REVIEWED: Bontrager Lithos MTB Helmet

Here in Australia, we have some of the strictest helmet standards around. And while that might restrict some of the models that come into the country, it’s not like we have little to choose from.

Bontrager have been making helmets for about 10 years, and like many of their products, they have always had an interesting range. But like the rest of their products, they have all of a sudden become really, really good recently. Whether this is from continual research and development, new designers, or just the pursuit of perfection – the result is the same. I’ve been using their RXL MTB shoes which are fantastic, and loved the time on the XXX TLR Disc wheels. Bontrager went through a phase of being “the stuff that comes on Trek bikes” to going back to what it was before Keith put his brand in the big garage in Wisconsin.

The Bontrager Lithos helmet landed at AMB headquarters recently, and it was a bit of a struggle for who would get to use it first. It actually makes for a bit of a double take. At first it looks like Bontrager have produced a helmet without the in-moulded hard shell we are used to. While the black and white models have your regular in-moulded shell, the model we received looks like the closed cell foam is naked. It’s not, and has a rubberised finish to protect it and keep it together. The lower half around the back still has the in-moulded shell.

It’s a unique look, and offset nicely with the fluoro graphics. But of course it comes down to fit. The medium fit my medium head pretty well, and is of the rounder head shape – sort of like Bell is compared to Giro. I fend helmets a little like shoes – one make will tend to fit you better than another. There is plenty of padding on the inside of the helmet, they are moisture wicking and antibacterial. Best of all they cover just about every contact point. So even if you’re bald, it should be comfortable.

The retention system in the back can be raised or lowered so it cups beneath your occipital bone securely. This is a really important point with helmet fit. You want it to be secure, and some helmets lack the ability to make a snug fit without wrenching the chin strap tight. That’s not this case with the Lithos. That said, the straps are brilliant! Light and soft, they didn’t hold much sweat – and they’re locking clasps meant they maintained their adjustment.

Dial it up.

The visor is removable, but we put it back on right away as just about any helmet that comes with a visor looks ridiculous without one. It’s adjustable by 10 degrees, so you should be able to set it up out of your field of vision. if not, then you can remove it.

My only concern with the Lithos is pretty minor – it’s just fairly heavy. The weights on Bontrager’s website claims it is 257g, but it’s about 340g. That’s about the same as any ‘trail’ oriented helmet. A Giro XAR is about the same, but a Giro Ionos is just under 300g, and an Atmos lighter again. But consider the move to helmets of about 200g and it starts to look heavy. Of course, this isn’t a commentary against the Lithos, but just a suggestion that you might need to consider the weight of a helmet. If you’re an 85kg rider, riding for a couple of hours, it’s no big deal. But what if you’re an under 17 XCO racer? The Limar Ultralight weighs 175g and meets all Australian standards. That’s almost half the weight, which is a consideration for smaller, lighter riders – or those involved in endurance racing or training.

Hits:

Unique styling

Comfortable fit and great size range

Great value

Misses:

A tad heavy

Price: $159

From: Trek Australia