RoadTrailRide: Trek Velocis MIPS Bicycle Helmet Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Trek Velocis MIPS ($329)

Sizes: S/M/L

260g/9.17oz

Pros: Light, well vented, fit, style, top rated protection, quality, versatile

Cons: back of head coverage is minimal

Introduction/Fit/Style: 

The Trek Velocis MIPS is striking in its design, sleek, minimal, light and is aggressive looking, It has ample vents, OCLV Carbon inlays, MIPS Air safety system, rubberized side vents for secure sunglass storage and of course optimal fit utilizing the BOA Fit System.  I

 see the Velocis as primarily a road/gravel helmet, but of course can be used for XC mountain biking as well.  Fit in my usual size medium is perfect.  

I have a more oval head shape and while not the most oval helmet, I think it straddles the line between round and oval and should accommodate most head shapes.

Features:

The ventilation ports are ample, providing maximum air intake that is noticeable at even slower speeds, and is especially noticeable as you go faster.

The venting is also present on the sides with two additional vents along the forehead as shown above and below.

The Velocis features MIPS Air, which helps to minimize rotational impacts in the event of a crash, which is basically an internal layer of padding that stays affixed to your head while the outer shell rotates to absorb and dissipate the impact.  

I am thankful to have not had to test this first hand, but will lean on the crash test ratings from VA Tech that elevates the Velocis to a 5 star ranking.

Most MIPS helmets have an internal cage that allows the helmet to rotate upon impact, but the MIPS Air system utilizes a padding system only that essentially performs the same task, doubling as the safety cage, but is lighter weight.

One of the main highlights of the Velocis is the BOA Fit System, that is easy to use and has positive incremental clicks to tighten or loosen, providing the perfect fit quickly and without fuss.  The dial is a good size (not too small or overly large) with a positive grip.

The BOA single lace is thin, flexible and minimal, ringing the helmet 360 degrees with semi internal routing in the front.  

The single lace BOA Fit System and all of its components are exceptionally comfortable and secure, where it goes essentially unnoticed.

The vents are large (gaping) and all lead to the ports in the back, providing a smooth and efficient flow of air for maximum cooling effect.

The rubberized sunglasses dock helps to keep your glasses securely in place.

Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:

I have been putting in long miles with the Velocis on the gravel bike in temperatures from 45 degrees, up into the 90’s and have found performance to be amazing! 

In warmer to hot temperatures, ventilation is fantastic and the airflow/cooling is absolutely amazing.  I own a handful of different helmets and I find myself instinctively reaching for the Velocis on warmer days for its max ventilation, comfort, fit, light weight, ease of use and knowing that it ranks high in the VA Tech safety ratings.

In a perfect world, I would love to see a little more protection over the back of the head (as I have witnessed some bad spin around crashes and seen riders hit the back of their head) without compromising much in terms of weight, but overall I trust the VA Tech safety ratings and hope to not have to find out for myself.  

All in all a top pick for a light, safe, breezy, secure fitting road/gravel helmet.

3 Comparisons  

Smith Trace MIPS (RTR Review):  The Trace weighs 30 grams more, but has Koryod protection, adding another level of safety and also has a slightly better fit/shape for me, as well as a little more coverage over the back of the head.  The Velocis is lighter, better vented and the BOA Fit System is far superior to the fit mechanism in the Trace. The Trace is also $50 less expensive at current retail.

POC Cytal (RTR Review):

The Cytal is a bit heavier and has an overall larger profile, but the fit and overall coverage/protection are superb, with a vent system that somewhat keeps the sun off of your head. It is sort of a hybrid between a road helmet and an aero road helmet.  The Velocis is better for really hot days and long climbs, as it is lighter and perhaps a bit better vented and the BOA Fit System is superior to the dial POC uses.

Kask Elemento: (RTR Review): At $400, the Elemento is one of the most expensive helmets out there, but only gets a 4 star rating from VA Tech, is heavier by 70 grams and has a more round shape that may feel compressing on the forehead if you have an oval head.  The Velocis is so light it goes unnoticed, is better vented and has superior BOA fit.

All RoadTrailRide reviews HERE

Thanks for reading our review!

Shopping at our partners below is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun

REI

Trek Velocis MIPS

SHOP HERE

Tester Profile

Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John Tribbia fellow RoadTrailRide and RoadTrailRun contributor). Jeff also raced as a professional road cyclist for several years.  Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling.  In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running 

shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.

Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. No compensation was provided by brands for writing this article. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.