Hot or Not? New Specialized S-Works Evade 4 Road Bike Helmet in Review

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With the Evade 4, Specialized promise to deliver everything in one package: a lightweight aero helmet that offers improved ventilation and superior cooling, without compromising on aerodynamic drag. Sounds too good to be true? We took a closer look at the new successor to arguably the most famous aero helmet series in cycling history.

The popular S-Works Evade from Californian brand Specialized enters its fourth generation, still chasing the exact same goal: to be the fastest helmet you will actually want to wear for every ride. Thanks to redesigned vents, the return of the distinctive forehead MouthPort, an improved BOA fit system, and an optimized head shape, Specialized promise increased comfort and better cooling, without compromising on aerodynamics. We hit the road to find out how it performs in the real world during daily use.

What is the Specialized S-Works Evade 4 Capable Of?

The fourth-generation Evade aims to make a bold statement, not just aerodynamically but visually too. If you are looking for subtle understatement, you are definitely in the wrong place. The S-Works version we tested proudly and unmistakably displays the prominent Specialized ‘S’ on top. Its design is an aggressive take on modern racing aesthetics. Deeply sculpted vents along the sides give the helmet its characteristic, streamlined silhouette, leaving no doubt about its high-speed intentions, even when sitting on your kitchen table.

Putting the helmet on for the first time is a real “aha” moment. While its predecessor, the Evade 3, caused uncomfortable pressure points around the temples for some riders, the Californian development team have overhauled the internal shape for the fourth generation. The shell has become slightly wider and more rounded, allowing the helmet to hug your head. Fine-tuning duties are handled by the completely redesigned BOA fit system at the back of the head, which now features height adjustment too. This is a feature that makes all the difference on the road: with just a few precise, tactile clicks of the rubberized dial, you can adjust the fit down to the millimeter – even while riding with full-finger gloves. The straps lie flat and neat against your face, which means there is no annoying wind flap at high speeds.

However, Specialized make their biggest promise when it comes to temperature management. The Evade 4 sets out to banish the old stereotype that aero helmets inevitably cause your head to overheat. To achieve this, an old friend is making a comeback: the distinctive MouthPort on the forehead is back. Combined with the significantly larger internal cooling channels, the system is claimed to deliver 2.4 % more cooling capacity than its predecessor.

Out on the road, the system proves i…