New Trek Ballista is brand's ‘fastest, most aerodynamic’ helmet yet

Company drew on Trek-Segafredo pros' expertise in designing new lid

Studio image of the Trek Ballista helmet
(Image credit: Trek)

US cycling brand Trek has launched its new Ballista road bike helmet, which it claims to be its “fastest, most aerodynamically-advanced” model to date. 

Designed with input from the professional riders at Trek-Segafredo, the new Ballista MIPS prioritises aerodynamics, and is said to bring a 5.4 watt power saving compared to the previous generation of the helmet, based on an hour’s riding at 45km/h. 

This is the equivalent of saving 17 seconds on a standard hour test at 300 watts.

According to Trek, the helmet’s advantages are a result of its “unique shape” which was conceived following interviews with Trek-Segafredo riders. “Further improvement was gained from the addition of an air trip, vent design, and internal channels,” the press materials detailed. “Together, the whole system makes the Ballista the fastest helmet Trek has ever made.” 

Compared to the previous generation of the Ballista, which was released in 2015, the new model has larger front vents and an extended rear part, in a bid to manipulate and improve air flow. It also incorporates a MIPS Air safety system, which is said to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash. 

Trek-Segafredo riders have already been wearing the helmet in races this season, with Elisa Longo Borghini donning it on the flatter stages at the UAE Tour. Likewise, former world champion Mads Pedersen wore the new Ballista during Sunday’s Tour of Flanders, where he finished third. 

Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders 2023

Mads Pedersen has been wearing the new Ballista in one-day races this season

(Image credit: Getty)

In tandem with the launch of the Ballista, Trek has also released its third generation Velocis helmet, a more lightweight, all-round race option. The two lids are the first to be released under the company’s name, as part of a re-brand from its Bontrager range. 

“Velocis is a versatile, race-ready performer designed to meet the everyday training and racing needs of Trek-Segafredo,” the brand said. Weighing in at 235g in its European version (260g in the US version), the statement continued, “Velocis is the lightest helmet in Trek’s lineup.”

Both helmets are available now in sizes small to large, all priced at $299.99/£229.99. 

Red Trek Velocis helmet shot on a white studio background

(Image credit: Trek)

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Tom Davidson
News and Features Writer

Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast, which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders. 


An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. 


He's also fluent in French and Spanish and holds a master's degree in International Journalism.