Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Helmets
Bontrager Solstice WSD Ladies Helmet Bontrager Solstice helmet.jpg

Bontrager Solstice WSD Ladies Helmet

9
by Lara Dunn
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Sep 10, 2011

0
£34.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Good value for money helmet offering easy fitting and high levels of comfort for riding at a sedate pace
Weight: 
311g
Contact: 
www.trekbikes.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Conceived as a general purpose women's cycling helmet, the Solstice WSD is pitched at the recreational or fitness rider, commuter or day to day errand rider, rather than at those looking for high-end performance for races and long events. It features a universal fit, for one-size-fits-most capability, and is designed to be as easy to use and fit as possible.

The Solstice includes an easy-adjust fit system, lockable adjustable straps, washable pads to improve fit and a removable visor.

With 19 vents, this helmet does give a modicum of ventilation, but the vents are relatively small, and not angled to channel airflow through as effectively as higher end performance helmets. The result is that it's a very warm helmet for anything more than moderately paced rides. In fairness though, it's aimed at riders who are unlikely to want to ride particularly quickly anyway.

Taking a medium in most headgear normally, the one-size nature of the Solstice wasn't really a problem for me, but those with larger heads may want to consider a non-WSD model, as the upper end of the size capability wasn't that big. Adjustment was a doddle, with the locking strap adjusters being a really effective feature and easy to use. Once on, the helmet sat comfortably, nicely cradling the back of the skull. The protection does reach quite far down at the back, which does give a feeling of extra security to those looking for it. It was stable and didn't feel unduly heavy, while the straps were comfortable and unobtrusive.

Available in a choice of several girly colours. The Solstice is also available in a non-WSD version.

Verdict

A good value for money helmet offering easy fitting and high levels of comfort for riding at a sedate pace

road.cc test report

Make and model: Bontrager Solstice WSD Ladies Helmet

Size tested: Mint Green

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Aimed at those looking for a value for money helmet, with ease of use and versatility.

Definitely good value for money, good levels of comfort and best suited to more sedate non-performance orientated riding.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

One-size-fits-most WSD Fit

Single-hand adjustable fit system.

Lockable strap adjusters

Removable visor

Washable fit improver pads

CE/CPSC Adult Certified

19 vents

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Well designed with effective fit adjustment and good details.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Performed well for a more recreational helmet.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Very tough design, and washable pads are a nice feature.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

Not a bad weight for a commuter/recreational helmet.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Good levels of comfort, provided your head fits within the one-size-fits-most bracket. If not, consider the non WSD version of the Solstice.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Excellent value for a bomb-proof helmet

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Performed very well indeed for an entry level value for money helmet.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Style, comfort, ease of adjustment, price.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Colour options available, warmth

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Definitely. Especially for those on a budget or starting out.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Easy to adjust, comfortable and excellent value for money.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,

women's cycling helmet
Bontrager Solstice WSD Ladies Helmet
bontrager
Lara Dunn

Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling. 

Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other. 

She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting. 

Latest Comments