Specialised has a brand new model of the Propero, however if you happen to’re accustomed to the earlier variations, you won’t even acknowledge it. Because of borrowed design language from the S-Works Evade 3 and Prevail 3, the brand new Propero 4 seems to be like a completely totally different product – which is an efficient factor.
Notably, the Propero 4 brings a lot of the efficiency of the upper finish S-Works fashions to a extra attainable value level. The $200 Propero 4 isn’t precisely low cost, but it surely checks in at 2/3rds the price of the premium fashions.
When it got here time to design the brand new helmet, Specialised says they began with aerodynamics first. Beginning with a battery of CFD checks and a number of helmet shapes, Specialised narrowed it down to 2 shapes after which took these to their in-house Win Tunnel. This wind tunnel testing with a male highway race model validated the Propero 4 as being 4 watts quicker than the S-Works Prevail 3. That works out to it being 15 seconds quicker over 40km with a mean velocity of 45kph. Specialised doesn’t state the way it compares to the Evade 3 so we’re assuming the Evade 3 remains to be quicker.
To enhance air flow, Specialised once more utilized CFD to handle airflow round and thru the helmet. As well as, they declare to have created a brand new means of accelerating air circulate that they’re calling Micro Channeling. This includes 2mm offset micro channels which are stated to create turbulence within the airflow via the helmet to “create a steady, refreshing circulate of air.” Mixed with giant rear vents, the helmet manages to maneuver plenty of air round and thru it.
MIPS
On high of being aerodynamic and well-ventilated, the Propero 4 places a give attention to security with MIPS Evolve. The slip aircraft is connected to versatile anchors which gives the 10-15mm of motion to cut back rotational forces transmitted to the mind throughout a crash. Exterior of MIPS, the helmet additionally scored the very best 5-Star helmet ranking from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College.
I’m comfortable to see that whereas Specialised went with gentle weight net splitters, their Tri-Repair splitter nonetheless permits adjustment fore and aft.
Precise Weight
On the dimensions, our medium pattern weighs in at 308g.
First Impressions
With regards to new highway helmets, I haven’t had nice luck not too long ago – till now. I actually needed to love the Prevail 3, however the revised form of the helmet digs into the again of my head. Then, on the Lazer Z1 Kineticore, the non-adjustable webbing straps meant the chinstrap was poorly positioned on my head.
Fortuitously, the Propero 4 matches me almost completely in all points. It’s extraordinarily comfy, and proper out the field the Tri-Repair splitters had been in the fitting place, despite the fact that they’re adjustable.
Despite being an aero helmet, the Propero 4 does an ideal job of creating it seem like you’re not carrying an aero helmet. In my view, it’s an aero helmet that you may put on each day with out feeling such as you seem like a dork out to set some PRs on the bike path. That’s to not say it’s not aerodynamic although. On a very windy trip the place all the pieces was getting buffeted by the wind, I felt like my head was uniquely steady – in a means that you may really feel.
Extra importantly to me, it’s extremely properly ventilated. Whereas driving, you may really really feel the airflow coming via the again of the helmet onto your neck. I haven’t tried it on a brilliant scorching day but, however first impressions make me assume that it will nonetheless be very comfy.
Pricing & Availability
Supplied in 5 colours, the Propero 4 is priced at $200 and is offered now. Helmets will likely be provided in S, M, and L sizes in each a “basic” and “spherical” match.
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