A collection created to unite fans in shared appreciation of the sport and inspire all to get on a bike in safety. After all, even the ones in the design-inspired leader’s jerseys started with a single pedal stroke. 

The 2023 Tour de France collection

Let’s get this show on the road!

Tempo KinetiCore , a comfortable entry-level helmet built for the recreational cyclist, gets a Tour de France make-over. 

The Tour de France edition plays with a mix of gloss and matte black coating to create a subtle but unique design. Topped off by the world-famous Tour de France logo, created by French designer Guenoun. 

And, what would the Tour be without the winner’s jerseys? 

Midway through the 1919 race, organizers made the decision to make the race leaders more visible resulting in the infamous yellow, green and polka dot jerseys that get a place on the rear of the helmet. 

Nutz KinetiCore , a protective and comfortable helmet for little ones graduating to first pedal bikes, is joining the Tour de France peloton. 

The Tour de France edition helmet gets a graphic update made up of a Tour de France logo on top and an animated peloton wearing green, yellow and polka dots jerseys. 

With this design even the youngest riders can get the feeling of riding in the peloton. 

Nutz KinetiCore, a protective and comfortable helmet for little ones graduating to first pedal bikes, is joining the Tour de France peloton. 

The 2023 Maillot Jaune helmet

The Maillot Jaune brand brings cyclists together around shared ambitions: elegant products, a passion for excellence and a subtle tribute to the history of the Tour de France. Tonic KinetiCore fits these ambitions by blending style and performance for cyclists of all levels. That’s why Tonic KinetiCore has been awarded the Maillot Jaune a.k.a. Yellow Jersey by getting a new design. 

The Maillot Jaune edition is an elegant black helmet … with a dash of yellow, of course. It features the Maillot Jaune logo, that can be interpreted as a bird’s eye view of a cyclist or an athlete with their arms raised in victory, on the side of the helmet and repeats the brand name on the top of the helmet.  

In short, it has everything you need to channel the legendary spirit of the Tour and to be the legend of your own ride, whatever your level, whatever your goals. 

Join the peloton and get yours at your local Lazer dealer or on the Tour de France’s official website, or in the Official Tour de France stores. 

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Cycling Sunglasses Worn at Tour de France 2022

Dan matthews.

• Last Updated : July 9, 2022

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Sunglasses are one of the most visible accessories during the Tour de France together with helmets and shoes . We see them before the race starts during sign-ins, during the race, especially with close-up videos, and during post-race interviews. 

There was a time when Oakley used to dominate the Tour de France with almost every other rider sporting an Oakley. While Oakley is still a dominant brand today, more and more brands are entering this space with better designs and/or at cheaper prices.

Depending on the brands, they can range anywhere from $100 to $300+.

Four brands really stood out this year. Scicon (4 teams), Ekoi (3 teams), Oakley (3 teams) and Ride 100% (3 teams).

There are teams such as Groupama-FDJ that don’t have an official sunglass provider, so the riders are free to wear the brand of their preference.

Read More : A Cyclist’s Guide to Sunglasses

While the riders have access to these top-of-the-line models, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be wearing them. Some such as Geraint Thomas might have a preference for other models of the same brand depending on their personal preference, fit, and comfort.

Let’s take a look at each brand and the sunglasses the riders will wear at the Tour de France.

AGU is a Dutch cycling brand that has a broad product portfolio that covers everything from clothing to accessories and bike components. They’re part of a holding company AGU Holdings that also owns the Fast Forward Wheels brand.

Team Jumbo Visma riders such as Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert and last year’s runner-up, Jonas Vingegaard will be sporting the AGU Pride HDII, Verve HDII and Vigor HDII sunglasses at the Tour de France.

• Sunglass model : AGU Pride HDII (£140), Verve HDII
• (£140), Vigor HDII (£140)
• Worn by : Team Jumbo Visma
• More info : AGU
• Available at : AGU Webshop

French brand Bolle has a long history dating back to 1888. Today it produces sunglasses and helmets for both skiing and cycling. Bolle sponsored team, B&B Hotels p/b KTM will have the option between the superlightweight Bolle Chronoshield (41g) or the Bolle Shifter (30g) models.

• Sunglass model : Bolle Chronoshield ($240) or the Bolle Shifter ($170)
• Worn by : B&B Hotels p/b KTM
• More info : Bolle
• Available at : Amazon , Wiggle

Driive is a new eyewear brand that was founded in 2020. The Dutch company, Hans Anders Retail Group partnered with Team DSM to develop a new eyewear brand that caters specifically to pro cyclists’ needs.

