A bicycle helmet is designed primarily to protect your head in the event of an impact. All helmets sold on the market will comply with safety standards which cover construction, materials and impact absorption. In the UK and Europe a sticker inside the helmet will confirm that your helmet is certified to EN 1078; in the US they must adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's CPSC 1203 standard. To further reduce the chance of brain injury through rotational forces, there are systems such as Mips, Kineticore and WG11 that the best helmets deploy.
While it’s fair to say helmets are mostly equal in that they all meet a certain safety standard, they can vary greatly in weight, ventilation, aerodynamic performance and comfort level. Since they’re mandatory for racing (though in the majority of countries they're not a legal requirement for general riding), a great deal of R&D goes into the top road helmets, as well as expensive materials that are both lightweight and strong, and this is reflected in their price.
There’s a lot of choice out there and a lot to weigh up before making a buying decision, but to help you we’ve narrowed it down – here’s a list of our favourites.
In some of our articles you will find links to buy products from various external retailers. These links contain an affiliate code, and it means that Rouleur may receive a small percentage of the money you spend if you choose to buy that product via the link. This does not affect the amount you pay. All products are independently reviewed and selected on our judgement of them, not on whether they offer us affiliate revenue.
Met Trenta 3K Carbon Mips
The helmet Tadej Pogacar has worn for all his Tour de France wins is, as you'd expect, fit for a champion
The Met Trenta 3K Carbon is the helmet of Tadej Pogačar and is, like the Slovenian star himself, already iconic thanks to a classic aesthetic that has been unchanged since the Italian brand launched the original version in 2017. What’s more, it’s likely that it will be forever associated with the three-time Tour winner: he has worn the Trenta 3K Carbon for his entire pro career since signing with UAE Team Emirates in 2019.
The Trenta was launched to celebrate Met’s 30-year anniversary (trenta is Italian for 30). Since 2017, it has been upgraded with Mips Air, the lightest and most advanced version of the rotational management system, making it, according to Met “the most advanced road cycling helmet we have ever made.” The Trenta 3K Carbon was the first helmet in the WorldTour to use carbon fibre, something which Met says allowed it to reduce the density of EPS foam by 20% without affecting the helmet’s capacity to absorb energy in an impact. The amount of EPS bulk inside the helmet is noticeably reduced compared to other helmets with a traditional hardshell construction. At 223g for the size medium we tested, it’s super lightweight, too, undercutting most of the top road helmets.
On the head, the Trenta 3K Carbon also has a minimal, low-bulk look, fitting the sides closely above the ears and avoiding the dreaded mushroom silhouette. It suits a narrow, long head better than a wide, round one but the internal retention system – the Safe-T Orbital – has a good range of precise adjustment. The Trenta has a total of 19 vents, which move air inside the helmet and over the top of the head effectively using the Venturi effect whereby fluid, or air in this case, speeds up as it flows through a constricted section.
Overall it looks super stylish, it’s comfortable, lightweight and easy to adjust. It’s extremely well vented, making it ideal for hot weather and aerodynamics clearly haven’t been neglected. Just like its most famous wearer, the Met Trenta 3K Carbon is pure class. The one pictured is of course the UAE team edition – other colour ways are available.
Pros
- The winningest of the current WorldTour helmets
- Light
- Sleek-looking
Cons
- None
Reviewed by Simon Smythe
Kask Protone Icon
Kask’s redesign of its flagship lid sees improved safety features and a reimagined shell for better ventilation which makes it an ideal choice for hot weather, but the dial-retention system could do with some improvements.
The Kask Protone has almost always been the choice of the riders from the Ineos Grenadiers – Kask’s WorldTour sponsored outfit – and amateur riders alike. The helmet strikes that perfect balance of being aesthetically pleasing while still being breathable and aerodynamic. The updated Protone Icon was released by Kask in 2022, and while it didn’t bring any hugely radical changes outwardly compared to the older iteration – probably a good move from Kask considering the amount of fans of the old design – there are some updates internally that make it safer and more breathable.
