Patrick Bardelli
Product test

Super Air R Spherical Mips from Bell: this bike helmet has you covered

Patrick Bardelli
8.5.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

The Super Air R Spherical Mips from Bell is a full-face helmet with a removable chin bar. Together with built-in Spherical Mips technology, it’s designed to provide additional protection if you crash. The bike helmet fared well in test.

«Will I bring this helmet with me on every ride? Probably not. It’s too heavy for that.» No, this isn’t an early verdict on the Super Air R Spherical Mips helmet from Bell. It’s what I said about the HiDrop full-face helmet from Abus after wearing it during a few rides. Here’s what else I had to say about it:

One drawback of the HiDrop is how heavy it is. Size M weighs in at a whopping 1070 grammes. Isn’t there anything lighter out there? Yes, there is. User «DerDavoser» swears by the full-face helmet from Bell.

Super Air R Spherical Mips from Bell

Features

Let’s hear it for the small details

According to Bell, the included camera mount is designed to come off the helmet in the event of a crash. This can reduce the risk of injury. And finally, there’s the ventilation system that directs cool air into the inside of the helmet via channels above the eyebrows. Deeper channels then distribute this air to the outside. This makes the Super Air R Spherical Mips comfortable to wear.

In a nutshell

"Super Air R Spherical Mips" from Bell: top all-mountain helmet

Many thanks to user DerDavoser for the good tip. With the "Super Air R Spherical Mips" you get a mountain bike helmet that you can ride uphill without a chin bar and downhill with the additional protection. With a bit of practice, the conversion can also be done with the helmet on your head.

This all-mountain helmet is certainly not the right choice for downhillers. There are other models from Bell and other manufacturers that are downhill-certified. For anyone who rides on trails or in bike parks, it is certainly worth testing. I'm completely satisfied with the "Super Air R Spherical Mips" so far.

Pro

  • good weight for a full-face helmet
  • Good ventilation
  • Spherical Mips
  • Simple assembly of the chin guard
Header image: Patrick Bardelli

19 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.


Bike
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Product test

Our experts test products and their applications. Independently and neutrally.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Product test

    Less weight, more comfort: Lazer’s new Z1 helmet put to the test

    by Patrick Bardelli

  • Product test

    Ten years of development and «controlled crumple zones» have gone into Lazer’s new bike helmet.

    by Patrick Bardelli

  • Product test

    Lumos "Ultra Fly Pro MIPS" provides cooling and additional visibility

    by Patrick Bardelli