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Tour Tech - The new Volt

Published: Jul. 8, 2008
Cancellara in the new Bell helmet.
Cancellara in the new Bell helmet.
Photo: Matt Pacocha

You’ve already seen the new Bell Volt helmet, even if you didn’t recognize it as new.

Thor Hushovd put the Volt in the spotlight of victory at the end of Sunday’s stage two. The new model will slot in as the top road and cross-country race helmet from Bell.

The Volt from behind.
The Volt from behind.
Photo: Matt Pacocha

The Volt, which will be in Bell’s 2009 consumer line, strives to be all every helmet strives to be: Light, well-vented and super comfortable. The new helmet has 22 vents. The 11 front vents funnel air to a rider’s head with the help of Composite Fiber Intakes, as the company has coined the extra fiberglass venting scoops. The air is funneled internally by the StreamJet internal channels and out the back of the helmet through 11 exhaust ports.

The X-Static anti-microbial pads wick moisture and pad a rider’s head. While the new TAG (Twin Axis Gear) fit system helps keep the helmet securely in place. At retail the helmet will come with a removable, multi-position visor, one we won’t likely see in the Tour. The helmet comes with nifty plugs that fit into the visor mounts to keep the holes clean and make the helmet look cleaner when the visor is not in use.

The helmet will be available in nine colors with the CSC and Crédit Agricole team colors among the choices. Three sizes are offered: Small, medium and large. The helmet meets CPSC and CEN 1078 standards.

The company says the Volt weighs in at 280 grams and will cost $175, making it the most expensive cycling helmet Bell offers.

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