I am now on my second Bell XR Spherical helmet. My first one sacrificed itself when I launched over the handlebars and landed on the top of my head. I am not sure what mechanism in the helmet (or help from angels) saved me from serious injury but whatever it was I am thankful for the technology that saved me from what could have been catastrophic damage to my head and neck. As it turns out, other than a bit of a stiff neck the helmet helped ensure that I will ride again.
The helmet is expensive but the value it brings can not be overstated!
This is a very good helmet. It uses a new "helmet in helmet" technology, where the "outer helmet" rotates on the "inner helmet." The helmet is padded and fits me nicely. The helmet is very light, in spite of being two helmets in one. Technologically, I think this helmet is an improvement over prior MIPS technology. It seems like it would protect very well.
My complaint is that the straps are too short for proper adjustment. I reached the very end of the front strap to gain an acceptable fit. I imagine they don't want to provide extra, so you don't have to cut the straps. However, I think this is a mistake. They should give you extra length and instructions for cutting. They need to change this, in my opinion. I considered returning the helmet for this reason, but figured I was just as likely that I would get something that fit less well. Most people won't have this problem, I think, since I seem to need exceptionally long straps.
Replaced a three year old Giro with this helmet. The helmet fits very nicely. Even on the first ride I forgot about wearing a new helmet.
I like how it fits fully down on my head. It doesn't feel like it is bobbing around above the top.
It's easy to put on and take off with one hand. The clip needs a little getting used to but I like it. Fortunately, haven't crashed yet to check how well it protects the head.
This is the first spherical MIPS helmet I've had. It's quite an improvement over standard MIPS. Removing the MIPS liner from inside the helmet makes it way more breathable. I think this helmet also has a more aero shape. Bell helmets have always fit me well and this one fits like my older helmets.
Wanted a helmet that was protective and comfortable for road and gravel and with good airflow. This one really was right for me. Seemless on my head and not too warm on the hot days
I've been a Bell fan since my earliest days racing MX in the 1970s and I've continued favoring Bell products over the last 35 years of road, MTB, and more recently, gravel, cycling. I agree completely with one of the other reviewers below who noted that since the advent of MIPS, the feel of my Bells (and other brands) all suffered with a less secure fit, increased pressure points, and an awareness that the helmet was always there.
This new XR solves all of the that and returns that legendary Bell fit that I remember pre-MIPS. The helmet literally disappears on your head. And the unique little sweat channel engineered into the brow pad to channel sweat out over your nose rather than down your lenses really works!
One quibble, however, which admittedly might be due to my unique head shape, is that the helmet sits low on the head. Because of the that it might make contact with your glasses near your temples if you're wearing newer oversized models. Because of that, it may affect which eyeglass I may wear with this helmet.
I loved bell helmets before the mips revolution. Then everything came with a mips liner which most definitely changed the fit of a helmet. Well with this model the mips is built into the shell of the helmet so the fit is back to perfect.
The XR is my daily commute commute helmet. It fits and feels great. Luckily I haven't had to test its crash capabilities. I have not used it on long rides so I cant say how it will feel if wearing 3-5 hours. For 60 min its great
Bell's new MIPS system is perfect, no longer is there the horrible fitting, uncomfortable, size changing old style MIPS plastic liner system. I have been a long time fan of the Bell fit, I switched to a certain big brand helmet / bike company but no longer support their business practices, tried Kask for a little while and the fit was close but not perfect....
Road biking. The clasp is great - easier to get on and off. The best thing about the helmet are the foam inserts on the outside that hold sunglasses when you are not using them.
Love the magnetic closure, fit, and silicone hits to keep glasses in place
Great fit, lightweight. Perfect for gravel and mountain bike. Cooler than my old Bell
