Bell Bike Helmets History
Bell is a bike helmet manufacturer. It also makes helmets for motorcycle riders and car racing drivers. It has been making helmets for over 60 years, they have been used by everyone from professional racing car drivers in the world's biggest races, to weekend motorcyclists, to cyclists competing in the Tour de France. The company led the way in many helmet innovations, and it remains one of the most respected helmet manufacturers in the world.
Their story began in 1954 when the company was founded by Roy Richter. The first helmets were made in a garage behind Bell Auto Parts. Bell describes this period of the company as being fueled by "grease and will", with the result being the 500, their first helmet.
These helmets were put to the test fairly quickly. In 1955, in only their second year, racing driver Cal Niday crashed into the wall in the Indy 500. He was wearing a Bell helmet, which he said saved him from suffering even more serious injuries than he did.
Over the next decades they introduced a number of innovations to the helmet manufacturing industry. They were the first to produce a full-face helmet, the first to produce a fire retardant helmet, and the first to produce a helmet made from Kevlar. They also led the way in helmet ventilation systems, and in aerodynamic, lightweight designs.
Today they continue to make a wide range of bike helmets, and it is involved in the various cycling sports through sponsorship of riders. It also makes helmets for power sports and motorcycle riders.
Bell Helmets Product Range
The range of Bell bike helmets is extensive and is categorized depending on the style of riding. The helmets all include the latest technology in helmet design with features like visors that automatically adjust to the light, and styles like ergonomically fitting helmets that can be adjusted with one hand.
The range also includes the latest in helmet safety and rider protection technology. For example, some of the helmets in the range feature MIPS. It is the multi-directional impact protection system developed by scientists and neurosurgeons in Sweden. It is used by the best helmet manufacturers in the world (including in Bell’s high performance helmets) to offer riders the maximum level of protection possible.
You will find the full Bell Helmets product range on Bike Exchange. This includes:
• Mountain Bike Helmets – includes high performance models for racers at all levels as well as helmets for the more casual and recreational rider.
• Road Bike Helmets– like the mountain bike range, you will find options to suit all styles and class of rider. There are also specialist models, such as time trial helmets.
• BMX Helmets – a range for BMX riders and racers as well as skateboarders.
• Lifestyle Helmets – this is the range specifically designed for recreational and casual riders, balancing protection technology, comfort features, and cost.
• Youth range – helmets for teenagers and children.
• Limited editions – special designs made in low quantities and for limited periods of time.
• Accessories - helmet mounted lights, chin bars, and visors.
• Commuting Helmets for the casual rider and commuter
• Kids helmets - in various styles and designs
• Special editions - including the Joy Ride collection aimed at women, and limited edition designs
Many of the helmets in the range feature MIPS - multi-directional impact protection system. Some include camera mounts, and there is a range of cycling and helmet accessories.
Bell Helmets Sponsorship
Bell runs the Joy Ride program. It is an initiative that encourages women to take up non-competitive mountain biking. There are organised mountain bike rides that women can join as part of the program. The idea is to complete challenging courses for fun and fitness, without the need for racing.
The company is also involved professional cycling sports. This includes sponsoring individual riders in mountain bike, BMX, and road racing events. They also sponsor teams: Team Kuota-Lotto in road racing, Team Boulder Sport in cyclocross, and Team BH Gravity in downhill.
Bell is involved with a number of professional cyclists and teams. This includes various mountain biking disciplines, BMX, and road racing. Some of the cyclists that use Bell supplied helmets include the downhill riders Harry Heath and Mick Hanna. The freeride mountain biker Wade Simmons wears a Bell helmet, as does the Enduro rider Nathan Riddle. The BMX riders include Pat Casey, Zak Earley, and Van Homan. On the road Bell supports the Team Lotto NL-Jumbo team. The Team Boulder Sport cyclocross team also uses Bell supplied helmets.
Bell Helmets for Sale
At BikeExchange, we bring the marketplace to your computer or mobile device. We offer a wide assortment of Bell Helmets for sale by independent bike shops and private sellers from all over the United States. Depending on the retailer and the product, you can make a purchase in one of several easy and convenient ways:
For further info about Bell Helmets you can visit their website
