Paper mache TT helmet

[Piedwagtail]

Right, I know this might seem a bit odd, but i was thinking, if i get a paper mache mold over my normal road helmet, then do some more layers to make it nice and smooth and aero, then i can have it as a detachable cover to use only in the TTs, without having to spend shed loads on two helmets.

I'll be water proofing it so it doesn't go soggy in the rain and painting so im not riding in a issue of the local newspaper, but i reckon with a bit of effort it could be pretty cool.
Also, paper mache is pretty light weight, but id still have the protection from the normal helmet underneath

So any thoughts on whether this would be any good?? or am i just too much of a cheapskate?? All opinions welcome

[xerxes]

I say, go for it, provided you promise to post some pictures of you wearing it when you've finished.

[JonB]

Interesting idea, but I'm not sure you'd get any real benefit because you'll have to make sure that papier-mache surface is as smooth as silk, which it NEVER finishes up as (always looks like a Bulldog's face I find)

Depends I suppose if you want to be seen as part of the "TT crowd" or not...

...actually if you're racing, I'd love to see you beat one of the "pros" in the full £stupid.99 kit, be rather hillarious

[Piedwagtail]

Well, it's gonna take a while i reckon cos im rather busy atm, but ill give it a go.
iv got the main structure planned out in my head
im hoping theres at least one guy at the club i might beat and he said he spent £100 on his helmet alone

as for pictures, they'll be a blur cos ill obviously be going soooooooo fast! but ill try to get a couple so everyone can get a good laugh out of it

[Bill]

Very interesting

[dave_sd]

Don't they put dimples in golf balls to induce a turbulent boundary layer, thus helping the balls to fly farther? A wrinkly paper mache helmet... you may be on to something...

[Piedwagtail]

I'd thought of doing dimples somehow when i make it, i saw a Giro or MET that had dimples for that very same purpose.
Maybe a pencil pushed into the very top layer when its almost dry, then some fine sanding, then a couple of layers of PVA for a smooth surface, followed by a nice coat of paint and some fake Giro stickers, should all look pretty convincing in the end... the ideas continue to flow...

I believe i'm going to enjoy building this