I’ve always been a fan of the Kask Protone, I like the small logos and classic style and also appreciate the huge number of colour options – there really is something for everyone. When the Protone Icon was released, I was relieved to not see a big overhaul of the original look – not only due to aesthetics, but also because the spacing of the vents on the shell of the helmets is great for ventilation. This helmet is one of the most lightweight and breathable on the market, ideal for hot weather (the quick-drying CoolMax padding helps with this too). Internally, Kask has improved the helmet’s safety on the Protone Icon, using its own WG11 protocol to create a new inner shell which Kask says stops the helmet from splitting into multiple pieces on impact (luckily, I haven’t had to put this to the test yet.)
When the Octofit+ system works, it works well. It’s easy to put long hair through the back of the helmet and adjust the helmet to get the perfect fit while on the move. However, the rear dial actually broke on the first test helmet I got. The replacement Protone Icon has been fine, but this is something that Kask could look at improving in the future, especially on a helmet which retails at £245 – a premium price point.
Pros
- Easy ponytail slot for long hair
- Extremely breathable
- Improved safety features
Cons
- Flimsy Octofit+ adjuster
- Expensive
Read our review of the Kask Protone Icon
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Abus Gamechanger 2.0
The updated version of the helmet that has been worn to multiple victories by MDVP is more vented and claimed to be even faster
The original Gamechanger was launched back in 2017 when Abus also became sponsors of WorldTour team Movistar. Since then, the Gamechanger has also been worn by Alpecin-Deceuninck and Mathieu van der Poel to a breathtaking number of victories. Who doesn’t want to look like MVDP on a bike, right?
According to Abus, it was its very own sponsored riders from both in and outside of the WorldTour who were crucial to the development of the Gamechanger 2.0. Heat becomes a crucial factor in Grand Tours that take place at the height of summer and for this reason better ventilation and comfort were priorities, but the Gamechanger 2.0 needed to be faster than its predecessor too, which Abus said led to extensive testing in the wind tunnel.
This led to a wider Kamm tail, making the helmet’s aero profile 11% longer than before, and the tail is also pulled lower down which Abus says optimises the head position when riders are in the drops. The chin strap and retention system also received an upgrade and for the first time it was available with Mips.
Claims that brands make about a helmet’s aero efficiency are difficult to verify without a wind tunnel, but ventilation is seriously impressive. It's a smart move from Abus to add the front vent – though it doesn’t work as a sunglasses port. Sunnies now have to be stuck in the ‘AirPort’ at the rear.
The Gamechanger 2.0 feels lightweight (265g in a size medium) and gives that ‘barely-there’ feel. The material of the straps is soft and the fixed V-shape suited me well, though I think the opportunity to adjust these might be an option that some riders wish for.
The Gamechanger 2.0 strikes the coveted balance of being breathable and comfortable while also hitting the mark for aero, and is a great choice if you are looking for a performance upgrade.
Pros
- Claimed to be faster than before
- Actually more comfortable and better ventilated
Cons
- No strap adjustment under the ears
- Sunglasses port has moved to the rear
Read our review of the Abus Gamechanger 2.0
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Giro Eclipse Spherical
If you’re looking for aero gains without compromising on safety, Giro’s Eclipse Spherical is a great option, but it might not be the right choice for everyday riding
For a long time, getting aero gains from a helmet had to mean sacrificing other benefits such as aesthetics, safety or breathability. Giro is a brand that’s long tried to solve this conundrum, first releasing its aero road helmet, the Vanquish in 2017, and most recently, the Eclipse Spherical Helmet. With a reduced frontal area and overall smaller profile, Giro says the Spherical helmet gives riders a full minute of savings when travelling at 40km/h (25mph) compared to the Vanquish. Giro has achieved the small, compact profile of the Eclipse helmet with a dual-layered construction, nesting the MIPS Spherical architecture with another low friction layer and by using different foam densities. This also means the traditional plastic MIPS layer is moved further away from the head, avoiding any friction or hair snag which can sometimes arise with MIPS.
