Sizes: small, medium, large/Colours: matt titanium, black, blue, titanium, olive/Weight: 286g
Contact: www.ultimatepursuits.com

Although Bell says the Variant has a ‘bottom wrap’ the shell/hardbody doesn’t extend underneath the helmet. There’s also less coverage at the rear, but it does feature an internal skeleton for added strength. It has 24 vents, the most on test. Bell borrows the Variable Position Visor from Giro. The GPS (geared positioning) retention system is basically a toothed wheel that takes up slack in two plastic straps; there’s no vertical adjustment. Adjustable cam-lock strap levers feature on the side straps.
A bit more XC than AM, but good for summer rides.

MBR RATING: 8/10