Bell is a company that has been synonymous with bike helmets for decades now. The company makes helmets for mountain biking, road and BMX—as well as motorcycles—and has sponsored professional athletes across decades and disciplines.
Several years ago, we saw the Zephyr road helmetwe saw the Zephyr road helmet at Interbike, and recently, Bell sent us one of the Zephyr’s successors, the Z20 MIPS to review.
Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
We took it for a spin to see if the road helmet is equally at home for cyclocross and gravel.
The Bell Z20 MIPS
Bell bills the Z20 as its flagship helmet that it has refined over its 60 years in the bicycle helmet business.
The helmet is made using a multi-layer construction process. There are two layers of EPS foam with an integrated MIPS layer.
Bell uses a layered approach for building the Z20 MIPS. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
Although the recent release of the Bontrager WaveCel technology has started a new discussion about helmet safety, MIPS is still considered a gold standard in safety.
The helmet comes with an integrated MIPS layer. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
The helmet is well-ventilated, with seven channels running across the top of the helmet and three more on the back.
The Z20 MIPS is well ventelated, with seven channels running along the top. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
The fit is adjustable with a tension dial on the back and Bell’s Float Fit Race retention system with adjustable cradles. I have a long, narrow head, and I found the Z20 MIPS fit quite well and sat relatively low on my head.
The back of the helmet features adjustable pads for a comfy fit. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
Bell’s X-Static padding covers the inside of the helmet for a comfortable fit. Bell ships the helmet with an extra padding layer so you can put a sweaty one in the laundry and not miss a ride.
The X-Static padding is removable and Bell ships the helmet with a spare. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
Our size L helmet weighs 335g, which is a moderate weight for a size L helmet.
The focus on protection and comfort versus weight savings is similar to the approach we have seen from other companies such as The Rudy Project and Bontrager’s WaveCel helmet, as we will note in a forthcoming review.
The Z20 MIPS is available in three sizes—S, M, L—and comes in six colors. Royal blue, the color of our helmet, is not one of the six currently available.
The helmet’s price is $230.
The Z20 MIPS Ride
The Z20 provides a comfortable fit, with the helmet sitting where one would expect it to. The tension dial is easy to use, and the triangle-shaped strap guides make them easy to adjust for a good fit. The inside of the helmet is comfortable.
The back features Bell’s tension dial. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
Any extra weight is not noticeable, and it is nice knowing that the helmet has MIPS protection and a little extra foam padding in the event of a crash.
The vents are helpful during the summer, though the open nature of the helmet’s top may require some extra headgear during the cold parts of cyclocross and gravel seasons.
The helmet sits relatively low and can be accessorized for cold weather. Bell Z20 MIPS Bicycle Helmet. © Z. Schuster / Cyclocross Magazine
The only issue I have had using the helmet is the straps are a bit long, leaving the ends to flap around on windy rides. Some scissors should easily fix that issue.
Overall, the Z20 MIPS is a nice road helmet that will also work fine for cyclocross and gravel. The $230 price for a top-end road helmet with MIPS protection is on par with other helmets we have reviewed.
Z20 MIPS Specs
Price: $230
Weight: 335g, Size L (actual)
Construction: EPS foam, integrated MIPS layer
Vents: 17
Interior: X-Static padding
More Info: bellhelmets.com