Giro have managed to keep the Eclipse Spherical Helmet reasonably breathable considering its aerodynamic profile, but it definitely isn’t as cooling as other helmets such as the S-Works Prevail 3. If aero gains are what you’re after, then Giro’s Eclipse is undoubtedly a good option, but for everyday riding, especially in the warmer months and on long rides, it isn’t the helmet I find myself reaching for due to the lack of airflow. If you dabble in some racing or are heading out to do some shorter efforts, then the Eclipse performs well, and it’s nice to know that no watts are being wasted. The focus on safety is an important feature of the Eclipse too, and makes me feel confident that I’m as protected as possible when riding. I found that the vents on the front of the helmet are difficult to slot glasses in, especially when they have longer arms, another reason why I wouldn’t reach for the Eclipse for a long ride or all-day adventure. When I want to be as aerodynamic and go fast, though, the Eclipse certainly does the job.
Pros
- Extremely aerodynamic
- Focus on safety
- Compact inner
Cons
- Not as breathable as other helmets
- Hard to slot glasses
Read our review of the Giro Eclipse Spherical
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
POC Procen Air
The helmet developed with and worn by EF Education is basically a time trial helmet for the road and is all about saving watts – but a thoughtful design means it's perfectly wearable
The POC Procen Air was developed with EF Pro Cycling with the aim, according to the Swedish brand, of bringing the speed benefits of a time trial helmet to performance road cycling, giving the comfort and ventilation needed for a stage race. It’s ideal for long breakaways, such as when Alberto Bettiol wore it to victory in Milano-Torino in 2024, but there’s no escaping the fact that it’s also brought the look of time trialling to road racing and, apart from the high price, that might be a barrier for some.
The shape is based on POC’s existing Procen dedicated TT helmet, and the Procen Air uses the same three-vent layout and has a very similar aesthetic – in a ‘lite’ or ‘baby brother’ kind of way. Except it has ear covers in a soft EVA material instead of the hardshell sides of the TT version. They also only cover the top half of the ear and since they’re flexible, they don’t squeeze the rider’s ears or try to tear them off, as some TT helmets painfully do.
There’s also the integrated visor imported from time trialling. Other brands have done visors on road helmets before – the Giro Air Attack Shield was launched over 20 years ago – but POC has executed this one particularly well. Vision is really excellent – better than with glasses, and the risk of sweat streaks is also reduced. If you want to take the visor off mid-ride, it snaps on magnetically so you can simply pull it away and reattach it to the helmet rear, which has strategically placed magnets. It takes a bit of practice to do this, but it’s a clever solution and very thoughtful.
I had no issues with cooling or seeing or hearing, but the Procen Air does still give that isolated, closed-in feel of a TT helmet, so long solo breakaways or road time trials suit it best, for me at least. And although highly specialist, for those scenarios there’s probably nothing better. The downsides are he very high price ($400 at launch) and relatively high weight (350g). It also comes in white if you want to be less Darth Vader.
Pros
- Probably the fastest road helmet out there
- Visor visibility is excellent (and the attachment system works well)
- Better vented than you think it will be
Cons
- Looks won't be for traditionalists
- Heavier than a standard road helmet
- Expensive
Reviewed by Simon Smythe
Specialized S-Works Evade 3
With the released Evade 3, Specialized aims to keep aerodynamic benefits while also improving ventilation. The narrower shape works for some, but it’s worth trying this helmet on before you buy
When Specialized launched the Evade 3, it used the strapline “the fastest gets cooler.” With this, the brand was referring to the fact that it had reinvented the Evade 3 from the inside out, using an innovative diffusor system to draw, so they claim, 10% more air through the helmet at a given speed. Specialized also said that with the Evade 3, they were asked by their pro athletes to create a helmet which mirrored the performance of the S-Works Tarmac bike on the road – an all-rounder that was aerodynamic and lightweight.
