The stars of the international peloton are increasingly wearing aero helmets. You can also examine the models of different manufacturers in some cyclocross races. Since Mark Cavendish's World Championship success in Copenhagen in 2011, when the Brit wore a simple plastic shell on his helmet for aerodynamic reasons, a lot has happened not only in terms of development, but also in the rules of the World Cycling Union UCI.
There is now a clause in it that states that "Removable helmet shells [...] are forbidden. [...] Although the use [this] is prohibited, completely closed helmet shells are permitted.The UCI wants to regulate marginal impairments of the competition design.
Irrespective of this, the French manufacturer Ekoi has taken on this topic and pursued its own approach to solving the problem. So the French stick with it Ekcel Aero with a helmet shell that can be detached from the helmet. However, this is only possible with some effort, which is not to be understood negatively. The shell presses against the helmet in a way that makes it impossible to disassemble while riding. Rather, the shell first has to be pressed together a little at the rear end so that the pressure is released. Then you can push the shell up with both hands on the temple area of the helmet. In order to be able to remove them completely, you finally reach under them from the front. That sounds more complicated than it really is. Practiced twice, the procedure is easy to handle.
Ekoi has patented this concept. Although the shell may be used in amateur races, it remains taboo in licensed races. However, it is positive that with the Ekoi Ekcel Aero two helmets in one, after all the shell effectively blocks the cold during winter training.
The shell, which weighs just under 30 grams, also hides a few special features that impressed us in use. The helmet is very well ventilated thanks to its 27 ventilation openings. The fit is good and can be adjusted using a dial on the back of the head and a continuous strap. The magnetic buckle can be easily operated with one hand. From a visual point of view, one might criticize the size of the wheel, but it fulfills its purpose without any ifs and buts.
The helmet, made from antibacterial Coolmax and EPS foam using the InMold process, weighs a light 250 grams in size S/M. Since it is very narrow in volume, it is also ideal for drivers with a small head.
//Conclusion
Ekoi swims with that Ekcel Aero against the tide and with him has a double Lottchen in the program, which only shows a few weaknesses. The helmet impresses with and without the shell due to its weight. It is versatile, well made and has a comfortable fit. However, as I said, the adjustment wheel on the back of the head could be a bit smaller and the fit is also a bit too slim. However, if you consider the low price of 129 euros and the performance that comes with it, these shortcomings can be coped with.
//Product highlights
- versatility
- low weight
//price and web
- 129,00 Euros
- www.ekoi.com