Specialized S-Works helmet review

There are no two ways about it – this is a heck of a lot of cash to fork out for a helmet. However, Specialized have worked extremely hard to justify the additional cash they’re asking for.

As a result, the S-Works is among the lightest, best-vented helmets around. It’s weighs just 245g – two-thirds the weight of many other mid- to high-end lids – and boasts no fewer than 30 vents connected by a series of deep channels.

Internally reinforced with Kevlar, the variable-density foam keeps bulk and weight down while maintaining strength, and – unlike many lightweight lids – the in-moulded shell wraps around the helmet’s lower sides.

The outstanding attention to detail even extends to the sweat-wicking, soft and impressively light material used for the straps. And the full-circumference, rear-adjustable cradle is among the most comfortable of its type we’ve used. It’s as close to wearing nothing on your head as a bike helmet is ever likely to get, but a whole lot safer.

The price and the rather minimalist, non-adjustable peak (US: visor), which isn’t really big enough to fend off driving rain, are the S-Works’ only black marks. If your pockets are deep enough, it’s the only helmet you’ll ever need.