The Bell Zephyr MIPS helmet might be one of the more expensive options out there but it's well ventilated, fairly low profile, and it boasts an excellent new MIPS-integrated fit system.
Just to get you up to speed on MIPS – or Multi-directional Impact Protection System for long – it's 'a revolutionary technology that lets the helmet slide relative to the brain, adding more protection against rotational violence to the brain caused by angled impacts', according to the team behind it. I'll come back to MIPS in a mo.
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One unique feature of this helmet is that it uses a new patented manufacturing technique called Progressive Layering Construction. There's a high density EPS (expanded polystyrene) outer shell, and a lower density EPS inner shell next to your head. The two elements are produced separately, each in-moulded in its own polycarbonate shell, before being joined together. You can easily see where they meet and you can very slightly move the two parts separately.
Bell says that by using EPS of two different densities it can custom tune impact management and design a better helmet.
The next thing you need to know is that the Zephyr features a MIPS liner integrated into the Float Fit Race retention system. Sorry for the jargon, I'll explain it.
The Float Fit Race system is the bit of the helmet you can adjust to change the fit. You get three points of adjustment: a clicky dial at the rear, 22mm of up/down movement of the cradle at the back of your head, and you can also alter the lateral position of each of the two occipital pads (at the rear) independently – so you can have the pad on the right positioned further out than the pad on the left, for example, if that better suits the shape of your head.
The system works on the entire circumference of your head. I found it to be comfortable and very simple to adjust, even on the fly and in big winter gloves.
The lightweight straps sit flat against your face and neck thanks to Bell's Tri-Glide dividers. I really like them. Twisted straps are the devil's work. As well as adding to the neatness, Bell says that these improve aerodynamic efficiency – twisted straps add drag – but it doesn't make any overall aero claims for the helmet.
Unusually, MIPS is integrated into the new Float Fit Race system. It's not an add-on. Little yellow tabs allow the Float Fit Race inner to move relative to the EPS.
The idea is that this 'manages a wide range of impacts while giving the designers the opportunity to create larger and more effective vents'. It also makes for a lower profile and a closer fit; adding MIPS usually makes a helmet 1.7mm tighter.
We can't comment on the safety aspects of this helmet, although it of course meets the relevant standards. The whole MIPS thing convinces me, but you can make your own mind up on that.
The Zephyr certainly provides plenty of ventilation. View the frontal profile of the helmet and the vents take up a king-sized amount of space. The air that comes in is channelled over the top of your head to keep you feeling cool most of the time. This is a very airy helmet.
You get X-Static antibacterial padding inside, one interesting feature being that a tab of that padding extends from the inside of the helmet across the bottom of the EPS right at the front of the helmet. The idea is that sweat moves down to this section of padding because of the angle of your head as you ride, and then drips off in front of your eyewear.
It's a clever idea and it does work to an extent, but it doesn't eliminate the problem entirely. I still got sweat on my specs occasionally but not as much as usual, so it's a definite positive.
> Buyer's Guide: The best performance helmets
Weighing in at 288g (size medium), the Zephyr is lightweight but not super-light, although MIPS always adds a little. It certainly didn't feel in any way heavy in use.
Overall, the Zephyr has really impressed me over the past few months. It's comfortable, easy to adjust, low profile and very well vented. If you can afford a high-end lid and you're convinced by the arguments for MIPS, it's definitely one you should consider.
Verdict
Innovative, well-vented lid with an excellent new MIPS-integrated fit system
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Bell Zephyr
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Bell says, "From lung-searing cyclocross laps to long days filled with steep climbs, Zephyr fits and feels so good that you'll forget its there. That's the whole point. The most innovative road helmet Bell has ever created follows years of research, analysis and real-world testing. The result? An uncompromising level of performance."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Bell lists these features:
Progressive Layering
Fusion In-Mold Polycarbonate Shell
Float Fit Race (integrated with MIPS layer)
No-twist Tri-Glides
X-Static Padding
Sweat Guide Padding
Lightweight Straps
Sunglass Guides
Integrated Reflectivity
MIPS (integrated with Float Fit Race)
The build quality is first rate throughout.
It's well ventilated and extremely comfortable. I'm personally convinced of the value of MIPS.
This is always a tricky one with high-end kit. You can often get most of the performance at a fraction of the price.
Bell's new Stratus, available in both MIPS (£124.99) and standard (£99.99) versions, is a less costly alternative that's based on the Zephyr. Rather than the Float Fit Race system, the Stratus features a simpler Float Fit system which doesn't have the lateral adjustment of the occipital pads, for example.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It puts in a superb performance. It's far and away the best Bell helmet I've ever used.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The adjustability of the fit, the ventilation, the comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The price is a difficult one to swallow.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
This is a great helmet, but it's expensive. Even though the price is a hard one to take, I think the innovation means this helmet warrants an overall 9.
About the tester
Age: 43
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
Mat has worked for loads of bike magazines over 20+ years, and been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. He's been road.cc technical editor for eight years, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a past winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer.
7 comments
HA HA I have this exact helmet! So far so very happy with it! No accident or injury, cool head with not much sweat, faster speeds on timed downhill due for aerodynamics.
Some people on other thread are joking that this is only a piece of plastic but it is so much more. Feel safe in this equipment. RECOMMENDED
You made the same lame comment in the post about kids helmets. Perhaps people who believe in the value of helmets would like to know whether it's any good or not?
WTAF! I have the actual helmet. Its excellent and I am exactly happy to recommend to other road.cc crew. Only one helmet which i have owned so of coarse it is best but I am agreeing with this review 100%
If that's true I take it back.
For me the real value of integrating MIPS in the way Bell have with the Zephyr is that now the MIPS liner doesn't interfere with any ventilation channels that are molded into the interior of the helmet's EPS foam.
For comparison, I've got the MIPS-equipped version of Lazer's Blade helmet. Pretty good, except that it's decidedly warm for such a well-vented helmet, because the MIPS liner doesn't allow any of the air carried by the ventilation channels to flow through your head. It just skips its way to the rear of your head without cooling you as much as it should.
Comfiest lid I’ve ever worn. Not quite as cool or light as the Spesh Prevail, but far more refined in terms of design, construction and durability, plus the best MIPS implementation I’ve seen to date. Rentention system is easy and gives loads of adjustability for hats/caps etc. Detailing is also very nice, with things like the rubberised ‘Zephyr’ legend on the central strap at the back helping towards dealing with the sticker shock, but only a bit. As with all lids though, try before you buy as no two bonces are the same shape. Just wish this had specialized’s nifty clip on peak. Hunt around and they’re available for around £130-£150.
Comfiest lid I’ve ever worn. Not quite as cool or light as the Spesh Prevail, but far more refined in terms of design, construction and durability, plus the best MIPS implementation I’ve seen to date. Rentention system is easy and gives loads of adjustability for hats/caps etc. Detailing is also very nice, with things like the rubberised ‘Zephyr’ legend on the central strap at the back helping towards dealing with the sticker shock, but only a bit. As with all lids though, try before you buy as no two bonces are the same shape. Just wish this had specialized’s nifty clip on peak. Hunt around and they’re available for around £130-£150.