The Rally Wavecel is Bontrager’s latest mountain bike helmet that’s packed full of safety tech and up-to-date design details. Here we look at who it’s for, what features it has and give you some feedback from our product testing.
Mountain bikes have evolved at a fast pace over recent years and so has the riding. Trail centres such as Haldon Forest have made access to fun and challenging terrain more accessible and Bike Park Wales steps things up to another level with shuttle assisted downhill runs for the more gravity-focused rider. Chances are you mix in these types of man-made tracks with your local riding or they’re on your list of destinations for the future.
With more challenging terrain comes the need to address rider protection and safety. Speed increases, terrain may get to the edge of your comfort zone and rocks and roots add further challenges.
‘A helmet should be the first piece of safety kit you buy and it’s worth investing in the best you can afford’
Bontrager tops the list for safety spec with its unique Wavecel technology – a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of your helmet. It works like a crumple zone, absorbing the force of an impact before it reaches your head. This Wavecel technology offers significantly better protection than standard EPS foam helmets, being much more effective at preventing concussion caused by a bike crash. WaveCel accounts for how most mountainbike accidents actually happen: ungracefully, with twists, turns and angled impacts…
‘Virginia Tech rated all of Bontrager’s Wavecel helmets as 5/5 in their testing’
If you’re choosing a helmet for trail riding then we’d suggest the Bontrager Rally Wavecel. It’s mid-pack when it comes to price but shares the same safety tech as the range topping Blaze helmet. So how does the Rally perform out on the trail?
Take the Rally helmet from its box and you’ll notice the quality and finish – it’s first class and up there with the best. At just under 400g for a size medium it’s 50g heavier than the lightest trail lids but this is justified by the additional Wavecel safety tech, a robust retention/fit system as well as the full microshell covering which extends under the rim of the helmet.
Bontrager offers the Rally in three shell sizes to give a good fit for most heads – from 51cm to 63cm. The fit is fine-tuned further by the adjustable retention system with a Boa dial. We’ve been selling Bontrager and Lake shoes that use Boa dials and they’ve proven reliable and durable over the years – it’s great to see them on the Rally helmet. The cradle is height adjustable in three positions and works well if your hair’s tied back.
'This helmet is easy to adjust, well ventilated and has the additional safety credentials of the Wavecel technology'
Out on the trail the Rally sits low on your head with deeper coverage at the rear and sides compared to a road helmet. We’re impressed with how stable it is when the trails get rough – the Rally doesn’t flop about and the micro adjustments of the Boa dial let you snug the helmet up without compromising on comfort.
Heat management is good too; the five large front inlets work with the peak, ducting air through the helmet and out the other eight vents. The Wavecel structure doesn’t seem to compromise ventilation either. The one-piece liner pad is easy to remove for washing, is noticeably efficient at wicking sweat and dries quickly too.
'When the trail gets rough and loose, Bontrager's Rally WC stays put, even when you're pressing on hard'
We’ve used the Rally with riding glasses and goggles and they work well with both. However if you’re a regular goggle wearer and like to park them under your peak when your climbing we’d suggest you take a look at the range-topping Blaze helmet – this model has a larger peak with a wider range of movement, along with additional Wavecel coverage, a magnetic buckle and a camera/light mount.
'WaveCel is an interesting technology because it’s multi-use and that means the helmet is simpler, fits better and is safer' – MBR
So how would we sum up the Rally Wavecel? We think it hits the spot for proper mountain biking; it’s stable, easy to get a dialled-in fit, well ventilated and has the additional safety credentials of the Wavecel technology. At £139.99 in a choice of colours, a one-year crash replacement scheme and Bontrager’s 30 day satisfaction guarantee, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular helmet choice here at Bay Cycles.
Check the full range of Bontrager Rally Wavecel helmets here now
