Skip to main content

Specialized S-Works Dissident helmet


Specialized’s Dissident is one of the comfiest full-face lids on the market. The well-shaped, soft padding hugs your head nicely and does a decent job of soaking up sweat. Carbon fibre construction means the helmet weighs just 1,036g (medium), which is a big plus when wearing it for long periods of time.

Like any full-face, the Dissident heats up when you’re working hard, though well-located vents under the peak and internal channelling improve airflow over the top of your head. It’ll accept the ‘EJECT’ safety system as well as work with neck braces, and there’s even space inside to fit speakers.

The S-Works edition features a matt carbon finish, which marks easily, and a magnetic buckle, which takes a bit of practice to use with gloves on. Our last Dissident held up for a few years, despite a few knocks, so, while it’s not cheap, this lid should last well.

HIGHS
-Comfortable, highly tactile and weatherproof clipless gravity shoes

LOWS
-Soft feel when pedalling
-Sizing is on the large side

Price $525





Labels

Popular posts from this blog

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>