The Bell Super 2R may be the most versatile mountain bike helmet on the market. If you are looking for the “quiver killer” of helmets, this is it!
The Super 2R has a wrap around polycarbonate shell and comes MIPS-equipped, making it one of the safest helmets for mountain biking on the market. It really does a good job of covering more of your noggin than a normal XC helmet does. It has Bell’s TAG adjustment system to ensure a snug fit to keep this thing glued to your heard.
The Super 2R is packed with great features in addition to the MIPS System. It has a detachable mount on top for accessories like GoPro cameras, lights, or anything you can attach with a standard single bolt mount. This mount is designed to detach in the event of a crash to avoid injury. The Super 2R also has Bell’s signature “Goggle Guide” adjustable visor, making this helmet adaptable to both goggles and glasses. Last but not least, the Super has an attachable chin bar, converting it to a full face helmet! The chin bar attaches to the helmet via three clips and takes only seconds to install. The chin bar fits easily into a pack, making this helmet extremely versatile. You can use the lid without the chin bar for your standard after work rides, then slap the full face extension on for some rowdy weekend all mountain or downhill rides.
This helmet also has great ventilation, with 23 helmet vents, 6 chin bar vents, and 4 brow vents. It is slightly heavy at 694g, though I think it is very worth it given the extremely high safety rating. I love versatile mountain bike products that I can use for multiple applications and this helmet fits the bill perfect. I have an XC race style helmet that is much lighter that I use for race day, but I did not feel confident with it during big mountain riding and obviously could not use it for DH riding. The Super 2R is great because you can use it for virtually any style of riding.
I will encourage you to try one of these suckers on before you buy. I have found that it fits my head differently than most mountain bike helmets and that I need to adjust it just right for it to fit properly on my head. Swing by your local bike shop and make sure this works for your head shape before buying (and buy local if you can!!). Editor’s Note: the updated Super 3R for 2017 features a different head mold, which should fit more riders’ heads more easily.
This helmet normally retails for $220, but you can find it online for roughly $109.99 if you are willing to do some searching. At that price you are really getting a BANG for your buck. With a lot of great features, like the chin bar and camera/light mount, and an excellent safety rating, this helmet is tough to beat.
Thanks to Bell for providing the Bell Super 2R MIPS for review.
Check out our mountain bike helmet buyers guide and our picks for the best mountain bike helmets.
