Specialized teams are ready for Le Tour, and in every stage starting with the Time Trial, teams will dip into their new quiver of S-Works helmets. The new lineup features a helmet for every condition and discipline. Each model in the S-Works helmet line receives an airflow and aerodynamic update. Get ready to meet the S-Works helmet quiver; Evade 3, Prevail 3, and TT5.
S-Works Evade 3
When Specialized set out to update the Evade 2, the largest room for growth was the airflow. After studying the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of the Evade 2, the team noticed the helmet’s shape was still relevant. The form was slick, but the helmet would be more versatile if it could offer better airflow. The top rear of the helmet was also a spot for improvement, especially in real-world (head moving) riding.
The Specialized helmet team (which was a completely new design team from the Evade 2) looked at shape first, starting with five different forms, all in CFD, narrowing down every time with Win-Tunnel analysis. The team looked to maximize airflow and minimize the slight uptick drag on the rear while keeping the helmets’ comfortable fit.
After the team narrowed down the shape, they moved to use Finite Element Analisis (FEA) for foam and EPS, something very new and possibly never done previously. Working with MIPS, they have been able to better determine how much foam is needed where, and how different densities will affect performance. After the team was satisfied with FEA’s foam and EPS distribution, they started tooling and working on physically tangible helmets.
The team worked the most on the new rear diffuser, taking inspiration from everything from Formula 1 cars to pieces in nature. The final version increased its ventilation by 10% while maintaining its top aero performance.
The result is a helmet with a rear diffuser that helps minimize drag and larger vents to increase ventilation throughout. The team added MIPS Air Node padding to the Evade 3 to maximize all available airflow without adding bulk.
MIPS Air Node — What is it?
The addition of MIPS Air Node helps the Evade 3 and Prevail 3 keep a slim profile and breathable interior. The MIPS Air Node technology is integrated directly into the helmet padding. It boasts a sleek low friction layer designed to dissipate rotational forces. With Specialized’ proprietary development work, the design team added perforations to maximize breathability, performance, comfort, and weight savings.
Key Features — S-Works Evade 3
- Enlarged front vents
- Rear diffuser for better aerodynamics and overall ventilation
- MIPS Air Node
- Adjustable Tri-fix web splitter for a personalized fit
- Precision, full wrap polycarbonate shell
- Daul density optimized EPS Foam
- Sizes/Weights: Small 51-56cm, 260g, Medium 55-59cm, 270g, Large 58-62cm, 300g
- Price: $300
S-Works — Prevail 3
Specialized most ventilated, lightweight helmet gets a massive update thanks to the new Air Cage and Win Tunnel aero treatment. The S-Works Prevail 3 is just as versatile as its predecessor, and it’s an all-around helmet that delivers in hot conditions, strenuous climbs, and mountainous stages.
The challenge for the Prevail 3 was to make it even more ventilated than its predecessor while maintaining impact protection and integrity. The specialized helmet team eliminated air-blocking foam “bridges” from the center, effectively creating thru-air channels.
Air Cage
This update increases the surface area of ventilation by 24.5% compared to the S-Works Prevail II Vent helmet.
Tons of airflow in a lightweight package is good, but a helmet is nothing without impact protection. The new S-Works Prevail 3 takes impact seriously, and the team at Specialized went an unconventional route to find the best solution. The conventional approach to helmet design is that more foam (EPS) means better energy management.
Woven aramid “cables” traverse the helmet and are anchored to carbon fiber side panels. Upon impact, the AirCage technology (new for the Prevail 3) works as a suspension bridge. The design distributes localized forces throughout the helmet.
The design is not only eye-catching but does wonders for top-of-the-head air ventilation and cooling in slow-speed riding, especially in the woods.
Key Features — S-Works Prevail 3
- AirSage increased airflow
- Precision, entire warp polycarbonate shell with scratch-resistant finish
- MIPS Air Node
- Adjustable Tri-fix web splitter for a personalized fit
- Occipital base adjustment top optimizes comfort and compatibility with glasses
- Angi-ready with mindset fit system for improved comfort and easy adjustment on the go.
- Sizes/Weight: Small 51-56cm, 250g, Medium 55-59cm, 260g, Large 58-62cm, 300gr
- Price: $300
S-Works TT5
When you work with some of the world’s fastest athletes, nothing should hold them back, helmet included. Specialized admits the TT4 was a bit dated and looks it compared to the futuristic aero helmets of today’s pro peloton.
The S-Works TT5 helmet hopes to pull Specialized back to the front of the TT aero-sphere. With world-class athletes like Remco Evenepoel and Kasper Asgreen of Quick-StepAlpha Vinyl, they can get all the critical feedback needed to make a slippery design. The testing and prototype team logged countless hours in the Specialized Win-Tunnel. When the dust and wind settled and the data combed over, Specialized created the fastest TT helmet they ever made.
Over the ear and to the shoulders
Using CFD modeling, the helmet team reshaped the TT helmet, positioning the rear of the helmet to be nearer the rider’s shoulders, reducing the air that creates drag. Looking at the rider positions throughout the TT efforts and designing for real-world use, a rider’s helmet is never in the perfect place throughout their TT effort.
The team also introduced using a head sock to help maintain an optimal position on the head while riding and mitigate rotational forces during impact. The sock slides on before the helmet and acts as a sweat management tool and slip liner.
The results? Remco shaved 26 seconds off a 40K time-trial, and for a race that’s won by tenths of seconds — that’s pretty huge. The S-Works TT 5 helmet is equipped with a Class 1 optics shield for zero distortion when looking down the road, unlike traditional lenses typically drape-formed with clear plastic. The shield has a hydrophobic coating to help clear moisture away if the weather turns bad on race day and a high-grade (EN166) anti-fog coating.
Look for the TT5 at Le Tour — I’m sure the teams are excited to ride it.
Key Features — S-Works TT5
- Integrated Head sock for comfort and sweat management
- MIPS Air Node
- High-grade anti-fog coating
- Sizes/Weight: Small 51-56cm, 250g, Medium 55-59cm, 260g, Large 58-62cm, 300gr
- Price: $TBD
How safe are the new S-Works helmets?
Virginia Tech impact tests evaluate a helmet’s ability to reduce linear acceleration, and rotational velocity of the head resulting from a range of head impacts a cyclist might experience. From the data, these helmets sound fast, but that doesn’t always translate into safety. So Specialized has the new line test by the internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. You can learn more about it and see where your helmet ranks here; VT Bicycle Helmet Ratings.
Results? Currently, both the S-Works Prevail 3 and S-Works Evade 3 earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech rating, putting them on the top step of the helmet podium.
Availability
As of today, the new S-Works helmet line is available online and at your Specialized local dealers.
To learn more check out Specialized.com
