Rudy Project Rebel Review – Lightweight, High-End Cycling Helmet

Rudy Project’s REBEL helmet was recently used at the TdF by Team Bahrain Victorious, so it’s a high-end performance helmet. I figured that if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me. Here’s my review of the Rudy Project REBEL warts and all.

More: Rudy Project Rebel RRP 300€

TL;DR – Lightweight, high quality and with good ventilation. Expensive but VERY nice.

Aesthetics and Design

It’s a nice-looking helmet from any angle.

There are 22 ventilation ducts but there could be more in other designs. So you would think the helmet is well-ventilated but perhaps not maximally-ventilated.

The front ventilation intakes and spoiler called the Airframe Band, have been designed to force moving air over your head to provide cooling and eject it from the rear.

Other helmets I own that improve cooling through channelled airflow have the issue that bugs are also forced through and I’ve been stung/bitten a couple of times. Rudy Project includes an integral mesh to prevent that. It’s worked so far!

A dial to the rear of the helmet tightens and loosens its fit. There’s nothing unusual there.

What is unusual is the helmet buckle. Magnets hold together the two ends of the straps. These don’t come undone unless you squeeze into them from the side in a particular way. It’s a bit hard to describe and unusual to get used to. The design does seem to work perfectly and these will not come undone by accident in a crash.

The strap length is adjusted easily enough.

Helmet Choice

A triathlete might want a collection of helmets for different kinds of riding: aero TT helmet, aero road helmet, climbing helmet, general use/group helmet, and gravel helmet.

The REBEL is an excellent, general-use summer helmet perfectly fine for flying up hills and for mundane off-road riding. On super hot days, a head sweater like me would be Ok with this helmet but might prefer a maximally ventilated helmet or wear a bandana under the helmet.

I can also recommend the Rudy Project Wing as an excellent TT-style helmet, great for triathlons and very aero-efficient.

Rudy Project Rebel Fit

My head shape is more oval than ‘normal’.

Rudy Project’s “RS Micro 11 rear adjustment” did allow me to get an excellent fit. I had to slide the entire rear mechanism by about 2cm before tightening the knob for comfort.

Size & Colour Options

There are 3 colours and two head circumference sizes – large (59 – 61cm) and small/medium (55-58cm).

Rudy Project Rebel – Features & specs

The helmet is light at 250g (actual weight 302g, large), includes 20% recycled materials and the company declares here that it conforms to relevant safety standards (CE/EN 1078 sand the RP Rotational Impact Test).

The helmet is supplied with a good quality protective cover/bag, and a set of replacement internal pads but NOT a replacement mesh.

Here is a diagram that shows all the features:

Rudy Project Rebel – Adjustment

4 adjustments can be made and these are standard features but not well-documented:

1. In normal use, you will tighten the rear knob to wear the helmet and get a snug fit. The helmet will not move in use. Loosen the knob when you remove the helmet.
2. The entire plastic mechanism to the rear (that includes the knob) can be slid by about 2cm. Get this right to ensure the helmet sits approximately horizontally, leaving about 2 finger widths of space above your eyebrows. This adjustment affects the circumference.
3. The Y-shaped plastic mechanism to each side can be moved to ensure the straps do not go over your ears. It’s a bit of a faff to make this adjustment.
4. The strap can be lengthened or shortened to get a snug fit under the chin. The strap also includes a plastic band which can be moved to ensure the end of the strap doesn’t flap about. Once you are sure you have the right strap length you could cut off any excess, perhaps also burning the end of the material to stop fraying over time.

Take Out – Rudy Project Rebel Review

It’s a well-designed, lightweight helmet incorporating elements of carbon (3K/KVLR) and polycarbonate. I like its looks and the adjustment options gave me a perfect fit.

Whilst I would have perhaps preferred slightly more ventilation, I’m satisfied with the good ventilation it has. Even more satisfied with the bug-stop mesh that does its job.

Buy Rudy Project Rebel

Rudy Project Rebel RRP 300€ (September 2024 onwards)