Protecting the head and keeping it cool, being flexible and ensuring visibility - a bike helmet has to fulfil a number of requirements. What interests me about the Bell Annex Shield MIPS is the small visor and its special ventilation system.
Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
I'm glad of the visor when I'm chasing along the road in the pouring rain. As someone who wears glasses, drops of rain lashing into my face regularly cause tantrums. These are the moments when I can hardly see anything when I'm wearing my old city helmet. On short journeys and at slow speeds, I can get over it. But for the test of the Klever X Speed Pinion S-Pedelec, a model with a visor was temporarily needed.
I ended up with the Bell Annex Shield MIPS, which I travelled with for a week. Its short visor just fits over my prescription glasses and not only provides a clearer view, but also protects against insects and wind. To prevent sweat from running down your forehead, the airflow is channelled through the "Overbrow Ventilation System". This means there are a few holes in the top of the windscreen. And lots of them on the top of the helmet, which together with the air channels on the inside are called "Active Aero Technology". They can be opened and closed steplessly using a slider.
Interesting look: The Bell Annex Shield MIPS from a bird's eye view.
A breezy helmet is all well and good, but of course safety comes first. Thanks to MIPS, the movable protective mechanism, rotational forces are reduced on impact. And the "Float Fit" adjustment system is really secure. The height can be adjusted in three stages at the back of the head. For me, this made the difference between uncomfortable and comfortable. It is not generously padded, but it is light.
The entire helmet weighs 445 grams inside in size M according to the label and 459.5 grams on my fine new fine scale - visor included. This can be removed and replaced with a sun visor, which is supplied. A separately available matching rear light can be attached to the back of the head. The reflective straps are another useful detail.
For a visor helmet, the Bell Annex Shield MIPS cuts a slim figure. It fits well, is not too heavy and can be ventilated variably. It has been tested in accordance with EN 1078 - the standard that bike helmets in Switzerland and the EU must fulfil. It also allows you to ride an S-pedelec up to 45 km/h. If you are looking for additional safety, you should look for a model such as the Giro Bexley MIPS is tested according to the stricter Dutch standard NTA 8776 for S-pedelecs. They are usually a little heavier. In this case, I was looking for a lightweight city helmet with a visor. My prescription glasses just fit underneath the Bell Annex Shield MIPS, some frames are probably too wide for it. With sportbrille, that wouldn't be a problem - but then I wouldn't need a visor.
