Helmets designed for road riding prioritize ventilation and weight, while mountain bike helmets favor coverage and protection. Bell's XR Spherical straddles these categories by combining the lightweight feel of a road helmet with the extended rear coverage typically found on trail lids. The result is a helmet that handles morning road rides, afternoon gravel explorations, and mountain bike sessions without forcing compromises in any direction. The coverage extends lower in the back than most road helmets, protecting more of your skull without adding the bulk that comes with full enduro protection. This versatility matters for riders who own multiple bikes or who blend riding styles throughout the week.

Bell developed Spherical Technology by integrating MIPS protection into a ball-and-socket liner design rather than using the traditional slip plane. The helmet uses two separate EPS foam liners that move independently during certain impacts, with the outer liner rotating around the inner one to redirect rotational forces. This construction eliminates the plastic sheet that sits between your head and the foam in conventional MIPS helmets, opening up airflow channels and reducing weight. The dual-liner approach also enables Progressive Layering, where Bell uses different foam densities in each liner to manage both high-speed and low-speed impacts more effectively than single-density construction. The inner liner uses softer foam for minor impacts while the outer liner employs harder foam for severe crashes.

The Fidlock magnetic buckle eliminates the fumbling that comes with traditional chin strap clips. The magnets guide the buckle halves together and snap them closed with a lateral slide, making one-handed operation straightforward even while wearing gloves. The Float Fit retention system integrates with the Spherical liner structure, using a rubber-coated dial to adjust tension without adding separate cradle components that can interfere with the liner movement. Ionic+ antimicrobial padding manages moisture through quick-drying fabric treated with silver, which controls odor development during extended use. The Sweat Guide pad channels moisture away from your eyebrow line and steers it away from glasses, preventing the fog and drips that break concentration during climbs.... Read More