I’d say that Specialized achieved this goal with the Evade 3. The diffusor at the back of the helmet circulates air incredibly well considering the distinct lack of vents elsewhere on the lid – there are just three large vents at the front of the helmet. You can almost feel the flow of air through the helmet as you are riding and I didn’t feel sweat build up in even the most intense efforts. The new Evade 3 has the same aerodynamic capacities as the previous version, as the focus with the new release was improving the helmet’s airflow to make it more wearable for a range of riding conditions. The pads inside the helmet are quick-drying and don’t hold odour and they stop sweat from dripping off the forehead onto sunglasses. The Evade’s Occipital base adjustment also allowed me to personalise the fit of the helmet for comfort and meant I could adjust the helmet angle to ensure my eyewear stayed in place. The ratchet system at the rear of the helmet feels sturdy and is easy to adjust on the move, while Specialized’s Tri-Fix web splitter meant I could adjust the helmet strap to fit around my ear perfectly.
For me, the Evade 3 was especially comfortable but I am aware of other riders who have struggled with the narrow shape. This is a helmet that is worth trying on before you buy to see which size suits best, especially since you’ll be paying £275 for the S-Works Evade 3.
Pros
- Well-ventilated for an aero-focussed helmet
- Looks fast
- Easy to adjust to get the right fit
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all head shapes
- Expensive
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Van Rysel FCR
Fast, comfortable and incredibly affordable, this is the aero helmet of Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
Just like the Van Rysel RCR Pro that’s been fêted as the WorldTour’s most affordable bike with no compromises, the FCR helmet is used by the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team and is a pro-level piece of kit that has an almost unbelievably low RRP. It costs less than half of most of its competitors and around a third of the most expensive aero helmets. I tested the standard version, but there’s a Mips option which costs £129.99 instead of £99.99 at the time of writing.
The FCR is the team’s aero helmet, with the RCR the ventilated, lightweight option, and was developed with aerodynamic specialists Swiss Side. In an independent wind tunnel test conducted by our friends at Cyclingnews, it performed impressively well. Van Rysel’s chief product officer Yann Le Fraillec said of the test: “For some it was a surprise, but not for us,” signalling that the brand is confident that it has used the best technology available.
That said, the RCR-F has a more traditional aesthetic than many of its aero rivals, with a relatively traditional teardrop shape that tapers at the rear rather than finishing in a kammtail, like the S-Works Evade 3. The layout of the vents is also fairly standard, with the three largest at the front, each leading into its own moulded channel, over the top of the head and out of the three corresponding exhaust ports at the rear. There’s a slot at the top that captures a bit more, or perhaps works to reduce air pressure. For the majority of European riding, the level of venting is adequate all year round, even in midsummer.
The sunglasses port, with holes either side of the front vents, is designed to work with Van Rysel’s own glasses, the RoadR 900. The kinked arms do click into place exceptionally well, but glasses from other brands work too. I’ve used it with KOO Spectros, Bollé C-Shifters and Salice 022s and they all stay in place.
The Van Rysel fitted my head perfectly, it feels lightweight (the size M weighed 293g) and is overall an absolute steal.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Aerodynamic
- Comfortable
Cons
- Limited strap adjustment around the ears
Reviewed by Simon Smythe
Kask Nirvana
The Italian brand's fastest road helmet, as worn by Ineos Grenadiers, is also impressively light and very well ventilated
With its ear covers and teardrop shape clearly borrowed from its time trial models, the Kask Nirvana blurs the lines between bunched racing and contre-la-montre. Kask says it saves 4.4 watts at 45kph compared to its previous fastest road helmet, the Utopia Y. Ventilation has not been compromised, and in this area Kask says the Nirvana is 19% better than before.