At the 2022 Tour de France, Team DSM riders will be wearing the Driive Pro Aero and Pro Race sunglasses.

The ChromaPop optimizes the color and increases clarity for the rider with unparalleled levels of vibrancy. The ChromaPop lenses are a mainstay in Smith Optics’ sunglasses today including those worn by their sponsored teams at the Tour de France.

• Sunglass model : Driive Pro Aero, Pro Race
• Worn by : Team DSM
• More info : Driive

French brand Ekoi is celebrating its 20 years anniversary this year. It was one of the pioneers in the direct-to-consumer model in the cycling industry, dating back to 2008 where its products are generally 30-40% cheaper than its competitors.

At this year’s Tour de France, Ekoi is one of the major brands present with three teams wearing its sunglasses and four teams its helmets. Riders such as Nairo Quintana and Caleb Ewan will be sporting their Ekoi Premium sunglasses.

• Sunglass model : Ekoi Premium 80 ($126)
• Worn by : Cofidis, Lotto Soudal, Team Arkea-Samsic
• More info : Ekoi

Force Bike is a Czech bike component retailer and wholesaler. The brand has a wide product lineup, ranging from accessories to clothing, components, and tools. As a sponsor to pro-continental team, Intermarché Wanty Gobert, Force will be providing the Force Speed and Force Ombor sunglasses to their riders.

• Sunglass model : Force Speed ($130), Force Ombor ($104)
• Worn by : Intermarché Wanty Gobert Materiaux
• More info : Force Bike

Started as recently as 2016, Koo is a fast-growing albeit relatively new cycling sunglasses brand. Since 2019, they’ve been a sponsor for Trek-Segafredo and has had their sunglasses worn by the likes of multiple Grand Tour winner, Vincenzo Nibali and 2019 road world champion, Mads Pederson.

The riders will have a choice between the Koo Spectro, which has a more aerodynamic and wider lens, or the Koo Demos which can also be used for off-road riding.

• Sunglass model : Koo Spectro ($189), Koo Demos ($179)
• Worn by : Trek Segafredo
• More info : Koo

Oakley usually launches new cycling sunglasses just before, or during the Tour de France. This dates back many years for many of their iconic models such as M-frame, Jawbone, Radar, Jawbreakers, and Sutros.

This year, it will be the Oakley Kato X’s turn. It was announced just a few weeks ago and we have seen the likes of Egan Bernal wearing it en route to winning his first Giro d’Italia.

• Sunglass model : Oakley Kato ($291), Sutro ($173)
• Worn by : Alpecin-Fenix, Ineos Grenadiers, QuickStep Alpha Vinyl Team
• More info : Oakley
• Available at : Competitive Cyclist , Amazon , Wiggle

Swedish brand POC has been a long-time sponsor of EF Education Nippo through its various incarnations in the past. The riders will be wearing their top-of-the-line POC Devour sunglasses which were launch a few months ago in March.

The Carl Zeiss lens has a Ri-Pel hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment that helps to repel all types of elements to ensure the vision is always clear for the riders.

• Sunglass model : POC Devour ($250)
• Worn by : EF Education-EasyPost
• More info : POC

Ride 100% which has strong roots in motocross made its way into the pro peloton when Peter Sagan joined Bora Hansgrohe in 2017. Since then, Ride 100% has gained a lot of fans for their sunglasses such as the S2, S3, and Speedcraft.

For this year’s Tour, the riders will be sporting their current top of line model, the Hypercraft which was launched in April 2020. If you’re lucky, you might see a special Peter Sagan edition.

• Sunglass model : Ride 100% Hypercraft ($185)
• Worn by : Bora-Hansgrohe, Movistar Team, Total Energies
• More info : Ride 100%

A relatively new brand in cycling sunglasses, Scicon made great strides into the pro peloton last year. Tadej Pogacar won his maiden Tour de France sporting a Scicon sunglasses bringing with him plenty of publicity.

There will be four teams wearing Scicon sunglasses in this year’s Tour, including Tadej’s UAE Team Emirates. Riders can choose from the Scicon Aeroshade XL or the Aerowing.

• Sunglass model :  Scicon Aerowing Lamon ($220), Aerowing($200), Scicon Aeroshade XL ($225)
• Worn by : Astana-Qazaqstan, Israel-Premier Tech, Team Bike Exchange, UAE Team Emirates
• More info : Scicon
• Available at : Pro Bike Kit

Rudy Project

Rudy Project was started back in 1985 by Rudy Barbazza and is today run by his two sons Cristiano and Simone. Throughout the years, many legendary cyclists such as Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain have worn Rudy Project’s sunglasses to many major victories.

