I’d be willing to bet that aesthetic appeal is one of the biggest factors for most cyclists when deciding which helmet to purchase. I know it is for me. Since all helmets must meet safety standards, level of protection is assumed. Probably not a good thing. Well if protection is assumed then what categories you have left are performance, fit and aesthetics. The Specialized S-Works Prevail II hits on all three categories. Here’s how!
Performance
The Specialized S-Works Prevail II is the perfect summer helmet. Airflow is exceptional. Just look at all the vent holes. Its reshaped exterior nets a 6 second (40km time trial) gain over the original Prevail. While it is not going to be as aero as a full on aero helmet, the trade off is that this helmet is much cooler. So if you are like me, someone who prefers cooler temps and suffers when it gets humid and hot. Then this helmet is right for you. At 240g (size medium) the helmet is really light.
Fit
We love the Tri-Fix web splitter. It’s easy to use and since the webbing is already really thin and ultralight it makes for a very comfortable fit around the ears. One thing I don’t like is how the webbing pairs with our Adidas sunglasses. The webbing is attached directly to the bottom of the helmet and at least for me (with Adidas sunglasses), I have to wear my sunglasses on the inside of the webbing which leaves it sometimes flapping around. If I try to wear my sunglasses with the webbing on the inside, inevitably it pulls my sunglasses forward and I have to push them back up my nose. I realize I’m breaking a “Rule” when it comes to looking “PRO.” But you gotta do what you gotta do. Overall the fit is really nice. While the most comfortable helmet I’ve worn is the POC Octal, the Prevail II is not too far off. In fact, once the helmet is on you don’t even notice it’s there.
Aesthetics
Photo Biff Stephens
We really like the way the Prevail II looks. At least on Todd. I never like the way any helmet looks when I’m looking at myself in the mirror. You know what I’m talking about? It always looks too big! But it looks good on Todd and looks waaaaay better than the original Prevail. The original was a mushroom. The Prevail II profile hugs the head much more and maintains a lower profile. Which we really like.
Conclusion
This is the perfect summer helmet. Airflow is exceptional, couple this with its weight and webbing system and you have all day comfort. You will put this on a forget about it. We also love the way it looks. Which for aero helmets, is easier said than done. The Specialized S-Works Prevail II is about $225 (not cheap) but given its performance, looks and the fact that it protects something so precious we are okay with that. It is a great all around helmet.
PRO TIP: If your going to have a specific helmet for summer make sure it is a light color. Dark colors absorb all wavelengths of light and convert it into heat. Lighter colors like white do not.
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