The Nirvana was designed in accordance with Kask’s Rotational Impact WG11 Test, its internal testing regime. It uses Kask’s 3D-printed Multipod padding, first debuted with the Elemento, which Kask claims enables the helmet to better withstand linear and rotational impacts, and functions isotropically, meaning it behaves the same way whichever direction the force is applied. The other benefit of the Multipod's design is that it’s a lattice made up of tiny 3D-printed struts that doesn’t get sweatlogged – but there’s added Merino wool padding at the front and sides to increase comfort and sweat absorption, aiming to eliminate sweat drips.
Visually the Kask is more like a road helmet than the other one in this TT-influenced category, the POC Procen Air, and it feels more like a regular helmet too, probably due to the lack of visor, more standard venting and the impressively low weight of 264g (measured) compared to POC’s 325g or 356g with the visor. To be fair to POC, you can remove the visor and stick it magnetically to the back of the Procen Air, and the one downside of the Kask design is that there’s nowhere to put sunglasses if they get sweat streaked – the front vents don’t work as a sunglasses port.
However, if you’re wanting a fast road helmet without looking like a time triallist, which is also lightweight, ventilated and comfortable, the Kask has you – and the top half of your ears – covered. It’s priced in the very top bracket, £320 at launch in 2024, which is most likely down to the considerable R&D behind it.
Pros
- Aerodynamic
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t get sweatlogged
Cons
- No sunglasses port
Reviewed by Simon Smythe
Bollé Avio MIPS
As Bollé’s lightest cycling helmet, the Avio MIPS helmet is a great choice if you are looking for an all day summer helmet, but the shape may not be to everyone’s taste.
Bollé may not be widely known for its helmet range, instead specialising in ski glasses and goggles. But it launched the Avio MIPS road cycling helmet in time for the 2022 Tour de France and was worn by the B&B Hotels-KTM pro team. Claiming to be the lightest lid in the peloton, weighing just 234g, it got people talking. Trying the helmet for ourselves, you can feel the light weight as soon as you take it out of the box and put it on your head.
On first impressions the helmet is aesthetically very nice, coming in three shades; white, black and dark grey, but when I tried the helmet on it sat very high upon my head. I think this is partly due to the deep vents that are cut into the helmet and MIPS foam padding on the inside. This may suit people with different head shapes to mine but for me, it didn’t sit quite right. Nevertheless, the click-to-fit system at the back of the helmet does a great job at making it feel secure and comfortable. When wearing the helmet out on the bike, it didn't move thanks to the fitting system and felt secure throughout, and was still easily adjusted with or without gloves when riding.
Something I did notice about the helmet was the amount of ventilation. Bollé has created the Avio with large front vents and small exhaust ports at the back to ensure the air flows through the helmet seamlessly, keeping your head cool during the warmer months. The side Opti-Docks are also great for keeping your road cycling sunglasses secure, so the Avio makes for an excellent helmet when you are out all day on a summer adventure. However, if I was reaching for a helmet to race in or wear during the winter, I probably wouldn’t go for this one.
It's a stylish helmet, but the way it sits on top of the head is quite high despite being designed for a close fit. I would recommend trying the Bollé helmet on first before committing to a purchase to see if you like this shape and style.
Pros
- Well ventilated
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Sits high on top of the head
- Not great for all year round
Reviewed by India Paine
Specialized S-Works Prevail 3
Created for the very hottest of days, Specialized’s Prevail 3 is the best it gets in terms of ventilation, though the helmet’s unique look isn’t to everyone’s taste
The S-Works Prevail has been a popular helmet among riders for years as an all-rounder lid that can be used for pretty much any type of riding in any temperature. The Prevail 2 was comfortable, reasonably aerodynamic and looked good. When Specialized released the Prevail 3 this year, the striking, unique look of the helmet certainly turned heads as it was radically different to the previous iteration of the helmet. In the Prevail 3, the brand has removed all the EPS foam bridges normally seen in the body of a helmet which they say eliminates the “air-blocking bridges” from the centre of the helmet. Specialized say that the Prevail is for “riders who value the comfort and thermoregulation benefits that superior ventilation delivers.”
