Trek Velocis MIPS Helmet

Review by Kate Agathon

The Trek Velocis MIPs with BOA Fit System helmet is Trek’s lightest road helmet yet.

I was prompted to try the Trek Velocis MIPS for three reasons:

1. I was pushing the lifespan of my current road bike helmet- a Trek Circuit Wavecel acquired in 2019 (it is recommended to keep bike helmets no later than 5 years).
2. I was hoping to find a helmet that I could stash a pair of eyewear on when not in use.
3. I prefer a BOA Fit System. Whether it is a pair of shoes, ski boots, or a bike helmet, I have always gravitated towards anything with a BOA Fit System closure because I appreciate the preciseness of the fit and the ease in which I can adjust the comfort level.

Style

The Trek Velocis MIPS immediately gets style points for its minimalist, sleek design.

I especially like it because unlike helmets I’ve used in the past, it didn’t appear too bulbous (aka Toad from Super Mario Brothers) on my head.

I love the low profile design that is both fashionable and functional. I also appreciated the subtle look of the clear Trek logo along the white paint.

The slightly lower shaped breveled front of the helmet improves the field of vision (nice when you’re cruising down a mountain pass with your head bent slightly down over your drop bars). I also liked that it did not compete for space with my eyewear on my small forehead.

The rubberized ports are co-molded into the side helmet vents to provide a space to stow eyewear when not in use. I love the look of eyewear resting on bike helmets, so big style points there.

Fit

The Trek Velocis MIPs offers one of the most precise helmet fits that I have ever encountered.

Completely adjustable, it features a single-lace 360 BOA Fit System with two lace height positions (in the front) and offers three rear positions with BOA dial in the back- offering complete customization.

I was a bit skeptical seeing how the 360 BOA Fit System dangled loosely when not secured in the back. But my skepticism was unfounded; it just takes a moment to get used to something new.

Also, I did have some initial issues keeping the rear yoke position in place, but I learned you have to twist it ever so slightly to keep it secure.

Finally, more easily adjustable are the helmet’s chin straps whose comfort cut design kept them flat upon the face.

Improved Weight and Airflow

Before the final product was approved, Trek engineers studied more than a thousand design iterations to optimize the construction to make it as lightweight and aero as possible without wading into time trial helmet design territory.

As a result, the lightweight Trek Velocis MIPs features an OCLV carbon inlay (6 grams lighter than before) that reduces weight, adds strength, and allows for larger vents.

The engineers also tested the helmet under multiple conditions and trips to the wind tunnel.

Thanks to improved channeling and the inclusion of small airfoils along the bridge, airflow is enhanced dramatically (38 percent cooler than its predecessor); making the Trek Velocis MIPS ideal for long rides.

The superior ventilation and perforated air pads improve sweat management as well by channeling sweat away and keeping your head cool throughout the ride.

Safety

The Trek Velocis MIPs helmet received a “Best in Class” five out of five star Virginia Tech Safety rating.

Its key safety features are the sculpted MIPS air pads that handle rotational forces in a crash, reducing the risk of concussion without adding weight.

The helmet’s adjustability also contributes to safety by creating a personalized fit and keeping the helmet secure on your head.

Performance

I live in the Colorado high country and regularly ride at high elevations where the sun is intense.

I most recently wore it on a ride along Leadville’s famed Mineral Belt Trail (over 10,000 feet above sea level) on a sunny day and my head stayed cool and comfortable.

Overall, I am pleased with the Trek Velocis MIPs helmet. It checked all the boxes in terms of what I require in a helmet for style and function.

Lighter, faster and more adjustable than its predecessors, Trek Velocis MIPS is available in four colors (Black, Dark Aquatic, Lidl-Trek’s team colors of Viper Red/Nautical Navy, and Crystal White).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.