Specialized S-Works Evade 4 review: A road bike helmet for cross-country speed

The fact that Cross-Country World Cup winner Christopher Blevins is riding the new Specialized Evade 4 Helmet This is, of course, no coincidence. Average speeds in the XC World Cup have now risen to 24 kilometres per hour. At these speeds, air resistance is becoming an increasingly important factor and, in many situations, even acts as the greatest braking force. 70 per cent of this force depends on the rider, not the bike. Racers would therefore be well advised to dress as aerodynamically as possible. The new Specialized Evade 4 is designed precisely with this in mind. It is said to be particularly aerodynamic whilst still allowing cool air to reach the rider’s head.

Conclusion

For cross-country cyclists competing at the very highest level, the Specialized S-Works Evade 4 helmet can offer a small but significant advantage. It really comes into its own at high average speeds. For mountain bike courses with significant elevation gain, there are better helmets. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Specialized Evade 4 Helmet in detail

• Suitable for: Road bike / Gravel bike / Cross-country MTB
• Weight: 332 g (BIKE measurement, size L)
• Price: 329 euros >> available here
• Sizes: S / M / L

Aerodynamics of the head

In mountain biking, too, aerodynamics is becoming increasingly important for competitive riders. Specialised is one of the few bike and accessories manufacturers to operate its own wind tunnel in order to optimise aerodynamic drag and thermal performance. The improvements in the new S-Works Evade 4 compared with its immediate predecessor are only in the details. According to the developers, the helmet is said to keep the head 2.4 per cent cooler whilst maintaining the same aerodynamic performance.

Based on our tests, we can say that when riding at high speeds, the Evade 4 perfectly combines cooling and aerodynamics. Which is just as well, as the S-Works version, at 329 euros, makes a huge dent in your personal budget. The helmet is wonderfully light and therefore feels unobtrusive even when riding off-road. For rides with numerous or long climbs – and consequently lower average speeds – we recommend the Specialized Prevail 3, which offers even better ventilation. The Evade 4 is and remains head protection designed for uncompromising high-speed races in road cycling, gravel or cross-country disciplines.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• extremely aerodynamic
• well ventilated by comparison
• is light and unobtrusive to wear

Cons

• aerodynamic advantage only noticeable at high speeds
• expensive

What do you think: would you be willing to accept a road bike-style design on your helmet in order to gain aerodynamic advantages? Share your thoughts in the comments!