Trek Rally WaveCel Mountain Bike Helmet Review

At AMB we are no stranger to WaveCel helmet technology, having done a deep-dive into the technology upon it’s initial release and followed it up with subsequent releases including the Bontrager Rally range. In 2024, Trek have made some changes to the Rally design and launched the helmet under it’s Trek banner, enter the Trek Rally WaveCel.

We loved the earlier iterations of WaveCel helmet’s commitment to safety and pushing the bar in terms of technology and safety, but the helmet itself was bulky and hot: two attributes that are less than desirable riding around in the Australian summer. 

The launch of the Trek Rally has addressed some of the issues with earlier versions of the helmet, including reducing the weight and increasing the ventilation, as well as expanding coverage in the rear of the helmet and redesigning the visor for goggle compatibility.

A closer look at Trek Rally WaveCel

To increase ventilation, Trek has managed to increase the size of each ‘cell’ of the WaveCel, allowing more airflow while riding. We found this to bring the helmet closer in terms of ventilation and cooling than other helmet technologies such as MIPS or Lazer KinetiCore, and didn’t get as noticeably hot as previous models of the Bontrager Blaze or Rally.

The WaveCel technology itself intends to reduce the damage from an impact by reducing rotational acceleration of the head. While I didn’t get to test this feature out, the new helmet has been rated 5 stars by Virginia Tech: the highest rating available from the independent helmet-testing heavyweight.

The helmet features a BOA retention strap, which was easy to use one-handed on the fly, and a Fidlock magnetic buckle which was easy to use (note: this is definitely a feature I would prioritise when selecting a child’s helmet to completely avoid the risk of skin pinching with a standard strap, for adults it’s nice to have but not a deal breaker). The magnetic click was very satisfying, if that sort of thing is your jam.

The helmet comes with an integrated magnetic Blender mount for your GoPro, which is easily removed and reinstalled if you fancy yourself a bit of a videographer.

At 358g, it’s not a boat-anchor of a helmet, but not ultra lightweight either. Weight wise, it’s on-par with other trail helmets. Notably, it didn’t feel heavy or awkward on my head and just did what helmets are supposed to do: hang around and be unassuming, and if you land on your head hopefully reduce injury severity.

Speaking of reducing injury severity, the updated helmet range has increased rear coverage to ensure more of your head is protected. This was addressing previous concerns with the Bontrager Blaze and Rally that had quite a high profile in the rear.

I really enjoyed the improved visor, which was larger than previous versions and had capacity for sunglasses or goggle storage with three position adjustment. I tested size small in ‘Keswick/Black’ which was a muted forest green with a grey/black ripple on the lower parts of the helmet, and understated gold and silver graphics. This new generation of Rally has upped it in the aesthetics department as well.

Speaking with Trek, they have had some feedback that the helmets tend to run on the small side and people with typically smaller heads have had to size up so it’s worth checking these out at a Trek dealer to dial in your size. I have a head around 55cm, and the small (52-56cm) had a fair bit of room, but often with helmets the shape of your head can be more important than overall circumference. 

Verdict

All things considered, Trek have improved almost every aspect of the earlier Bontrager Rally WaveCel – and this is a good thing. With the new Trek Rally WaveCel we have a design that has addressed all the key concerns that I had with earlier options and now offers increased airflow, reduced weight and improved aesthetics, making it look much more steezy on and off the trail. 

The best part about the Trek Rally WaveCel, however, is just how forgettable it is – in a good way. You chuck it on, tighten it up and forget you’re even wearing a helmet, which is exactly what we want a helmet to do.

Pros and Cons of Trek Rally WaveCel

Pros:
– Improved aesthetics so you can look cool
– Comfortable with improved ventilation and reduced weight
– Extra safe

Cons:
– Not crazy light
– Sizing can run small