Responding to rider feedback requesting better ventilation and more coverage, Trek has invested in an evolution of its WaveCel technology, integrated with the new Quantum, Rally and Blaze helmets.
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Trek’s primary safety innovation is WaveCel, a collapsible cellular structure that lines the helmet’s inner that’s designed to help dissipate impact energy during a crash but the brand promises that it’s more effective. As with all advanced crash impact technologies, engineers and designers must balance safety benefits with rider comfort. To that end, the latest version of WaveCel features a structure with 10% larger cells for improved airflow, while being 15g lighter too.
Additionally, Trek says that each of the WaveCel tech, that is exclusive to Bontrager and Trek helmets have received a five-star safety rating from Virginia Tech.
Quantum gains WaveCel
Trek’s updated mountain bike helmet portfolio starts with the Quantum, priced at $125, and designed for riders on a budget who want a half shell with more coverage than a traditional cross-country helmet. The big news is that Quantum integrates Trek’s updated version of WaveCel.
With a Headmaster III fit-adjust system and integrated sunglass storage (with grippers), the Quantum WaveCel combines features at a keen price point. A three-position visor reduces glare and sun-flare issues on those early morning or late afternoon rides. The Quantum WaveCel is available in four colours and weighs 330g, says the brand.
Riders who want more coverage can opt for the updated Rally, also with enhanced WaveCel. Trek’s designers have added more coverage and improved the helmet’s ergonomics. The fastening system is from BOA, allowing for micro-adjustments, while the Rally WaveCel’s chinstrap features a magnetic Fidlock buckle for easier use with gloved fingers.
One clear downside of WaveCel is that it doesn’t provide completely open holes where the vents are, thus blocking any chance of looping straps of third-party accessory mounts through the vents. Because of that, compatibility with action camera mounts would have been limited, if it weren’t for Trek’s Blendr mount.
This magnetic mount is totally removable but it allows for the employment of WaveCel while seamlessly adding an action camera mount, so the helmets can be worn with a helmet-mounted light, or an action camera.
Blazing technical trails
For trail and enduro riders who desire an open-face helmet with adjustable coverage and all the features, there’s the Blaze WaveCel. Trek’s designers have targeted this helmet at committed trail riders and enduro mountain bikers. The Blaze WaveCel features significantly more coverage than the Rally, with removable three-quarter coverage shielding at the ear, temple, and jawline.
Beyond the removable structure, Blaze WaveCel upgrades its visor specification with a magnetic breakaway attachment. Recognizing that riders who choose a helmet with extended coverage will likely use goggles, Trek’s shaped the Blaze WaveCel with a goggle strap catch around the rear to prevent annoying strap migration when descending technical terrain.
Trek’s Blaze WaveCel weighs 385g, without the extended protection inserts and 500g, in its complete protection configuration.
An interesting note on sizes with these new Trek WaveCel mountain bike helmets. The Quantum and Rally versions are available in S, M, L, and XL, while the Blaze is only available in S, M, and L, with no XL option.
