Specialised has a brand new model of the Propero, however when you’re accustomed to the earlier variations, you won’t even acknowledge it. Due to borrowed design language from the S-Works Evade 3 and Prevail 3, the brand new Propero 4 seems like a completely completely 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 exams 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 street race model validated the Propero 4 as being 4 watts sooner than the S-Works Prevail 3. That works out to it being 15 seconds sooner over 40km with a median pace of 45kph. Specialised doesn’t state the way it compares to the Evade 3 so we’re assuming the Evade 3 continues to be sooner.
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 manner of accelerating air move that they’re calling Micro Channeling. This includes 2mm offset micro channels which might be mentioned to create turbulence within the airflow by the helmet to “create a steady, refreshing move of air.” Mixed with giant rear vents, the helmet manages to maneuver quite a lot of air round and thru it.
MIPS
On prime of being aerodynamic and well-ventilated, the Propero 4 places a deal with security with MIPS Evolve. The slip aircraft is hooked up to versatile anchors which offers the 10-15mm of motion to scale back rotational forces transmitted to the mind throughout a crash. Outdoors of MIPS, the helmet additionally scored the very best 5-Star helmet score from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College.
I’m completely satisfied to see that whereas Specialised went with mild weight internet 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
Relating to new street helmets, I haven’t had nice luck not too long ago – till now. I actually wished 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.
Happily, 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 proper place, despite the fact that they’re adjustable.
Despite being an aero helmet, the Propero 4 does a fantastic job of constructing it appear to be you’re not sporting an aero helmet. For my part, it’s an aero helmet that you could put on every day with out feeling such as you appear to be 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 journey the place all the pieces was getting buffeted by the wind, I felt like my head was uniquely steady – in a manner that you could possibly really feel.
Extra importantly to me, it’s extremely effectively ventilated. Whereas using, you’ll be able to truly really feel the airflow coming by the again of the helmet onto your neck. I haven’t tried it on an excellent sizzling day but, however first impressions make me assume that it will nonetheless be very comfy.
Pricing & Availability
Provided in 5 colours, the Propero 4 is priced at $200 and is offered now. Helmets shall be supplied in S, M, and L sizes in each a “basic” and “spherical” match.
