HJC Valeco 2: New road bike helmet: Comfortable, light and beautiful
The HJC Valeco 2 primarily compares itself with its predecessor model, the Valeco, and aims to outdo it in the usual key data and categories: The new generation of the Valeco, Valeco 2, is lighter, should be better ventilated and more comfortable overall. In addition, the design has changed and there are a few other features that should convince potential customers.
HJC Valeco 2: Faster, lighter, more comfortable
The manufacturer HJC has its own wind tunnel laboratory, where the new helmet was also tested in order to adapt it to the riding experience of racing cyclists in the best possible way. The focus here was on the aspects of aerodynamics and ventilation. The manufacturer itself knows that improved aerodynamics come at the expense of ventilation, but claims to have found a solution to achieve the best compromise in the semi-aero helmet. Thanks to the new, more aerodynamic design, the rider is even faster with the new helmet and saves wattage.
When it comes to ventilation, the manufacturer has given more thought than just integrating openings at certain points on the helmet. By observing the laws of physics, the helmet is ventilated in the best possible way despite its aerodynamic design: the air enters at the front as usual while riding, then circulates inside the helmet before exiting at the back. Ventilation is part of the comfort improvement. There is also an extended surface inside the helmet with all-round padding and a sophisticated fastening system.
Closure and weight
The new closure system mechanism on the HJC Valeco 2 is easy to adjust. With a 5-stage fastener for the width of the helmet and an 8-stage vertical fastener, the helmet can be adjusted to the individual head shape. The width only needs to be adjusted once. The height of the retention system at the back of the head can be easily adjusted by pushing or pulling for each ride, depending on whether a plait is to be threaded through it or not. A kind of cable pull system replaces the usual turning wheel. Put it on and go. This works well in practice; we tried the helmet in sizes S and M and adjusted it to different heads. All testers were positive "The helmet sits well and firmly on the head, it doesn't pinch at the front, back or sides." Only the narrow support of the fastening system could pinch, depending on the shape of the head.
When it comes to weight, the helmet surpasses itself: The HJC Valeco 2 was able to undercut the manufacturer's specification of 225 grams in size S by 9 grams in our measurement. This makes it 24 grams lighter than its predecessor model instead of 15.
Safety first with the HJC Valeco 2
However, the most important feature of a bicycle helmet remains safety. In the HJC Valeco 2, the InMould construction enables the EPS layers to be bonded to the outer polycarbonate shell. This reinforcement protects the head even better.
Another plus are the certificates with which the helmet has been awarded. While its predecessor was "only" awarded the CE and KC mark, which means that it fulfils both the EU-wide and Korean standards for a product, the HJC Valeco 2 fulfils all international standards.
Another safety feature is the reflective elements on the back of the helmet. These ensure greater visibility at dusk and should also be easy to see in poor visibility conditions.
Other special features of the bike helmet
The helmet offers enough space between the fastening system and the shell for a ponytail, making it more comfortable for people with long hair. In addition, two slots at the front of the helmet provide a stable mounting option for goggles.
The HJC Valeco is available in various colours and costs 149 euros >> here available
There is something for everyone in terms of colour
The most important details of the HJC Valeco 2 at a glance
- Size: S, M, L
- Weight: 216 grams (size S), 245 grams (size M)
- Design: Aerodynamic
- Comfort: Padding, simple fastening system, good ventilation through 14 slits
- Security: Frame integrated in EPS, InMould construction, reflective elements, fulfilment of several test standards
- Other: Glasses holder, fitting gap for long hair
- Made in Korea
- Price: 149,00 Euro
Conclusion of the editorial team
The HJC Valeco 2 is a highly recommended road bike helmet with a comfortable fit. The head ring is adjustable in width and height, which not every helmet offers. The fit should suit many heads. The workmanship of the HJC Valeco 2 is also very high quality. We like the replacement pads supplied. The reflective elements were only slightly reflective in our test. The many colour variants are nice, so there is certainly a suitable variant for most road cyclists.
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
