A bicycle helmet is obviously intended to protect your noggin from the trauma of a collision or fall. So anything that offers additional protection – without significantly impacting weight, comfort or styling – is a good thing. Trek’s new Bontrager helmets have an innovative technology called WaveCel that seems to check all of those boxes.
WaveCel, developed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Madey and biomechanical engineer Dr. Michael Bottlang, is a flexible, plastic insert on the inside of the new helmet line. Its collapsible cell structure is engineered to absorb and redistribute the force of cranial impacts typically experienced by riders when they fall. Moving independently from the rest of the helmet, the WaveCel layer will first flex to absorb the linear impact, and then glide to redistribute the angular energy of the impact. An analogy would be the parkour technique of a jump and roll when falling – the roll redistributes the energy into forward momentum, rather than directing it down into the ground (which is then transferred back up into your legs).
According to Trek, WaveCel is up to 48x more effective than standard EPS foam at preventing concussions from common cycling accidents, reducing them by up to 98%, based on laboratory testing. In independent tests, every Bontrager WaveCel model was awarded a five-star rating by Virginia Tech.
However, these claims have caused somewhat of a kerfuffle in the highly-specialized world of brain-protecting helmet liners. Swedish company MIPS, which makes a slip liner used by many leading bicycle helmet brands (including in Bontrager’s own Ballista MIPS Road Bike helmet), says that Trek’s concussion reducing claims can’t be substantiated from the laboratory testing. “No two crashes are the same and no two people are the same, so the risk of concussion is a near-impossible claim to make.”
Consumers will have to wait until more research is done to find out where this all falls out.
Competing company claims aside, in the Virginia Tech tests, the 17 tops spots are all claimed by either WaveCel or MIPS helmets; strongly supporting the brain-protective ability of slip liners in bicycle helmets versus EPS foam-only helmets.
WaveCel helmets look like standard bike helmets on the outside, with the protective inner layer visible through the vents. Compared with MIPS, WaveCel is about 40 grams heavier – an acceptable amount of additional weight if they ultimately provide more safety protection (see above). Cost for equivalent WaveCel and MIPS helmets is about the same.
In my testing of the Bontrager Specter ($149.99), the WaveCel interior was very comfortable, especially when combined with the easy-to-adjust Boa sizing system. The magnetic buckle system, available on some of the models, also simplifies strapping and unstrapping the helmet. One downside with WaveCel is that because the material covers the entire underside of the helmet, should you develop an itch on your scalp, you can’t just stick your finger through a vent to scratch it. You either need to ignore it and hope it goes away or pull over and take off the helmet.
The Bontrager WaveCel helmets are available now in the following models and colors.
XXX WaveCel Road Helmet
Features:
- WaveCel advanced helmet technology
- The Boa System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with one hand
- Easy-to-use adjustable strap dividers allow for a fine-tuned fit
- An aerodynamic shape
- AgION antimicrobial pads wick away moisture and eliminate odors
- Additional NoSweat pad with silicone channel keeps sweat out of eyes
- Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership
Colors: Black, Azure/Black, Red, White, Radioactive Yellow/Black, Purple Phaze/Black (LTD)
Weight (S/M/L): 325g/352g/390g
Price: $299.99 on Trek.com
Blaze WaveCel MTB Helmet
Features:
- WaveCel advanced helmet technology
- The Boa System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with just one hand
- Fidlock magnetic buckle fastens effortlessly for a quick, secure fit
- Front Blendr mount system easily integrates GoPro camera and Bontrager light accessories
- AgION antimicrobial pads wick away moisture and eliminate odor
- Additional NoSweat pad with silicone channel keeps sweat out of eyes
- Drop-in coverage on back of helmet offers extended protection
- Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership
Colors: Black, Slate, Roarange (not a typo), Miami Green, Purple Phaze/Black (LTD)
Weight (S/M/L): 380g/420g/448g
Price: $299.99 on Trek.com
Specter WaveCel Road Helmet
Features:
- WaveCel advanced helmet technology
- The Boa System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with just one hand
- Fidlock magnetic buckle fastens effortlessly for a quick, secure fit
- Highly ventilated design offers more airflow to keep you cool
- Soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and washable helmet pads
- Reflective elements on back of helmet offer enhanced visibility
- Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership
Colors: Black, Vice Pink, Viper Red, White, Radioactive Yellow
Weight (S/M/L): 322g/341g/380g
Price: $149.99 on Trek.com
Charge WaveCel Commuter Helmet
Features:
- WaveCel advanced helmet technology
- The Boa System lets you easily secure and adjust helmet fit with just one hand
- Fidlock magnetic buckle fastens effortlessly for a quick, secure fit
- Rear Blendr mount system easily integrates Bontrager light accessories
- Soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and washable helmet pads
- Built-in visor provides constant coverage against sun and rain
- Reflective elements on back of helmet offer enhanced visibility
- Crash Replacement Guarantee provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership
Colors: Black, Battleship Blue, Era White/Black, Radioactive Yellow/Black
Weight (S/M/L): 392g/428g/498g
Price: $149.99 on Trek.com
[Image credit: Josh Kirschner/Techlicious]
