Head-to-head · Best Bike Helmets

Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet vs Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about parents seeking MIPS safety for kids — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Bike Helmets

Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet

4.5

$63.39as of Jul 8

The Giro Tremor MIPS child helmet earns high praise for its exceptional comfort and ease of adjustability, with reviewers noting the large rubber dial system makes fitting easy for both kids and parents. The helmet features excellent ventilation and high-quality internal materials, while its one-piece construction with fused outer shell and foam core increases durability. While some reviewers noted the standard buckle can pinch and the fixed side straps may be loose for certain children, the Tremor remains a top choice for parents seeking a safe, stylish, and comfortable helmet for young riders.

Strengths

— Dial-adjust system has a larger rubber dial for ease of use
— Plenty of vents and internal air channels for great ventilation
— Internal pads are high-quality technical material

Watch-outs

— Standard buckle can pinch, but keeps costs down
— For some kids, the fixed side straps are too loose and can cause the helmet to slide back on the head

$63.39 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Bike Helmets

Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet

4.1

The Trek Bontrager Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet features WaveCel technology, described as a significant advancement in cycling safety akin to MIPS. Reviewers noted its large, bulky fit and poor ventilation, which caused stuffiness during sweaty conditions. While it's suitable for road and light gravel riding, the design may not appeal to those seeking a sleeker look or better airflow. One reviewer mentioned the helmet's layered construction adds volume, making it less appealing for riders who prioritize comfort and aesthetics. The Starvos is positioned as an entry-level WaveCel helmet from Trek, though it lacks some premium features found in higher-tier models like the Circuit.

Strengths

— Uses WaveCel technology designed to absorb impact during crashes
— Provides a layered internal structure with WaveCel, traditional foam padding, and spacing
— Suitable for road and light off-road/gravel riding

Watch-outs

— Large, bulky fit that may not appeal to fashion-conscious riders
— Poor airflow and ventilation leading to stuffiness during sweaty rides

Buy at trekbikes.com Full review →

How they stack up

Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet

The Giro Tremor MIPS child helmet surpasses the Met Downtown Mips in adjustability and safety with its dial system and MIPS technology, though it's more expensive. Compared to the Giro Guider 4, it offers more child-specific features and better ventilation, but both share concerns about fixed side straps that can slide back.

Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet

The Trek Starvos WaveCel helmet uses WaveCel technology that's more advanced than the Giro Aries Spherical's traditional foam padding, but the Aries Spherical offers superior ventilation and lighter weight. While the Starvos provides impact protection, its bulky fit and poor airflow make it less appealing compared to the Aries Spherical's sleek design and performance.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Giro Tremor Mips Child Helmet	Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet
Weight	255 g	—
Ventilation	Plenty of vents	Standard venting
Size	Child: 47-54 cm	—
Construction	In-mold	—
Adjustment System	Dial adjust	Large/extra large
Safety Technology	Integrated Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (Mips)	WaveCel
Safety Certification	CE EN 1078	—

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