Bell Fraction

Bottom Line

Multi-sport helmets are great for training active kids to be responsible helmet wearers. The bright colors and stylish designs of the Bell Fraction, including some graphics from designer Paul Frank, make it an attractive model for kids and teens of both sexes. While not as lightweight or well ventilated as a helmet designed specifically for biking, the Bell Fraction has plenty to offer young cyclists in terms of style, comfort and affordability.

Performance

Suitable and stylish for children and teens. One of the best attributes of the Bell Fraction is the range of sizes. This means even young children can achieve the style of the teenagers they look up to, while the helmet maintains that multi-sport skater's cool look for older children. Even parents with children as young as 18 months report getting a successful fit with the Fraction. However, reviewers note, because children's heads vary widely in size, it's important to measure your child's head and do an actual in-store test if possible. For younger children the helmet comes in sizes extra-small and small. Medium and large helmets are suitable for youth-aged riders. Some reviewers say determining which helmet to purchase for their child is confusing, but once they determined the appropriate size, it's easy to get a snug fit by adjusting the internal padding and tightening down the chinstrap. The Bell Fraction is not a lightweight helmet, but parents approve of its sturdy construction.

For ventilation, it has 12 vents on the top and sides of the helmet, which users say work well.

Comfort

Easily adjustable interior padding. Parents who reviewed the helmet on Amazon praise the removable strips of foam padding within the helmet, saying the various thicknesses of pads help them quickly achieve a comfortable fit for the wearer and also allows them to adjust the fit as the child grows, lengthening the usable lifespan of the product. The chinstrap, which buckles at the side, is described by Bell as "pinchless," and users say it lives up to the description.

Ownership

Stylish and sturdy. One of the main reasons children ask for a Bell Fraction helmet is the style, according to Amazon reviewers. The secret to the Fraction's style is the multi-sport shape combined with graphics on the shell aimed at younger boys and girls. Some even feature popular Paul Frank designs. Both the Faction and the Fraction (larger sizes aimed at older teens and adults) include an artist selection of graphic designs on the helmets for preteens and teenagers who dislike regular bike helmets for fashion reasons. Amazon users and readers at CompetitiveCyclist.com like the helmet for its sturdy construction and durability. Several share crash experiences and say the helmet does its job keeping the child safe and well protected.