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EB14: Sneak Peek, Catlike Rapid and Rapid Tri Aero Helmets

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Catlike_Rapid_TRi_aero_timetrial_triathlon_helmet_prototype_inner

Spanish helmet specialists Catlike had some interesting new time trial helmets locked away at the show. They were a bit protective of what were described as prototypes, but we sat down with them to have a look at what was really going on. The helmets both looked pretty well refined, although there were some minor finishing issues. Both helmets did include product tags even though they were locked away, and had an in-molded inner protective helmet, and Catlike’s MPS retention system as used on their current road/TT lines.

Click through to see some more detail shots and some more tech..

Catlike_Rapid_aero_timetrial_helmet_prototype_front Catlike_Rapid_aero_timetrial_helmet_prototype_three_quarter Catlike_Rapid_aero_timetrial_helmet_prototype_rear-vents

The helmet Rapid has been developed in collaboration with the Movistar team and the University of Granada in their Andalusia, Spain wind tunnel to come up with a new blunt-tail aerodynamic helmet that performs well across the wide range of real-world conditions and the variety of rider positions encountered in bike racing.  The project developed into two unique shells and ventilation systems in-molded around a common base helmet. This results in a very flexible outer shell allowing the user to stretch it onto one’s head for a tight aero fit.

The first, an externally vented version for time trials, includes two  large central ventilation ports to carry air through the helmet across the top of the head. Two side vents next to the removable visor bring air in across the ears and lower back to help cool riders during longer time trials. The Movistar team has already raced the vented version this season at the races against teh clock at the Giro d’Italia.

Catlike_Rapid_TRi_aero_triathlon_helmet_prototype_front Catlike_Rapid_Tri_aero_triathlon_helmet_prototype_side_profile

The smooth shelled Rapid Tri helmet is aimed at the triathlon market. Like the Rapid, it also includes a removable wide vision visor held on by a series of magnets in the lens and contact point under the in-moleded shell. The Rapid Tri foregoes the big vent ports for a more clean aero shape, with venting through and behind the visor and passive exhaust ports just behind the ears.

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Derek
Derek
9 years ago

I think the no vent one is for TTs, the vented one is for triathlon.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Lifestyle/Eurobike_2014_-_day_1_4556.html

Cxhotdog
Cxhotdog
9 years ago

Sweet, just in time for cyclocross season !

Pedals
Pedals
9 years ago

I’m 100% sure you have those two models confused. Why wouldn’t the better ventilated one be the tri model while the tight aero-fit be the TT one?

Charlie
Charlie
9 years ago

I agree with the fact they seem the wrong way round, however the tested model for TT’s is the vented version as seen on the movistar boys!

Ryan
Ryan
9 years ago

Yeah, most def the big vent hole one is a tri model and the no-hole is the TT. They mention that it was worn by Movistar at the Giro so I did a bit of image searching and found this:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/italian-road-championships-2014/time-trial/photos/311799

Sure enough, it is the vented one. Totally seems backward to me to have the vented be for tt.

Ryan
Ryan
9 years ago
Ryan
Ryan
9 years ago

Any word on when they will be available?

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