Road helmets need to manage two conflicting demands: moving air through the shell to keep you cool while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency when you're pushing hard. Bell designed the Stratus using the same principles that shaped their pro-level Z20, creating a helmet that ventilates well on long climbs but doesn't slow you down when the road flattens out. The shell shape balances these requirements without prioritizing one over the other, making it versatile enough for everything from group rides to solo training sessions.

The Overbrow Ventilation system pulls air in through intake ports positioned above your eyebrows and channels it through an internal matrix that distributes cooling across your head. This design keeps airflow moving even when you're climbing at low speeds, where traditional venting struggles to generate enough circulation. The Sweat Guide pads work with this system by directing moisture away from your brow and steering it clear of your eyewear, preventing the fog-up that happens when sweat drips onto lenses during hard efforts.

MIPS Evolve integrates the rotational impact protection directly into the Float Fit retention system rather than using a separate liner, reducing weight and simplifying the interior structure. The Float Fit dial is oversized and rubber-coated, so you can make adjustments with one hand while riding without fumbling for a small plastic knob. The No-Twist Tri-Glides hold the straps flat against your face and prevent them from rotating or bunching up when you tighten the system, which eliminates the constant readjustment some helmets require after a few weeks of use. The mechanism stays secure once set, maintaining consistent fit over time.