Ride Concept’s original Hellion series just got a major refresh, now coming in three models – one with laces and two with dual BOA dials- all three with Clip-In and Flat Pedal variants.
Both are built off the same chassis now, simplifying the lineup, which is a remarkable feat considering they wanted this one model to work equally well for everything from light trail riding up to enduro racing.
Oh, and they wanted to improved protection and breathability, features typically at odds with each other. To do that, there’s a complete wrap around on the bottom half of the shoe, but with a tough Cordura mesh upper half.
The new versions add a heel cup to reduced heel slippage, and they’re a lot lighter, too. They also updated the looks, moving away from a skate shoe aesthetic to something decidedly more mountain bike.
Enduro riders prioritize protection and stiffness over breathability and comfort. Trail riders wanted the opposite, willing to give up a bit of protection for a lighter, cooler shoe.
So, RC created a new footbed and outsole (aka “chassis”) that could work for both. They’re stiff, but damp vibration and have good grip, which are qualities all riders wanted.
The uppers are also similar in that they both use the Cordura mesh and have a softer “Achilles Notch” at the back to prevent harsh rubbing on your achilles tendon.
Cordura has good abrasion resistance, but is also light and breathable. They tested Kevlar, but the Cordura they chose actually had better puncture resistance and breathability, and it comes in different colors. They say most Cordura comes with a membrane backing, but they removed that to improve breathability with only a tiny decrease in toughness.
EVA midsole for vibration damping, tuned to provide comfort without giving up pedal feel.
From there, though, the models split off with different features tailored to the intended user.
Hellion – “The Shred-Ready Pedaler”
The standard Hellion gets two options – Laces ($160 flats / $180 clip-in) or BOA ($190 flats / $210 clip-in). The laces model has a stretchy band to tuck them into, and (for the clip-in model) a new, lighter Velcro “power strap” switched from microfiber to ripstop nylon, which is tougher, lighter, and dries faster.
The BOA version gets a single Li2 dial with a new over-wrap design to cradle your foot without creating hot spots.
Compared to the Elite below, it has smaller, softer TPU toe cap to maximize ventilation through the mesh upper. A fully gusseted tongue keeps scree out…and helps keep it centered over your foot.
Clipless models get a longer 40mm cleat channel for more adjustment range, plus a nylon shank throughout to improve stiffness for more efficient pedaling.
Hellion Elite BOA – “The Unrelenting Descender”
If gravity’s your game, the new Hellion Elite ($230 flats / $250 clip-in) upgrades to dual BOA dials with a multi-piece top wrap for even pressure distribution.
The toe cap is larger, with a tougher KPU material, and they added a “rampart” KPU shielding around the bottom of the BOA dials to protect them from rock strikes. BTW, KPU is an in-molded 3D process that allows them to add thickness and shaping, without adding more seams and parts.
The Elite also adds D3O padding to the overwrap. All three models have D3O insoles for solid impact and vibration reduction.
Available now in men’s and women’s versions.
