Specialized S-Works Evade Helmet

The Specialized S-Works Evade helmet is one of the most popular lids on the market and is the choice for many teams in the professional peloton. How does compare to others and does it get too hot? read on to find out.

Score

9/10

Pros

  • Aero
  • Fairly light
  • Very good retention system
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Warmer than a traditional helmet
  • Looks divide opinion
  • Expensive

Price as reviewed:

£160

    • When Mark Cavendish sprinted to victory in the 2011 World Championships he was wearing a Specialized Prevail, with a special cover, designed to seal the vents and make him faster. Other riders and helmet manufactures noticed and since then we have seen the emergence of the aero road helmet.

    >>> Buyer’s guide to road bike helmets

    The Specialized S-Works Evade has been worn en route to many famous wins. It was worn to victories in Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France and World Championships, supporting Specialized’s claims the helmet can save the rider as much as 40 seconds over 40 kilometres over a conventional road helmet. In the absence of our own wind tunnel testing, it is impossible to back up Specialized’s claims.

    A close up of the venting

    A close up of the venting

    >>> Does an aero road helmet make you faster?

    However, I can report that this helmet feels fast and is very quiet at high speed, with noticeably low wind noise than other helmets. Our sample was a size medium weighing 278g, compared to 224g for the S-Works Prevail (Specialized’s lightweight helmet). This difference was barely noticeable when holding both helmets in each hand and even less noticeable when worn.

    The mind set retention system on the evade

    The Mindset retention system on the evade

    >>> How much faster is a TT helmet

    Having used the helmet for a year, I am very impressed as it is amongst the most comfortable I have ever worn. The “Mindset” fitting system works well and the micro dial allows for fine adjustment whilst riding. I really like the aesthetic profile of the helmet, but I am aware that others strongly dislike it. While the Prevail is comparatively wide and square shaped, often transforming wearers’ heads into “mushrooms”, the Evade is narrower and more rounded.

    Watch: aero bike vs lightweight bike – which is faster uphill?

    Regarding ventilation, I decided to put it to the ultimate test of climbing the fearsome 12.4km long, 10.5% Mortirolo pass in 28ºC heat, on a sunny August day. The helmet performed admirably. It is slightly warmer/sweatier than the Giro Synthe, but I felt no urge to take it off.

    It is hard to fault the Evade, but it would be good to see more colour options. At £160, this helmet is firmly within the premium bracket, but it is significantly cheaper than the aformentioned Giro Synthe.

    For more information, head over to Specialized.

    Verdict

    A very good aero helmet, ideal for those racing in temperate weather.

    Details

    Size tested: M
    Weight: 278g
    Available sizes: S, M, L
    Colours: Red, White, Black, Red/Black, Hyper Green