fignon's barber
11-08-2016, 08:46 AM
Just took delivery of the Bell Zephyr helmet yesterday. I took it out for a ride and have a few initial impressions. It's a new design, so I thought some may be interested in an unbiased opinion.
I ordered the matte black/gloss black and I like the look. Our team wears black/fluo green, so this was the one that works. In person, I think the helmet looks nice simple, unlike many of the most recent offerings from helmet makers. When I took it out of the box, I was taken back by how compact the helmet looked. My team helmets are Spec evade/prevail, and the Zephyr is much smaller in outward appearance.
The helmet is solidly built, and feels substantial. It's not heavy, but feels noticeably heavier than the Specializeds.
Ventilation is fantastic, actually immediately noticeable. No scientific data, but I would say it's the best ventilation of any helmet I've worn.
As for fit, I have a 59cm oval shaped head. For brands that offer only 2 sizes (like kask,met, etc.), a 59cm falls in between their 2 sizes. I wear medium in Spec's, and medium in Zephyr. The Zephyr is slightly smaller than the medium specy. The shape is similar to the old Bell Volt, oval but slightly less oval than Spec. I last wore a Volt in 2009, and liked it.
As for aero, the straps lie flat on your face, and with your head down making an effort the cut off back is probably a good thing.
The head coverage feels solid, like the old volt. All in all, a not flashy well vented helmet.
I ordered the matte black/gloss black and I like the look. Our team wears black/fluo green, so this was the one that works. In person, I think the helmet looks nice simple, unlike many of the most recent offerings from helmet makers. When I took it out of the box, I was taken back by how compact the helmet looked. My team helmets are Spec evade/prevail, and the Zephyr is much smaller in outward appearance.
The helmet is solidly built, and feels substantial. It's not heavy, but feels noticeably heavier than the Specializeds.
Ventilation is fantastic, actually immediately noticeable. No scientific data, but I would say it's the best ventilation of any helmet I've worn.
As for fit, I have a 59cm oval shaped head. For brands that offer only 2 sizes (like kask,met, etc.), a 59cm falls in between their 2 sizes. I wear medium in Spec's, and medium in Zephyr. The Zephyr is slightly smaller than the medium specy. The shape is similar to the old Bell Volt, oval but slightly less oval than Spec. I last wore a Volt in 2009, and liked it.
As for aero, the straps lie flat on your face, and with your head down making an effort the cut off back is probably a good thing.
The head coverage feels solid, like the old volt. All in all, a not flashy well vented helmet.