Bontrager WaveCel Helmets

A major advancement in the protection against cycling-related head injuries

What Is Wavecel?

WaveCel is a revolutionary, Bontrager-exclusive helmet technology that has been shown in a recent study to be up to 48x more effective than traditional foam helmets in protecting your head from injuries caused by certain cycling accidents.*

*See Evaluation of a Novel Bicycle Helmet Concept in Oblique Impact Testing, Accident Analysis and Prevention 123 (2019) 58-65. Based on reduction in rotational acceleration at impact (6.2 m/s at 45°) of head + neck model wearing traditional EPS foam helmet vs. helmet modified with WaveCel insert. Probability of injury in an actual accident depends on numerous factors, including nature of impact and individual health.

WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of your helmet.

It works like a crumple zone that absorbs the force of an impact before it reaches your head.

How It Works

In order to protect your head and absorb the energy created by an impact, WaveCel goes through a three-step change in material structure.


First, the cells flex to reduce initial frictional forces.


Next, the cells crumple like a car bumper at impact.


Finally, WaveCel glides to redirect energy away from your head.

WaveCel Deconstructed

Cool and Comfortable

The best helmet is one that doesn't distract you when you're riding. WaveCel helmets are extensively tested in the wind tunnel for air flow.

Nothing Outweighs Safety

Gram for gram, WaveCel punches way above its weight when it comes to protection. This revolutionary safety tech adds only 53g on average to Bontrager helmets.

Dial Your Fit

WaveCel helmets are engineered to fit and feel great. They're easy to adjust with a single Boa dial and the included fit pads, and every one has a uniform dome shape developed from over 150 studies on what feels best in helmets.

Shop Bontrager WaveCel Helmets

We've Got You Covered

If your WaveCel helmet is impacted within the first year of ownership, we'll replace it for free through the Bontrager Crash Replacement Guarantee.

WaveCel is available exclusively on Bontrager helmets online and through authorised Trek and Bontrager retailers.

Every Bontrager WaveCel helmet received a five-star rating in Virginia Tech’s safety rating system. That’s perfect marks on every helmet in the line-up.

Find Your WaveCel Helmet

Bontrager WaveCel helmets offer the best in high-performance protection and comfort, and there's an option for every rider.