Specialized Instinct review

Specialized's take on the freeride lid certainly looks the part thanks to its matt black finish. The simple push and click Pro Fit retention system is easy to use and adjustable vertically in two different positions too. This, combined with flip and

Our rating

4

The Instinct scores for both performance and value

Ian Osborne

Published: March 1, 2007 at 12:00 am

Our review

Spesh have ticked all the right boxes with this top value all-mountain lid

Specialized's take on the freeride lid certainly looks the part thanks to its matt black finish. The simple push and click Pro Fit retention system is easy to use and adjustable vertically in two different positions too. This, combined with flip and lock U straps, make the perfect fit a doddle.

Like most helmets of this type, the Instinct has a full in-mould harder outer shell and some neat looking carbon stickers on the back. The clip-on visor is rattle free and is neatly shaped to help the airflow into the front mouth ports. Airflow is also aided by top grooving inside and massive exhaust ports on the rear.

At just under £50, the Instinct is undoubtedly hard to fault on value.

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Contributor

Ian Osborne is a contributor to BikeRadar and Cycling Plus magazine. He grew up riding BMX and working part-time in bike shops to feed his habit. After travelling the world, usually with a bike, he started working on mountain bike magazines, going back to his roots by playing in the dirt racing downhill and taking part in early four-cross events. Ian has since raced everything from cross-country MTB to 24-hour events, and over the last 20 years has graduated into the world of Lycra, skinny tyres and time trial bikes before catching the Ironman triathlon bug. He continues to ride bikes of all types on a regular basis and occasionally still races for fun.