Description
With so many shapes and options now available in TT/Tri helmets, the challenge can be to find the one that is best for you from three key perspectives. First is simple- does it fit YOU? It matters, as if it doesn't fit, the finer points of aerodynamics are irrelevant. Second- what is your optimal bike/riding position, which translates to your head angle- and does the helmet shape and adjustment system allow for the proper aero alignment? Third- are you a "quiet" rider, meaning are you disciplined and stable in your body and head position within the context of the aero position?
The Specialized S-Works TT Helmet evolved from the previous S-Works McLaren TT, which was fast in the wind tunnel and fast in the real world, but lacked enough airflow to keep one cool on a hot, long race against the clock. Specialized has fit, adjustment and pure aerodynamics down, but there is one other defining feature of the S-Works TT Helmet. By today's standards it is a little longer than most. Hence the question about how stable you are in your position. A longer tailed helmet can be supremely fast with perfect angle to your back when set-up properly, but if you tend to dip or wag your head, that length now has more side and top interaction with the airflow, reducing it's aerodynamic efficiency and could indicate that a shorter aero design may be a better choice for you. Your coach and position expert can assist you with all three of these questions, and if you decide you favor the design of the S-Works TT, here are the details and features you need to know about.
Specialized has their own wind tunnel on their campus, called the Win Tunnel. This offers the design and engineering teams to combine testing with the active development process in the same location. Immediate changes can bring immediate feedback so the process is faster, innovative, verifiable. As mentioned, the previous McLaren version was proven to be aero and fast, so the starting point created an accelerated approach, no pun intended. By working through a detailed evaluation and Finite Element Analysis assisted approach, the goal was to create the necessary cooling airflow without compromising aerodynamic effectiveness. Thus the biggest innovation found on the S-Works TT are the patented side Gill Vents that pull air into the helmet and allow it to freely flow out of the rear exhaust port. This makes for a time trial helmet that's not only fast (62 seconds over 40 kilometers compared to a standard road helmet- to be exact), but will also keep you cool on the course. Problem solved, but clearly it took considerable iterative design and testing to create the proper shapes, angles, air flow into the shell and around the head, etc. ... Read More
Features
- Supremely aero TT-style road helmet with advanced cooling vents, excellent fit and adjustment
- Maximized by efficient cyclists who tend have quiet, stable head and body positions
- MIPS SL is the lightest, most ventilated MIPS protection to date and is exclusively available on Specialized helmets
- Fit system is ANGi crash sensor ready- does not include sensor
- Advanced, wind-tunnel-developed aerodynamics and ventilation save 62 seconds over 40km compared to a standard road helmet
- Patented Energy Optimized Multi-Density EPS construction helps to manage impact energy
- Ultra-light Mindset micro-dial fit system with height adjustability for the perfect fit
- Innovative Gill Vent design improves airflow and reduces drag
- Removable Shield has a robust snap fit, comes with both clear and smoked lens tint options
- Thin, soft, and lightweight 4X DryLite webbing won’t stretch out with sweat or water
- Tri-Fix web splitter for improved comfort and ease of strap adjustments
- Instrap webbing system for ultra-light construction and security
- Comes with a structured soft case, designed specifically for the shape; ideal for storage and transport
- Sizes: XS/SM (51-57cm), Medium/Large (54-60cm)
- Color: Black
- Weight: 456 gram (Medium)