Since their inception in a Southern California speed shop in 1954, Bell Helmets has grown into a major player in the protective gear industry, and are arguably the most recognized helmet brand on the market. The company now develops and produces purpose-built helmets for cyclists, moto riders and auto racers, striving to keep athletes safe when they ‘ring their bell’.
They’ve just announced their Gage road helmet will now come equipped with MIPS technology, and you’ll be able to see it in action very soon. The new Gage with MIPS will debut at this year’s Tour de France (July 4th to 26th) on the heads of Team LottoNL-Jumbo, in their special team colors.
Since investing with the Swedish developers of MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) last August Bell has released five MIPS helmets, but the updated Gage is their first road helmet with the technology. Check out the team-only and consumer models after the jump…
Bell’s Gage helmet was originally released in 2012, and quickly became one of the brand’s top models among professional athletes. The Gage’s sleek, airy shell features 26 vents with a channeled design that intakes cool air, blows it across the top of your head and pushes the warmed air out the rear ports. Bell’s two way adjustable Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system adjusts to your head’s circumference and adjusts horizontally to accommodate different occipital lobe positions and provide a customized fit.
The Gage’s moisture wicking X-static pads are sewn with silver fibers that fight the growth of odor causing bacteria and reportedly keep you cooler than standard foam padding. The helmet also features lightweight buckles and cam-locks which help keep its weight down to 240g (no word yet on whether the new MIPS model is any lighter or heavier, but the MIPS system typically adds about 30-40g to a helmet).
The MIPS liner goes between your head and the helmet’s shell, connected by breakaway tabs. In the event of an impact, the tabs will snap, allowing the shell to rotate several degrees independent of the liner, reducing the rotational forces that often contribute to concussions and brain injuries. The technology is essentially a synthetic extension of the fluid inside our skulls that acts as the brain’s natural anti-shock mechanism.
The new Gage with MIPS helmet will be available to consumers in three sizes, and in three colorways including black/red cadence, Tahoe blue, and matte black ombre. The retail price is $195 USD, and the helmet will be available at Bell dealers as of August 1st.
