Expert Pick #06

Bell Super Air R MIPS.

Removable chin bar snaps off for climbs and back on for descents, bridging XC and trail riding without carrying full-face weight.

Bell Super Air R MIPS

The Verdict.

9.0/ 10

Gavler Meta-Score

The Super Air R is the convertible trail lid for riders who climb to their descents. The chin bar adds coverage and breathes well enough that you can leave it on for fire-road climbs, and the spherical MIPS protection is comprehensive. Just know what it isn't: unlike Bell's Super DH, it's not certified to downhill standards, so it's a trail helmet with extra cover — not a bike-park full-face.

The Gavler Verdict

Precision Engineering

Removable Chin Bar

Light, breathable chin guard snaps on for descents and off for climbs in seconds without removing the helmet (CPSC/CE EN 1078, not DH-certified).

Spherical MIPS

A spherical MIPS layer between two different-density EPS liners manages rotational impacts in both open-face and full-face modes.

Overbrow Ventilation

Directed airflow across the brow area manages heat at the most temperature-sensitive zone of the head.

Technical Specifications

TypeConvertible (open/full-face)
ProtectionSpherical MIPS + dual-density EPS
CertificationsCPSC, CE EN 1078 (not DH-rated)
Vents18 helmet + 8 chin bar + 4 brow
Weight679g (full-face, size M)

The Scoreboard

Expert Consensus90%
Community Rating90%

Convertible design earns praise for all-day trail practicality. Note it carries CPSC/CE EN 1078 rather than ASTM downhill certification, and some testers find the chin-bar fit varies by face shape — riders focused on bike-park or gravity racing should choose a dedicated full-face.

Cast Your Vote

Do you think Bell Super Air R MIPS deserves the #6 spot in Best Cycling Helmets?

Best Price Availability.

Prices checked April 2026

Price History

Lowest price in 30 days

30-Day Low

$220

30-Day High

$220

Current

$220

Tracked daily across retailers. Vote Want itabove and we’ll alert you the moment the price drops.

Global Critique

Weighing just 679g in a size Medium and being so easy to breathe in that I often wouldn't bother removing the chin-bar for climbs.

BikeRadar

It carries CPSC and CE EN 1078 certification, but the thin chin bar doesn't comply with ASTM downhill standards — so it's not suited to bike park use.

off-road.cc

A pedal-friendly convertible that's light enough to wear all day, with the added safety of an attachable chin bar when the trails turn rowdy.

OutdoorGearLab