When it comes to sleek cool racing helmets, the Decibel is hard to fault - even though it's been kicking around for a while now.
As usual for Specialized, the Decibel is a seriously stylish piece of kit right down to the carbon fibre connective ribs between the massive vents. Don't be misled by the apparent low number of vents either, as each of the main ones is a massive air gulping chasm. Huge exhaust vents at the rear also help to drag fresh air across your sweaty skull like a head mounted Hoover. These big vents can make your head a bit vulnerable if you regularly stick it in bushes, but otherwise it's a reassuringly solid and confident-feeling lid. The clip-on beak acts as a decent weather shield too, although it's not adjustable. The height and girth adjustable Brain trust headlock keeps it well anchored though, and the straps are set into the shell for easy access. The single-piece pad section starts to split if you wash it too much or keep jamming the lid on without loosening it though, so prepare to pay for reasonably regular replacement on top of the high initial cost.
