Filippo Ganna has teased a new Kask aero helmet, which covers the tops of the ears.
Pictures posted to Instagram from an Ineos Grenadiers training camp have prompted speculation that Kask is about to release a new Utopia helmet.
The photoshoot was ostensibly to reveal Ineos Grenadiers’ new Gobik kit and fresh Pinarello Dogma F paintjob.
But the images of Ganna’s headgear are more interesting.
Bambino meets Utopia
They show the Italian Hour Record holder wearing an unreleased helmet with similarities to the discontinued Utopia road model and the current Bambino time trial design.
The pattern of vents at the front of the helmet is similar to the Utopia Y’s, a light update to the Utopia.
However, the vents are smaller and spaced further apart on the new helmet. The rounder shape and absence of side vents (the Utopia Y has diagonal ones behind the ears) bear closer resemblance to the Bambino Pro.
Like that time trial helmet, the new model drops down over the top of the ears where the Utopia Y curves above them. The frames of Ganna’s sunglasses slide under the helmet.
The helmet Ganna is modelling doesn’t have a visor, but it sweeps back into a more pronounced edge than the Utopia Y.
This bobtail shape is less dramatic than the tadpole-like Bambino and it has added ventilation.
The trio of vents (one flat in the middle and two angled at the sides) at the back of the helmet look much smaller than those at the rear of the Utopia Y.
Although we can’t see the dial, we imagine the new helmet uses Kask’s updated Octofit fastening system. We found this improved the fit of the Utopia Y.
Towards the back of the helmet, a sticker reading 'WG11' is visible. WG11 is Kask’s chosen in-house rotational impact safety testing standard.
Has Kask gone too far for recreational riders?
Unlike pros seeking every advantage, amateurs don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for aerodynamic gain, which the ear covers might bestow.
Remember when World Tour teams, including Ineos, attracted ridicule for wearing oversized time-trial helmets and wacky vizors?
Will everyday riders splash out on the new Kask Utopia (if that is indeed what it is) if they can’t stand the look of its ear flaps?
Social media commentators have also raised the question of ventilation. The smaller and fewer vents on the new helmet, compared to the Utopia Y, may make it too warm for long, hot rides.
Plus, for some riders, covering the ears might not be an especially comfortable option – but, of course, we’re looking forward to testing this new road bike helmet ourselves to find out.
