There was a time when the world’s top cyclists didn’t bother with helmets. However, affordable life insurance has long been a staple for both amateur and professional road bike enthusiasts. But the helmet comes with a drawback: it doesn’t contribute much to making cyclists faster. It adds to the overall weight of the cyclist and increases aerodynamic resistance.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed various design changes to minimize these issues. However, what we’re witnessing at the Tour Down Under is something entirely new. While ultra-aero helmets have been common in time trial races, they are now making their way into regular stages.

Kask’s new aero helmet, covering the ears, has been spotted, and POC has also introduced a road helmet covering the ears with an integrated visor.

It’s too early to definitively say, but could these be the future of road helmets that every cyclist will be wearing? Evidently, it’s a product that makes you faster. And who wouldn’t want that?