Specialized S-works Evade Helmet Review

The S-Works Evade (and Tri) shares its roots with arguably the fastest TT helmet in the world, the S-Works McLaren TT. Creating a helmet that is aerodynamic without sacrificing fit or ventilation has allowed this helmet to become increasingly popular, in both amateur and professional racing. Worn by racers such as Peter Sagan, Marcel Kittel & Mark Cavendish in his days at Etixx, it’s clear this helmet means business.

Placing the TT and S-works evade side by side you’ll notice a striking resemblance between the two. The Evade uses the same profile as the TT keeping its aerodynamic shape but with added vents and a shorter tail.

Despite these added details, the Evade reduces drag drastically, how drastically? Specialized state it saves 46 seconds over 40km making it a serious difference compared to standard road helmets. With over 200 seconds to be saved in an iron man distance, this helmet is meant to be going fast.

The positioning of the vents on top of the helmet and the exhaust are all part of the aerodynamic design. At the front, a wide frontal port pulls air in across the forehead. And the large exhaust ports creates a pressure difference pulling air through the helmets internal channels. The resulting effect is serious cooling compared to other aerodynamic helmets.

The downside to the S-works Evade cooling system is it isn’t very effective below 12mph. The fast you are going the more air is pulled through increasing the cooling. This could encourage you to ride faster up the hills just so you get added cooling benefit. However, outside of the wind tunnel riders report being able to go just as fast in this helmet over longer distances as the TT. With the biggest distance being the cooling generated by the helmet’s design.

Specialized have included their Aramid-Reinforced Skeleton into the build of the helmet. This supports the EPS foam structure, by adding an internal framework to the shape of the helmet. This is allowing the S-works Evade to be lighter with more ventilation yet the structural integrity is maintained.

The S-works Evade Comes with a fitted light weight mindset micro dial system. Allowing 5 different height positions and an adjustable fit helps the helmet fit comfortably on anyone’s head. They have added the 4X Drylite webbings, whilst light weight, it also adds extra comfort and helps to keep the sweat of your face. The Tri-fix system sits comfortably against your face and allows much easier adjustment.

The Tri-fix system sits comfortably against your face and allows much easier adjustment. Whilst the standard S-works Evade has a normal buckle the Tri version has a magnet buckle fitted, saving time at transition with less fiddling. With it fitting like a normal road helmet you don’t have to bend your ears to get it on. Saving, even more, time over a TT helmet, and ear bending. Despite the comfort and fitting options whilst not sacrificing aerodynamics the helmet itself is still very light. Weighing as little as 264 grams, the S-works Evade is still a very light helmet. Which makes the helmet lighter than other road helmets and lighter than some Time Trail helmets.

Despite the comfort and fitting options whilst not sacrificing aerodynamics the helmet itself is still very light. Weighing as little as 264 grams, the S-works Evade is  lighter than other road helmets and lighter than some time trial helmets. 

Whilst having an RRP at £175 (£185 for the Tri) the S-works Evade will not suit riders after a cheap day to day helmet. However, it is cheaper than full TT helmets and has significant cooling over a TT.  This helmet would suit any competitive distance cyclists and triathletes with the cooling and aerodynamic benefits it’s no wonder this is seen crossing the line first in the Tour De France.