100% Altis gravel helmet – MTB levels of protection for drop bar riders

With the crossover between mountain biking and gravel riding kit sometimes blurred, it’s no surprise that the 100% Altis mountain bike helmet gets a gravel model. 100% is a cool brand and an early adopters of the whole oversize riding glasses frame thing,  so this model appeals to me as a mountain biker who also rides gravel.

The Altis Gravel sits at a very attractive price point of  $115 / £89.99 / €106, so if you’re in the market for a dedicated gravel bike helmet this may well appeal. But is this helmet anything other than a peak-less version of its mountain bike helmet, and if so how does it transition to use with gravel riding?

Design and specifications

The Altis Gravel looks pretty different. Most noticeable are the 14 large vents. Rather than adopting lots of smaller vents like other best gravel bike helmets, this lid opts for less but bigger – that’s the mountain bike DNA for you. There's also the extended rear, which adds a ton more protection than a regular XC or road lid – a mainstay of all good mountain bike trail helmets – so that extra coverage is great to see. The EPS liner is covered by a polycarbonate shell that swoops in shape to create an organic-looking profile which also covers the more vulnerable lower edges of the foam for increased durability.

It uses its own Smartshock Rotational Protective System rather than a Mips liner for increased protection. 11 flexible, blue, 2cm long rubber plugs are attached to the eps liner on the inside and the helmet's padding to create a suspension system with a gap that, in the event of a crash, works to absorb some of the energy by compressing. It also provides 360 degrees of movement to help with rotational forces to your head. The padding is a lot thicker than regular road helmets to add more protection and deeper levels of comfort and gets an anti-microbial treatment.

To the rear, an adjustable turn-wheel ratcheting fitment system takes care of fit and a simple Nexus push-in snap-buckle keeps it in place. It’s available in sizes XS-S / S-M and L-XL and five colors which includes a more radical black camo.

Performance

So is it just a peak-less version of its mountain bike helmet? Yes and no.

Weighing in at 326 grams, the Altis is quite heavy for a gravel helmet and 45 grams lighter than its mountain bike counterpart, so some weight may have been shaved somewhere, but it could just be the removal of the peak. 

It seemed to sit a little high on my head, which could be in part due to the Smartshock system, but comfort levels are hard to ignore. The thick padding is a welcome change to the thin padding of road helmets and the Smartshock plugs seem to add another layer of comfort. 

The snap-buckle is easy to use and the adjustable ratcheting fitment system at the rear offers up a safe and secure fit. 

I’d previously been wearing a S-Works Prevail II helmet for road riding. After I transitioned to gravel, I kept wearing it as it’s so light and vents really well, but as the trails got more tech I did start to feel pretty vulnerable wearing it. 

The Altis is a step-down in venting but a big step-up in protection. Its build is pretty burly and even with those large vents it does feel a bit warmer to wear, but I didn’t overheat in hot weather. That said, I felt really well protected with a deep-seated fit and the dropped rear adding that extra level of protection and a really secure fit. There’s no internal adjustment for the rear fitment cradle which may cause a fit issue with some but for me was spot-on – luckily.

This helmet's shape and aesthetics won’t appeal to everyone. It’s a little bulky, especially towards the front but if you are after great protection in something akin to your mountain bike helmet then it could be for you.

Verdict

I like the Altis, it’s an affordable model that utilises some features that make a great mountain bike trail helmet. With a great fit, high levels of protection and comfort. It isn’t the lightest or most breezy on the market and the design won’t appeal to all, but I think I’ll be using it a lot and come winter it could be a game changer for a bit of added warmth.

Tech specs: 100% Altis gravel helmet

• Price: $115 / £89.99 / €106
• Sizes: XS-S / S-M / L-XL
• Colors: White, Black, Camo, Snake Skin, Tan, Grey 
• Construction: Eps liner over polycarbonate outer shell
• Protection: Smartshock Rotational Protective System
• Weight: 316g (S-M tested)
• Rival products: Fox Crossframe Pro, Oakley ARO3 Allroad