If you’ve been watching the classics, you’ve noticed the Trek-Segafredo team supporting fashionably-fast new Trek helmets. These aren’t entirely new designs (though they look it) but are iterations of the Trek Ballista aero and Velocis all-arounder helmet lines.
The next generation of Trek Ballista and Velocis helmets was designed closely with the Trek-Segafredo World Tour team. The team gave critical feedback on what worked and didn’t in previous models. This collaboration led to weight reductions and improved airflow, all while keeping the same Five-Star safety rating with Virginia Techs’ independent testing helmet lab.
MIPS Air for all
The new Trek Ballista and the new Velocis use MIPS Air for crash management and protection. Trek stated clearly, this isn’t a move away from its WaveCel technology. The Ballista and Velocis are race-focused helmets, where low weight and maximal cooling are paramount. Trek states: “At this time, MIPS Air safety technology was the best option to ensure those design parameters were met.”
Bye Bontrager
If you’re a Trek/Bontrager fan, you’ve noticed the shift toward the Trek name and pivoted away from Bontrager. First, starting with apparel and now to the helmet line, everything is going Trek. The Ballista MIPS Helmet and Velocis MIPS helmets will be the first helmets to relaunch under the Trek brand.
Whats New — Trek Ballista MIPS
The newest (2nd-Generation) Ballista was developed to provide the Trek-Segafredo team with the fastest, most comfortable helmet possible. The new Ballista is the fastest helmet in Trek’s lineup. In a standard one-hour trial, the updated Ballista saves an impressive 10.1 watts versus the Velocis.
What about compared to the previous Ballista model? The new Ballista shape translates to a 17-second advantage versus the previous Ballista and a 32-second advantage versus the new Velocis (assuming a standard hour test at 300 watts).
Trek Ballista MIPS — New Design
The aerodynamic efficiency of Ballista is the result of its unique shape. Trek updated the Ballista by rethinking the front end and slimming the profile. The design team worked with riders and studied positions influencing critical computer testing assumptions and mannequin positions. These sessions took place in the wind tunnel, and bit by bit, the team and riders worked to find the fastest, most comfortable solution.
The most significant improvements from the previous version are adding an air trip, a huge front vent, and internal channels to reduce weight and maximize airflow.
The new Ballista and Velocis employ an updated BOA single lace design that is kinder to the skull than previous versions and provides an excellent 360° fit.
Some less aero but still significant features include a beveled front edge making the field of view more open. Plus, rubberized sunglass docking ports for safe and secure aero hammering.
Trek Ballista MIPS Key Features
- Trek’s fastest, most aerodynamic helmet
- An excellent ventilation system makes this aero helmet surprisingly relaxed and comfortable
- The MIPS Air system is light, calm, and designed to help reduce rotational forces
- The single-lace BOA® fit system is fully adjustable to provide a custom 360-fit
- Rubberized sunglasses docking port provides secure and easy-to-use storage
- The beveled front edge improves the field of view while riding on the hoods and in the drops
- 5-STAR Virginia Tech safety rating
- Color options: White, Black, Navy, Purple
- Size Options: Small (51-57 cm), Medium (54-60 cm), and Large (58-63 cm)
- Price: $299
- Weight: 256g Size Med
Trek Velocis MIPS
A perfect counterpart to the Trek Ballista Aero is the Trek Velocis MIPS, an ultra-light all arounder with maximum cooling capabilities.
What’s New — Trek Velocis MIPS
The Velocis is now on its 3rd generation, it’s always been a performance helmet for Trek, but the latest iteration is by far its best form. The updated Velocis is a versatile, race-ready performer designed to meet the everyday training and racing needs of Trek-Segafredo.
Weighing 268 grams (med), Velocis is claimed to be the lightest helmet in Trek’s lineup (though our Ballista sample is actually lighter). The freshly updated ventilation system improves cooling by 38% over its predecessor. That says a lot, as the previous version was one of our go-to all arounder helmets.
The Velocis also receives an aerodynamic update, making it faster than the previous version and way better looking. Most of the aero gains come from the improved vent and channel design and new airfoil-shaped bridge. This OCLV carbon bridge is an excellent addition to the safety and visuals of the helmet.
Like the Ballista, the new Trek Velocis employ an updated BOA single lace design that should be more comfortable than previous versions and provides an excellent 360° fit.
Trek Velocis MIPS Air
- Trek’s lightest road helmet
- Improved ventilation and channeling keeps you cooler
- The MIPS Air system is light, cool, and designed to improve comfort and protection
- The single-lace BOA® fit system is fully adjustable to provide a custom 360˚ fit
- Rubberized sunglasses docking port provides secure and easy-to-use storage
- The beveled front edge improves the field of view while riding in the drops and on the hoods
- 5-STAR Virginia Tech safety rating
- Complies with U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets for persons aged one and over
- Color options: Black, Crystal White, Dark Aquatic, Viper Red/Cobra Blood, Crystal White/Nautical Navy
- Size Options: Small (51-57 cm), Medium (54-60 cm), and Large (58-63 cm)
- Price: $299
- Weight: 268g Med
Trek Ballista MIPS and Trek Velocis MIPS Availability
The new Ballista and Velocis helmets from Trek are available now at your local Trek dealer and online at TrekBikes.com.
Stay tuned for a full review as we put the new lids through the paces. In the meantime, check out the complete lines of the Ballista and Velocis Here.
