The eyewear giants have expanded their cycling presence by unveiling The ARO 3 road and ARO 5 aero road helmets, plus the ARO 7 time trial lid.
As Oakley’s Global Product Marketing Manager Hans Arnesen explains in the video, Oakley have used Computational Fluid Dynamics and wind tunnel testing to arrive at the fastest shape and size for the ARO 5 and 7, and also dynamic thermoregulation tests to determine the most strategic place to vent the climbing-orentated ARO 3. All helmets will include the MIPS brain protection system inside.
Oakley claim venting at the side and the back creates a vortex for the air to be pushed out the back to make you faster, which is why prominent venting still appears on the aero road and TT helmets. The BOA system used on the two road helmets is unique to Oakley, and instead of a cradle that fits all the way around your head there is a subtle lace either side, which not only adds to the comfort but also makes it far easier to fit your eyewear under your helmet (we tried it with some Oakley shades, it certainly works a treat). Vents on the front of the ARO 3 and 5 are also designed to hold your shades easier when the sun goes in.
Despite keeping the launch completely quiet until today, Oakley have been busy behind the scenes with Team Dimension Data already signed up to wear the helmets in 2018. US prices will be $180 for the ARO 3, $250 for the ARO 5 and $500 for the ARO 7. They're expected to go on sale in February 2018.
After cobbling together a few hundred quid during his student days off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story), Jack bought his first road bike at the age of 20 and has been hooked ever since. He joined road.cc in 2017 having previously being Staff Writer at 220 Triathlon magazine, and reports on all things tech as well as editing road.cc's live blog. He is also the news editor of our electric-powered sister site eBikeTips. Jack's preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking (the latter being another long story), and on Sunday afternoons he can often be found on an M5 service station indulging in his favourite post-race meal of 20 chicken nuggets, a sausage roll, caramel shortbread and a large strawberry milkshake.