I would say that the Prevail 3 is the coolest helmet I’ve tried. It’s perhaps unsurprising when looking at the helmet, those big gaps in the body inevitably give more space for air to come in and through the helmet. Specialized claims that the new design on the Prevail 3 increases the surface area of ventilation by 24.5% compared to the S-Works Prevail 2 Vent helmet. While the “AirCage” technology increases airflow, it also has safety benefits that are validated by its 5 star Virginia Tech rating. This gives complete peace of mind while riding that the helmet is offering the best protection possible, and kudos should be given to Specialized for managing to improve the safety benefits of the Prevail while also maintaining a sleek and lightweight look and feel to the lid. Like the Evade 3, the Prevail 3 also features MIPS air node technology and the Tri-Fix web splitter and Occipital Base Adjustment to improve fit and comfort.
The only criticism I can give the Prevail 3 is based purely on aesthetics – it does have a bigger, bulkier shape than helmets like the Kask Protone Icon which sit much closer to the head. In the full white colour, this look can be a little bit intense, but this all comes down to personal preference.
Pros
- Ventilation and airflow
- Comfortable
- Safety
Cons
- Unique shape and look
- Almost too ventilated for winter riding
Reviewed by Rachel Jary
Giro Aries Spherical
This is the number one ranked helmet for safety by Virginia Tech; but it doesn’t sacrifice style or performance to achieve these safety standards
The Giro Aries Spherical helmet is Giro’s newest, most recent premium road offering, said to be 5% lighter and 2.3% cooler than the Giro Aether. Aerodynamics haven’t been forgotten in Giro’s newest release either, with the reduced frontal area and chamfered edges on the Aries reducing aerodynamic drag by 4% compared to the Aether. There are some brand new features to the Aries too, such as Giro’s DryCore sweat management system and grippy rubber pads where eyewear is stashed in order to stop sunglasses from slipping out of the helmet, as well as Giro’s Roc Loc 5+ adjustable retention system. Above all, safety is the biggest talking point of the Giro Aries Spherical, as it is ranked number one in safety standards by Virginia Tech.
The Aries is incredibly comfortable with minimal padding that’s placed just where you need it most – at the very top of the helmet and around the front where the DryCore sweat management system is. A simple retention system can be dialled up for a tight fit against the head, but it never feels like there are any pressure points and it has space for a ponytail to slot through too, a bonus for those with longer hair. The conventional buckle on the Aries is easy to use and adjust – I never had any problems with it causing discomfort or friction on my skin, and a long strap means that it will fit a wide range of face and head shapes.
The Aries provides good, low coverage on the rear of the helmet and sits close to the head, all while still weighing only 265 grams in a size medium. The grippers to help keep sunglasses secure when stored in the helmet is a nice idea, but I still felt like my glasses lacked a bit of security when riding along (though this could differ depending on the model and shape of the glasses.) When it comes to ventilation, I found the helmet to be breathable enough even when on long climbs, I didn’t feel any sweat building up on my eyebrows or forehead when riding in sunny temperatures of around 15 degrees, but this means it is especially cold to wear in the winter months.
The Giro Aries Spherical is up there with the most expensive helmets on the market, like the Kask Protone Icon and Specialized S-Works Prevail. There are certainly cheaper options out there, but if you value the Virginia Tech rating, the Aries Spherical is the safest of them all.
