S-works helmet review:

by Drew Wilson

There are a lot of opinions when it comes to helmets.  These range from those who strap one on prior to every ride to some only when forced by race/ride organizers. Others believe they are some sort of scam perpetrated on the cycling world by big business and lawyers etc.  I've even seen people of the opinion that they are responsible for the dearth of recent crashes in the pro peleton (I think the reasoning is that because of the added "safety" factor the riders don't develop as strong of handling skills-  as if the threat of breaking your femur isn't great enough).  Whatever your stance on helmets may be you're likely to need one to enter a race or take part in a group ride.  In the end most of the arguments are meaningless, every cyclist needs one.


I wear a helmet for all organized rides, races and always when mountain biking.  I do not generally wear one while commuting, while riding gravel in the winter or while cruising around town.  I do not think bicycling is inherently dangerous, but it's pretty obvious to me that there is a legitimate risk of hitting my head while mountain biking or racing a criterium.  Last week I fell while mountain biking and my well-used Giro Atmos developed a decent sized crack.  It was time for a new helmet.

I strolled into my LBS and picked up an S-Works Specialized helmet in silver/carbon.  Removing it from the box I was struck by the quality of the included bag and other little goodies.  Next I noticed the light weight.  Most would call me a weight weenie, but I haven't a clue how light a "light" helmet is.  Maybe I'm not as weight weenie as my friends would think?  Regardless, this has a little sticker inside which states the weight at "184 grams without visor". The fact that Specialized thinks you care enough about weight that they felt the need to leave off the 10g? of visor says something. It is certainly light enough, this helmet simply disappears after a couple minutes of use.  It uses the same basic system of adjustment as most modern helmets. However, the quality of the plastics, foams, and straps all seems to be of the highest order.  The overall light weight and quality of the straps and rear plastic ratchet system allowed me to fine-tune my fit much better than my old Giro Atmos.

I've ridden in it maybe 10 times now and I continue to be surprised by the quality of the fit.  I can also say that the venting works well and that it plays nice with all of my sunglasses.  I often wear a cycling cap under my helmet, it is easy to loosen the rear in order to slide the helmet over the cap and then tighten in place.

The cost of this helmet may be it's only negative.  However, for the $166 this cost me at the LBS I don't think it can be beat.  It certainly fits better than the equally expensive Giro that I'm replacing.  It should also last for years of normal use.  In the end it's my opinion that spending enough to get a helmet of this quality might be well worth it...you'll be more likely to be wearing it when you need it.