Van Rysel Racer helmet review

From Decathlon’s in-house brand Van Rysel, the Van Rysel Racer helmet offers fine ventilation via the 16 mostly vast vents and, as our Silverstone wind-tunnel testing in 2019 proved, superior aerodynamics in wide crosswinds (it was less impressive into direct headwinds).

The weight of 260g is impressive and among the lightest here. We also like the dual colour scheme for added on-road visibility and the polycarbonate shell that covers the exposed polystyrene.

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Sadly, it loses marks due to the firm front padding, a tricky-to-adjust retention system and straps that tend to loosen the longer you ride. If you want to spend even less, Van Rysel’s £30 RoadR 500 also comes highly recommended.

Verdict: Well vented, affordable, and sometimes aero

Score: 86%

Matt Baird Editor of Cycling Plus magazine

About

Matt is a regular contributor to 220 Triathlon, having joined the magazine in 2008. He’s raced everything from super-sprint to Ironman, duathlons and off-road triathlons, and can regularly be seen on the roads and trails around Bristol. Matt is the author of Triathlon! from Aurum Press and is now the editor of Cycling Plus magazine.