Pros
- Number one ranked for safety by Virginia Tech
- Extremely breathable
-
Comfortable and easily adjustable
Cons
- Almost too breathable for the winter months
- Glasses don’t sit securely when stored
Reviewed by: Rachel Jary
Kask Elemento
The Elemento is well ventilated, aerodynamic and features advanced safety features, but it comes at a hefty price
Kask's Protone and Utopia helmets have been some of the most popular for amateur and professional cyclists. However, each helmet has always been better at one element – the Protone is well ventilated, and the Utopia is aerodynamic. But neither excels at both. So Kask launched its Elemento helmet – designed for those who want to perform at elite levels.
The Elemento is sleek, with simple branding at the front and back of the helmet. While the colour I reviewed was more traditional, the range has a range of bolder colours, including beetle green, Oxford blue, red and silver. The shape is also compact, sitting nicely on your head, and with the helmet’s overall weight of 260 grams, I almost forgot I had a helmet on. Complemented by the brand’s Octofit+ adjustment system, the Elemento fitted securely and comfortably on my head.
Kask has removed the brand’s leather-look strap from the Elemento and has replaced it with its “Pro” lightweight chinstrap. I actually preferred this over the leather-look strap as it was easier to adjust and didn’t hang loose, as I have found with other Kask helmets.
Thankfully, I have not crashed in the Elemento, but Kask has said the helmet has advanced safety features thanks to ground-breaking ‘Fluid Carbon 12’ and ‘Multipod’ technology. Using its own WG11 protocol, the Multipod technology, which is found on the inside of the helmet, is 3D-printed and is said to better withstand linear and rotational impact due to the structure being able to slide and compress upon impact. And the Fluid Carbon 12 material is capable of absorbing more energy from an impact than traditional materials, according to Kask.
The new technology is said to allow more air to flow through the helmet, and this is something I noticed when testing. I can imagine in the height of summer, whether just out for a ride or during a race, this would be a key feature that would stop you from overheating and, therefore, push that bit further.
At the time of writing, the £335 that this helmet costs puts it a long way above the Protone Icon and Utopia Y in price terms, but if you are performance obsessed and looking to be at the front of the peloton, the Elemento really does have the full package – safe, aerodynamic, ventilated and stylish.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Well ventilated
- Secure fit
Cons
- Expensive
Read more about the Kask Elemento
Reviewed by India Paine
Specialized Propero 4
Combining the aerodynamics of the S-Works Evade 3 and the breathability of the S-Works Prevail 4, this is an excellent all-rounder that's priced below than the flagship lids
Specialized’s Propero helmet used to be a midrange, more affordable version of the S-Works Prevail, but in 2024 it was redesigned to offer advantages of both the Prevail and the S-Works Evade – the ventilation of the former and the aerodynamics of the latter – but at a considerably lower price. Specialized concluded that the everyday rider would be better off with one lid to rule them all. Unlike pro racers, most people don’t choose between ‘aero’ or ‘vented’ depending on the season or the parcours.
According to the brand, the Propero 4 is Win Tunnel validated to be four watts faster than the S-Works Prevail 3 at 45kph. The front venting pattern is similar to that of the Evade, with the sunglasses port in the same place, but the overall aesthetic is more mainstream and unobtrusive especially at the rear, which is more rounded with standard exhaust ports compared to the abruptly squared off shape with its rear diffuser.
What doesn’t the Propero 4 have that its S-Works counterparts have? It comes with Mips, as all Specialized helmets now do, but it has the C-Solution Evolve Core version of the slip liner, which is heavier and not as integrated as the S-Works helmets’ Mips Air Node. The weight of the medium Propero 4 is a claimed 290g (our test sample weighs 296g) compared to the S-Works Evade 3’s 270g.
I found the fit to be excellent and, importantly, the Propero 4 doesn’t creep down the forehead while riding in an aggressive position, like some do.
Overall, it has the look and feel of a flagship lid, it is comfortable, breathable and aerodynamic, and very attractively priced.
Pros
- Aerodynamic
- Breathable
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Slightly heavier than S-Works helmets
Reviewed by Simon Smythe
