After two decades of using several Giro helmets for mt. biking, I decided that it's time to invest in a new helmet as I started to log some miles on my road bike. Following some research, reading loads of reviews, and trying on a few dozen helmets, I decided to go with Bell and found this Z20 on sale. There is a reason why this was one of Bicycling Magazine's top-ten helmets of the year in 2017. First, it's equipped with MIPS. Very light. Vents wonderfully. When my head itches during a ride, for the first time, I was able to scratch my head (a big plus). I have a round head and Bell helmets fits so much more comfortably than Giro helmets. Two thumbs up, well done!!
I haven't yet and hope never to use this for what it designed (protection in a crash) but the helmet fits me well and seems well ventilated (the second most critical feature in Central Texas during the summer). As an added safety benefit, the design of the back of the helmet allows me to attach a rear light intended for mounting on a seatpost ... this is a real winner from a visibility perspective (just today, someone in a passing pickup truck slowed, rolled down their window, and commented on the visibility of my daylight blinky light mounted up high on the back of the helmet). My only disappointment with the helmet is in the touted ability to store sunglasses in the pair with rubber grippers to help hold the glasses more firmly ... the glasses fit but the sizelocation of vents are such that the glasses I have tried are way to loose and will readily fall out when I look down ... definitely not secure enough to hold glasses while riding.
I did allot of research before I bought an MIPS helmet. This helmet looks great, is light weight and easy to adjust to your head with the adjust on the back of the helmet. The air flow is really good on those hot days. There are helmets that cost more but are not any better.
I had this helmet for a little over a year. I was going too fast for the wet road conditions, down a medium grade. There was a slick area at the bottom from the previous night's rain. I was almost across and coasting at 15-20 mph when my front wheel lost traction and I went down, very hard, and very fast. I sustained significant road rash on my shoulder, arm and leg. I needed stitches in my hand where my knuckles rubbed through my gloves. Bottom line I hit my head very hard also. My Bell sustained significant damage but it really saved my head. No LOC, No HA. This is a top quality product that really delivers.
Besides the above, I can add that I appreciate the fit. Even in Florida rare occasions require a liner and the adjustments are good to accommodate different thicknesses. Looks good too, lots of ventilation.
I wanted a MIPS helmet, and researched several before choosing the Z20. It was not the cheapest, but I knew Bell to be a quality product. And it came in blue to match the accents on my bike. I was quite happy with the fit of this helmet and the adjustments possible make this the most comfortable helmet Ive ever worn. Ive not worn it through the summer heat, so cant comment on ventilation, but so far Im a big fan. I hope I never have to test its MIPS capabilities, but I feel more confident knowing that is part of the design of this helmet.
I had a tough time picking a helmet mainly because I hate sending things back, i have a fairly large oval head 7 58th and of course it had to fit comfortably (I sent back a size large Kask that was really built for a round head shape that did not come close to even getting on my head let alone fitting) The Bell Z20 fits beautifully, and after about 800 miles of use it is by far the best choice I could have made, I never even know it is on my head while riding. As a bonus it fits pretty low profile compared to my other helmets so the light bulb head effect is very minimum.. Perfect for me and I hope I never have to find out what MIPS is..
Ive always preferred the fit of Bell over all others with my more oval-shaped head. This one is no exception. A new nice touch on the Z20 is a thin rubber edge on the rear cradle to further reduce the risk of any pressure points. Great fit. Great looks. And a great deal on sale. Done.
I purchased the helmet a little over a week ago and only have a handful of rides under it. So far it has been brilliant. The fit is great if you have a Bell shaped head (more narrow than round). The ventilation is superb, and I really love the padding that is designed to deflect your sweat from dripping into your eyes, it has really been working well during the few hot temperature rides. One thing that I will point out is the strap length. A tad too long. I ended up trimming a bit of the excess to prevent it from flapping around in the wind. Overall a fantastic lid!
This is a good looking, non-aero helmet. It seems very well constructed and nicely finished. A bit heavier of a helmet than what I am used too, but also my first with MIPS. Ventilation is good. On my first couple of rides with this helmet I was over-tightening the adjustment wheel thinking it was secured down well enough. This was leading to hot-spots and headaches. Finally figured out that it doesn't need to be as tight as other helmets I'm used to and will still be securely fastened.
I use it primarily on training rides when weight and aero qualities aren't important. When racing I opt for a lighter and more aero lid.
