There are a growing number of helmets that cater to the burgeoning enduro scene. POC, Lazer, Kali, Troy Lee and now Bell all have lids aimed at meeting the needs of enduro racers and aggressive trail riders.
Bell’s take on the enduro-centric helmet is the most focused to date. “We looked at the space and saw an opportunity to fill some unmet needs,” said Bell product manager Shannan Valette.
Bell designers took aesthetic cues from the company’s classic open-faced Custom 500 motorsports helmet of the 1950s, and added the latest in-mold construction technology to create a mountain bike lid with ample coverage and impressive ventilation that weighs in at 440g including visor and GoPro mount.
Spec
- Sizes: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm), L (59-63cm)
- Weight: 440g (Medium sized Australian version including visor and GoPro mount)
- 25 vents, plus four brow vents
- Integrated GoPro mount
- Goggle compatible
- AU $179
- Just landed in Australia (21/10/2013)
Details make the difference
The Super’s story is one of integration - specifically, goggle management and the inclusion of a camera mount.
The visor swings up out of the way, allowing goggles to be positioned on the brow
While most weekend warriors don’t wear goggles with anything other than a full-face, many enduro racers do. The Super’s visor has 30 degrees of adjustability, making it possible to slide the goggles onto the brow of the helmet when they’re not in use.
The visor is removable and can be swapped for the included goggle tabs, which keep the eyewear strap in place when you use the Super with goggles but without the visor.
Goggle tabs can be installed in place of the visor
The Super’s removable GoPro mount is a simple but effective vent plug secured with two Velcro straps. (Mounts for other wearable cameras are not currently available.)
A rubber shim presses against the top of the helmet to damp vibration. The mount stays firmly in place, even over rough terrain, and while the helmet does have a slight forward weight bias with the GoPro in place, the Super’s low fit and very effective Speed Dial fit system keep the helmet from shifting around.
The Super comes with a removable GoPro mount
In keeping with its all-mountain/enduro intent, the Super provides substantial coverage to the back and sides of the rider’s head. Its low fit - particularly around the temples - does create interference issues with some sunglasses. Cycling eyewear with arms that arc outwards to go over helmet straps might not fill well underneath the Super. The addition of relieved areas, or channels along the temples would remedy this issue.
While not as airy as road or cross-country helmets, the Super is very well ventilated compared to similar all-mountain/enduro-inspired lids. There are 25 vents and an additional four “overbrow” vents that are quite effective at moving air through the helmet.
The combination of thoughtful features, comfortable fit and ample ventilation should put the Super on the shortlist for any enduro racer. It has just hit Australian shores with local standards approval and is available in small (51-55cm), medium (55-59cm) and large (59-63cm) sizes.
The Bell Super is available in Australia in three colours - Super Bright Green, Black White Star and White Silver Web
This article was originally published on BikeRadar in March 2013 for our UK/US readers. The Bell Super has now passed Australian standards and is available through local retailers.
Bell helmets are distributed in Australia by Sheppard Cycles. For more information on Bell products see www.bellhelmets.com.
Photos by Paris Gore.
