BONTRAGER RALLY WAVECEL R2 999, trekbikes.com

“Wavecel is still quite a new concept for South Africans – they’re a bit sceptical,” says Trek’s Kevin van den Broek, with a laugh. “But it’s incredible tech for us, and it’s here to stay.”

He’s talking about Bontrager’s proprietary helmet liner – a grid of layered polyester that can crumple, flex and glide on impact, reducing all the various forces that your head might experience in a crash, and limiting the chance of concussion or other brain injury. The Rally has all of that, plus breezy ventilation, an adjustable visor and a Boa tightening system. It’s a good-looking, safe lid for gravel riding – or any riding, really.