The S-Works Evade 3 is Specialized's aero flagship for road racing, engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing enough ventilation for long race days. It holds its position by delivering best-in-class wind-tunnel performance and race-integrated features, trading a premium price for raw speed that typically outpaces the competition on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the others on this list it is the most race-focused aerodynamic option, while costing more than value-oriented choices like the Lazer and offering a different safety/fit balance than POC and Kask models.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Review Summary
"Users praise the S-Works Evade 3 for class-leading aerodynamics, light weight and a comfortable, race-ready fit; the premium price is frequently mentioned but many say the performance gains justify it."
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The S-Works Evade 3 is Specialized's aero flagship for road racing, engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing enough ventilation for long race days. It holds its position by delivering best-in-class wind-tunnel performance and race-integrated features, trading a premium price for raw speed that typically outpaces the competition on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the others on this list it is the most race-focused aerodynamic option, while costing more than value-oriented choices like the Lazer and offering a different safety/fit balance than POC and Kask models.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Lightweight construction and race-tuned fit for sustained high-speed comfort.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Lightweight construction and race-tuned fit for sustained high-speed comfort.
$450-600 USD
The Bambino Pro delivers a cost-conscious, triathlon-oriented aero profile with an emphasis on straightforward fit and reliable performance, making it a strong value pick for club racers and age-group triathletes. Compared to the premium Specialized and Giro models it offers many of the practical aerodynamic benefits at a lower price point, sacrificing some of the ultra-refined aero shaping and advanced materials but delivering excellent performance per dollar for athletes on a budget.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Review Summary
"Owners like the Kask Bambino Pro for its excellent fit, lightweight feel and integrated visor that works well in varied conditions; some note it’s not the absolute fastest aero shell but is extremely comfortable for long rides. Overall reviewers report high reliability and comfort over months of use."
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Bambino Pro delivers a cost-conscious, triathlon-oriented aero profile with an emphasis on straightforward fit and reliable performance, making it a strong value pick for club racers and age-group triathletes. Compared to the premium Specialized and Giro models it offers many of the practical aerodynamic benefits at a lower price point, sacrificing some of the ultra-refined aero shaping and advanced materials but delivering excellent performance per dollar for athletes on a budget.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Comfortable padding and simple retention system make it easy to dial in fit quickly.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Comfortable padding and simple retention system make it easy to dial in fit quickly.
$150-250 USD
The Aether MIPS stands out for balancing top-tier impact protection and plush comfort tailored to long-distance riders, thanks to its integrated MIPS spherical system and dual-density construction. Versus the Evade 3 and Ventral Air MIPS, Giro favors crash-energy management and a secure, adjustable fit over absolute aero gains, making it a strong choice for endurance riders who put safety and fit above marginal speed improvements. Financially and technically, the Aether commands a premium for its advanced protective features that many endurance cyclists view as worth the investment.
Dual-density protection — brain-hug
Precision fit — custom feel
Dual-density protection — brain-hug
Precision fit — custom feel
Review Summary
"Riders who have used the Giro Aether MIPS over many rides highlight its excellent fit, outstanding impact protection from the MIPS Spherical system, and comfortable ventilation; critiques center on the high cost and slightly bulky appearance compared with sleeker aero models. Most owners recommend it for long rides and riders prioritizing safety and comfort."
Smart vents — cool control
Dual-shell design incorporating MIPS Spherical for excellent rotational-impact mitigation
Smart vents — cool control
Dual-shell design incorporating MIPS Spherical for excellent rotational-impact mitigation
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Aether MIPS stands out for balancing top-tier impact protection and plush comfort tailored to long-distance riders, thanks to its integrated MIPS spherical system and dual-density construction. Versus the Evade 3 and Ventral Air MIPS, Giro favors crash-energy management and a secure, adjustable fit over absolute aero gains, making it a strong choice for endurance riders who put safety and fit above marginal speed improvements. Financially and technically, the Aether commands a premium for its advanced protective features that many endurance cyclists view as worth the investment.
Dual-density protection — brain-hug
Precision fit — custom feel
Smart vents — cool control
Dual-shell design incorporating MIPS Spherical for excellent rotational-impact mitigation
Engineered ventilation that maintains airflow without compromising protection
Dual-density protection — brain-hug
Precision fit — custom feel
Smart vents — cool control
Dual-shell design incorporating MIPS Spherical for excellent rotational-impact mitigation
Engineered ventilation that maintains airflow without compromising protection
$300-400 USD
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 claims market‑leader status for riders prioritizing minimal weight and top-tier ventilation, translating well to fast gravel events where heat management and low mass matter. It is the most performance‑driven and typically most expensive helmet in this set, offering cutting‑edge materials and aerodynamic tuning that outpace heavier, more protective models like the Outrider, though those alternatives provide extra coverage and durability for rougher gravel terrain.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Review Summary
"Riders consistently rate the S-Works Prevail 3 highly for exceptional ventilation, very low weight and race-level performance, making it a favorite even for gravelists, though its top-tier price is a common caveat."
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 claims market‑leader status for riders prioritizing minimal weight and top-tier ventilation, translating well to fast gravel events where heat management and low mass matter. It is the most performance‑driven and typically most expensive helmet in this set, offering cutting‑edge materials and aerodynamic tuning that outpace heavier, more protective models like the Outrider, though those alternatives provide extra coverage and durability for rougher gravel terrain.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Aero-tuned profile and aggressive cooling channels for hot, fast gravel efforts.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Aero-tuned profile and aggressive cooling channels for hot, fast gravel efforts.
$400-550 USD
The Velocis MIPS Road Helmet represents a reliable, all-around performer with balanced aerodynamics, comfort and safety at a mid-to-high price point, reflecting Trek/Bontrager’s emphasis on rider-friendly features and tank-tested durability. It offers a competitive mix of ventilation and fit that sits between the value-focused Giro and the race-focused Specialized, and it often delivers strong retail support and broad availability through Trek’s dealer network—an economic advantage for buyers who value service and parts. Compared to Liv and MET, Bontrager leans toward universal fit and robustness rather than gender-exclusive shaping or Italian styling cues.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the secure fit, strong ventilation and premium feel, praising the safety features and long-ride comfort; some compare it as slightly heavier and more expensive than rivals."
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Velocis MIPS Road Helmet represents a reliable, all-around performer with balanced aerodynamics, comfort and safety at a mid-to-high price point, reflecting Trek/Bontrager’s emphasis on rider-friendly features and tank-tested durability. It offers a competitive mix of ventilation and fit that sits between the value-focused Giro and the race-focused Specialized, and it often delivers strong retail support and broad availability through Trek’s dealer network—an economic advantage for buyers who value service and parts. Compared to Liv and MET, Bontrager leans toward universal fit and robustness rather than gender-exclusive shaping or Italian styling cues.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
High-end crash protection and a precise micro-adjust fit system for long days in the saddle.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
High-end crash protection and a precise micro-adjust fit system for long days in the saddle.
$250-350 USD