2014 Bontrager Top-of-the-Line Helmet: The Velocis

The 2014 Bontrager range also includes an updated and colorful shoe line.

Content and Photos Originally Posted on RoadCyclingUK.com

The Velocis is Bontrager’s new top-of-the-range helmet – the eagle-eyed among you may have spotted it on the heads of some Radioshack-Leopard riders at the Tour de France.

The Velocis supersedes the Oracle (which itself remains in the range) as Bontrager’s flagship road lid and they say it’s  their “fastest, lightest and most innovative helmet ever”.

The key change is the use of a composite inner skeleton which Bontrager say allows them to use larger vents without compromising the structural integrity of the helmet. It also helps keep the helmet’s weight down at a claimed 228g.





The Velocis uses Bontrager’s existing Headmaster II fit system, which uses an adjustment dial at the rear of the helmet, and a cradle which can be set to three different height, in order to fine-tune the fit.

 Inside the helmet, the FormFit brow band is designed to form to the shape of the forehead. It also runs the length of the entire brow to help stop sweat running down to your eyes. One particularly interesting feature is the optional NeoVisor; a removable visor which slots in front of the brow band and attaches with a handful of small velcro patches. As a result, it’s said to have no impact on fit and will keep the sun or rain out of your eyes, much like a traditional cotton cap.

The Velocis is available in four colors, including the matte black/charcoal option photographed at Trek World.



One of Bontrager’s key strategic goals is to be recognized as a standalone brand, rather than purely as a subsidiary Trek. One of the ways they want to achieve that is through the sponsorship of professional riders who may not necessarily be associated with either Trek (as they ride for a team with a different bike sponsor).

One of those riders is Kanstantsin Siutsou, who uses the Bontrager RXL shoe in this limited edition Team Sky colorway. Now it’s available to the public, too, but only in limited sizes (41-45) and limited numbers.

The RXL is, of course, available in a range of regular colors. The sole has a rating of 12 (the highest possible) on Bontrager’s stiffness index and claimed weight is 276g per shoe.

Both the RXL and the RL (which is available in the new-for-2014 high-viz yellow pictured above) have a new low-profile buckle, originally designed for Bontrager’s mountain bike shoes in order to prevent the buckle hitting rocks and roots.