This year, the riders of Bahrain Victorious will be sporting the Rudy Project Defender, their top-of-the-line model that weighs only 28g.

• Sunglass model : Rudy Project Defender ($220)
• Worn by : Bahrain Victorious
• More info : Rudy Project

Smith Optics

Smith Optics first started as a ski goggle manufacturer in 1969 in Rifle, Colorado. It wasn’t until 10 years later that they entered the sunglasses market and launched the ChromaPop lenses in 2013.

• Sunglass model : Smith Optics Wild Cat ($209)
• Worn by : AG2R Citreon Team
• More info : Smith Optics
• Available at : Competitive Cyclist

Roka was founded by two American swimmers in 2013. Since then, it has made its way into the highest levels of pro racing; first with Team Sunweb in 2020 and Team DSM this year.

The riders will be sporting the very stylish Roka Matador which comes with an interchangeable lens and weighs just 28g.

• Sunglass model : Roka Matador ($225)
• More info : Roka

Better known for producing high-quality bibs, Switzerland’s Assos is a clothing sponsor for Team Qhubeka Assos. As part of the sponsorship, the riders will wear the Assos Skharab or their top-of-the-line Assos Zegho G2 Interceptor sunglasses.

• Sunglass model : Assos Skhrab ($363), Assos Zegho G2 Interceptor ($691)
• Worn by : Team Qhubeka Assos
• More info : Assos
• Available at : Competitive Cyclist , Wiggle

Author Recommended Reads

• 10 Reasons to Watch the Tour de France
• Bike Computers at the Tour de France
• The Pro’s Bike Helmets at Tour de France
• 15 Cycling Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid at All Costs

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New disc brake-equipped Giant Trinity TT bike spotted at Tour de Romandie

Luke Plapp is riding a brand new disc brake-equipped Giant Trinity and new TT helmet at the Swiss stage race

Luke Plapp has been spotted riding a brand new disc-equipped Giant time trial bike today at the Tour de Romandie . The Trinity time trial bike has been Giant's weapon against the clock for years now. 

Luke Plapp has got off to a strong start at Romandie. The Australian started the Stage three time trial sitting in third place overall behind stage 2 winner Thibau Nys .

This Trinity update comes right after Giant updated its top-flight TCR road offering in early March. We don't know for sure yet, but we assume this new bike will keep the Trinity name. 

Whats new? 

A frame designed around disc brakes is the first and biggest talking point when it comes to the new bike. As well as increased all-around stopping power, it is a particular advantage in wet time trials. The switch to disc brakes means that the Jayco-AlUla team will be able to utilise wider wheels and tyres which should contribute to a faster overall frame and wheel package. 

In terms of frame design, some areas do appear to feature fairly big design changes. The pictures below of Simon Yates and Plapp provide a useful side-by-side comparison. Starting at the front of the bike, the new disc brake-equipped bike now features a deeper fork leg compared to the relatively shallow unit on the rim brake model. The fork legs themselves are fairly wide and there was plenty of space for Plapp's Vittoria Corsa Speed tyres. 

The headtube junction is also different and has possibly received an update to take advantage of the UCI rules which are newer than the current Trinity frame design. 

The downtube of the frame could be slightly narrower, though this could be a visual effect due to the large Giant logo. Front tyre clearance at the downtube also seems to have increased slightly. 

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Moving back, a more slender-looking top tube leads into the new seatstay / seat tube junction. This uses a different, slimmer shape, and this area of the frame has clearly received attention, almost certainly as a result of the reworked chainstays and dropout arrangement now that the rim brake equipment isn't being used. The seatpost of the bike also appears to use a narrower cross-section than the outgoing bike. 

A new helmet too? 

Plapp also appeared to be using a time trial helmet we didn't recognise. Jayco AlUla use the Giant Rivet TT helmet, but this new all-white model appears to have squared-off sides and a rear section that the Rivet doesn't use, it also has a large front visor. 

With the Tour of Italy and Criterium du Dauphine looming on the horizon, to be followed by the Tour de France and Paris Olympics later in the summer, this could just be the beginning of an onslaught of brand-new road race, aero, and time trial equipment. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for new tech and will update this story when we receive more info on the new time trial bike.

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Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as tech writer. Tom has over 10 years experience as a qualified mechanic with 5 or so of those being spent running an independent workshop. Tom has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track and has ridden and competed in most disciplines, even the odd bit of bike polo. Tom is as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike exploring the Worcestershire lanes.

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