With 20 functional vents actively channeling airflow over the head and out the rear, a feathery curb weight and a bevy of top-level features, the new Sweep R has moved to the front of the pro peloton. Bell's signature GPS Fit System insures an optimal fit, while the Fusion In-Mold Microshell and bottom wrap along with an internal reinforcing skeleton make the Sweep R strong yet svelte. Dialed race graphics-including a Special Edition Tyler Hamilton model-accentuate this design masterpiece and make it worthy of its 2004 Tour de France debut.
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Light, good looking, comfortable for my head, retention system is effortlessly adjusted for use of a bandanna or other under the helmet
Weaknesses:
Relatively expensive, the shell at the rear has cracked off in two symmetrical spots on the left and right from regular use
Similar Products Used:
Various cheapo universal Bell and Gyro helmets
Bike Setup:
Entire bike collection
Bottom Line:
Great helmet. I don't like visors on my helmets, so didn't get the XC version. I use this on my road and mountain bikes. If you compare this helmet to all the other Bell/Gyro helmets, this is one of the lightest, has plenty of ventilation, and is comfortable. I've a roughly 7 3/4" hat size, and wear the Large. The sweat "soak up" pads hold a disgusting amount of sweat until you squeeze it out! The white/silver color looks good but you'll still have non-cyclists saying you look like a Star Trek character.
Universal-fit Bell/Gyro helmets are cheap and work fine for most people. Your head is worth more than the price of a helmet, get one that fits you fine and that you'll wear every single time you ride.
Negative: in two spots on the rear, the shell has cracked off near the edge. It's by the middle rear "split" in the helmet. The core is not damaged, so just a cosmetic issue. An expensive helmet shouldn't do that. That's why I'm not giving it five stars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Racer
from Utard, UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light, Strong, Pretty, good ventilation, Retention system is great.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bell Furio, Pro-tec, Giro
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance w/ full Saint, Fox 36 Giant TCR2
Bottom Line:
This is a great helmet, very cool and comfy in the summer. I really like the adjustable thing in the back, in the winter (20-40 degrees regular riding temp) I can fit a skull cap no problem and stay warm. I just wish I would have gotten a plain white one coz my team colors changed this year... Perfect helmet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sascha
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Butterfly Pig
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Very light, very good ventilation, excellent workmanship, very good fit with Bell GPS fitting system you forget your wearing a helmet. Looks beautiful too.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Giro Atmos
Bike Setup:
Kona Blast frame, SID Team fork, XTR dual control with disc brakes, XT crank hubs and derailleurs, Mavic XC717 wheels
Bottom Line:
If you have around $100 to spend for a helmet I would recommend this helmet, it is as good as the more expensive Giro Atmos.
If you want a helmet that is lightweight, strong, good fit, good looking and not too expensive this is definitly the helmet for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great looks, excellent ventilation, light weight, comfortable and the adjustment dial at the back of the helmet works very well.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none.
Similar Products Used:
Bell Image
Bike Setup:
KHS Alite 4000 Team
Bottom Line:
Great helmet if you don't mind paying a little extra. So light you forget you're wearing a helmet all at. Recommend to everyone who wants a pro-level helmet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Carver
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City, IA USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Awesome looks, great ventilation, cool graphics, dial fitting
Weaknesses:
I should have bought the XC version....for like $15 more it is the same helmet with a visor.
Similar Products Used:
Bell Vengance, Giro E2
Bottom Line:
Rucking fad helmet, but spend the extra few bucks and get the XC version for the removeable visor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield Lake (2006 Commonwealth Games)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Very Comfortable & Fits better than any other helmet I've ever had. I've got a faily big head and this doesn't look like it at all.
Weaknesses:
This baby makes my head hot, I don't know if thats the trade off for such a good fit but I find myself taking the helmet off every so often just to cool off. I would still prefer to wear it than my old Animas.
Similar Products Used:
Giro Animas (same fit range as the Sweep but only just bearable when I sanded a section of the front out)plus a whole range of older Giro's
Bike Setup:
Not that it matters but an Intense Spider,XTR everything,thompson,king,Marzocchi etc
Bottom Line:
Great comfort and looks at a great price (thanks JensonUSA, the only shop I trust to send items across the sea) It is hot so I don't know what it will be like on 40 degree days, Suggest you try a Giro E2 as a comparison before buying.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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