Gear: Bell Star matte carbon

Eager to repair an image tarnished by years of low-quality products sold in discount stores, Bell Sports is pushing a totally new range of high-quality, well-designed helmets designed to compete with the biggest established players. That charge is being led by a top-tier roadracing helmet, the Bell Star, and this new-for-2012 flagship model in matte carbon. Fitted with a Transitions photochromatic visor, this is a $770 helmet. Should you pay that much for a Bell?

Photos: Sean Smith

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