{"id":15691,"date":"2018-11-01T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2018\/11\/01\/first-ride-bell-z20-helmet-r7598\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T05:38:04","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T05:38:04","slug":"first-ride-bell-z20-helmet-r7598","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/first-ride-bell-z20-helmet-r7598\/","title":{"rendered":"First Ride: Bell Z20 Helmet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Although technically speaking it\u2019s a road helmet, we tested Bell\u2019s new flagship Z20 in a range of conditions on road, gravel and mountain bikes.<\/p>\n<p>The Bell Z20 is an evolution of the Zephyr helmet, hence the &#8220;Z&#8221; naming, and it boasts some impressive features. According to Bell it&#8217;s <em>&#8220;the result of years spent analyzing how helmets fit, optimizing aerodynamics, reviewing test data, gathering real-world feedback, and applying our cumulative knowledge of impact management&#8221;.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In the construction of the Z20, Bell uses a technology they dub &#8220;Progressive Layering&#8221; which uses two layers of EPS foam of different densities to provide improved impact performance while still retaining a compact shape and appealing design. The Z20 also features integrated MIPS and Bell&#8217;s Float Fit Race retention system, both said to set a new standard in fit and comfort.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-95871400-1540825915.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347155\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347155\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-95871400-1540825915.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-95871400-1540825915.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Specifications<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"specsList\">\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Integrated Reflectivity<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Treated with a durable reflective coating under the clear coat, the Z20 Ghost glows with eye-searing intensity when hit with direct light.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Technologies<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">No-Twist Tri-Glides<br \/>X-Static Padding<br \/>Sweat Guide<br \/>Lightweight Straps<br \/>Sunglass Guides<br \/>Integrated Reflectivity (Ghost only) MIPS (integrated with fit system)<br \/>Vents &#8211; 18<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Construction<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Progressive Layering<br \/>Fusion In-Mold Polycarbonate Shell<br \/>FIT SYSTEM<br \/>Float Fit Race (integrated with MIPS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Weight<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">263 grams (size M)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Price<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">From R3995 and R4200<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Our take<\/h2>\n<p>The Z20 is a generously vented helmet and the obvious airflow combined with the sweat guide work well to both minimise sweat and keep it away from your shades or out of your eyes. I tend to wear my helmets low on my forehead with the side effect of drenching my sunglass lenses. No such issues with the Z20 in some of the hottest conditions I\u2019ve faced in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>The orange and dark grey colourway (Ghost Matte Orange Reflective), as tested, certainly won\u2019t go unnoticed in daylight or darkness. The \u201cGhost\u201d versions in the Bell helmets range all feature a reflective undercoat which illuminates under direct light (e.g. vehicle headlights). The matte finish and reflective layering do have a propensity to scratch and scuff easily and for this reason, this particular variant may be best kept on the road.<\/p>\n<p>The retention system offers height and width adjustability, fastening with a dial at the back of the helmet. It makes for a comfortable fit with no pressure points and despite the MIPS adding a few grams, it doesn\u2019t feel heavy. The Z20 sports a rear-facing sunglass guide to stash your shades when needed. For those familiar with front-facing ports (like me) it takes some adjustment, but makes a whole lot of sense to keep the vents free of restrictions and doing their job.<\/p>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-12 gap-4\">\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-40267600-1540826193.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347168\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347168\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-40267600-1540826193.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-40267600-1540826193.jpg\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-88009000-1540825959.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347156\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347156\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-88009000-1540825959.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-88009000-1540825959.jpg\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-span-4\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-47663900-1540825988.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347157\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347157\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-47663900-1540825988.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-47663900-1540825988.jpg\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-37308700-1540826000.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347158\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347158\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-37308700-1540826000.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-37308700-1540826000.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Bell Z20 has some top end safety features in the form of MIPS and multi-density foam layering said to further improve impact absorption. Neither of these were tested, but when it comes to helmets I\u2019m inclined to trade some weight (and a few more rands) for enhanced crash protection.<\/p>\n<p>All in all the Bell Z20 offers what you\u2019d expect from a flagship helmet. Make no mistake, the added safety features do show up in the price, but if you\u2019re in the market for a high-end bicycle helmet, add the Z20 to your list of options.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-38234000-1540826035.jpg\" data-fileid=\"1347159\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"1347159\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"ccs-2-0-38234000-1540826035.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-38234000-1540826035.jpg\"><\/a><span class=\"italic text-sm text-slate-500 block mt-1 mb-4\">The Bell Z20 in action at The U. Although not strictly a mountain bike helmet, the ample venting is well suited to hot days on the dirt. <strong>Photo: Chris Hitchcock \/ The U<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-slate-100 p-5\">\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-12 gap-4\">\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Pros<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Generous venting keeps cool in heat\n<\/li>\n<li>Reflective visibility\n<\/li>\n<li>Integrated MIPS protection\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"col-span-6\">\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Cons<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>May be beyond of some budgets\n<\/li>\n<li>Prone to scuffing\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although technically speaking it\u2019s a road helmet, we tested Bell\u2019s new flagship Z20 in a range of conditions on road, gravel and mountain bikes. The Bell Z20 is an evolution of the Zephyr helmet, hence the &#8220;Z&#8221; naming, and it boasts some impressive features. According to Bell it&#8217;s &#8220;the result of years spent analyzing how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29077,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[498,515,182],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-15691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-bell","tag-bell-z20","tag-helmet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15691"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15691\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15691"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=15691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}