Trail bikes are becoming more capable. We keep saying it over and over again because it’s true. Any one of these new ultra slack, long travel, Enduro frames is enough that you don’t really need a downhill bike anymore. It surprised me too, but after spending time on bikes like the new Santa Cruz Nomad, I’m convinced.
The problem is that these new bikes allow you to push your limits faster and further than ever before. Which means the consequences for a simple mistake are much higher. So helmet companies have recently made the push towards building half lid helmets with better coverage. New offerings from TLD, Bell, and Kali have come along way, but they still leave something to be the desired in the keep-your-face-intact department.
Enter the new Bell Super 2R. Based off the ingenious Super, (which I reviewed here) this model shares all the great GoPro and goggle integration, but can easily be converted into a full face via three quick releases.
UPDATE: Video was pulled down at Bell’s request. The helmet will be officially launched at Eurobike, then we’ll be at a test ride event in September with access to the engineers for a more in depth look at the technical differences between it and the Full 9 and its safety certifications.
Unfortunately for owners of the original Super, the chin bar is not compatible with existing models because of the mounting system – hence the Super 2 nomenclature.
According to Active Life Store, the chin bar is not rated for DH (ie. trail riding, but keep in mind we don’t have the full details yet), but a MIPS version will be offered. The basic package retails for $199.99 (the current Super retails for $125), while the MIPS version will set you back $219.95.
