Commuting - Bell Metro Helmet...

Can I get some feed back on this Helmet?

Looks like the Metro is made for the Commuter...

Thumbs UP or DOWN?

I like mine a lot. I like the dial for the headwidth, and the removable liners (though I need to wash the straps too!). I like the clip-on mirror, and I guess there's a cover they make for it too, there are strategically-placed snaps to attach it.

But it is heavy compared to the more 'aero' roadie helms. I especially notice this when it's super hot out. 6.5 out of 10 overall

I have the Bell Citi which is very similar to the Metro--little less expensive but similar style--and my only problem with it is that it is NOT a good summer helmet; not enough ventilation for hot summer days.

I bought a Bell Alchera that has great airflow, and will probably go back to using the Citi in the fall and winter. It's bright yellow, which I think is good for visibility in traffic.

I like the clip for a blinkie light on the back, I like the vent plugs for winter riding, I like the ear muffs for winter, and I like the rain cover (costs extra, though). Very comfy, too.

I like mine a lot. I like the dial for the headwidth, and the removable liners (though I need to wash the straps too!). I like the clip-on mirror, and I guess there's a cover they make for it too, there are strategically-placed snaps to attach it.

But it is heavy compared to the more 'aero' roadie helms. I especially notice this when it's super hot out. 6.5 out of 10 overall


I have the Citi model, and have been trying to buy the clip on mirror. My LBS doesn't carry it, and doesn't seem to want to. It is available on back order from REI, but I don't know how soon that will be.

I eventually settled on the Citi. I attached a mirror. I use a balaclava to stay warm in the winter. And I just let my head get wet in the rain. Further, some tests indicate that the places for attachments on the Metro could cause problems in an accident by snagging when you don't want them to snag.

The Metro is much more expensive than the Citi. Since I already had the stuff to keep my head warm, I didn't think it was worth the extra $$$.

I like mine a lot.
<SNIP>
But it is heavy compared to the more 'aero' roadie helms. I especially notice this when it's super hot out. 6.5 out of 10 overall

Gotta second this. I particularly like the visor mirror that I can flip out of the way and the rain cover has saved me several times from having water streaming down my back.

But...it's gotten well into the 90s for long stretches here in the midwest and the helmet can stand more venting.

In cooler weather i love it, riding home in 100+ i'm not such a fan, as has been mentioned before the venting leaves a little to be desired, but the dial for adjustment rocks

.... Thanks to ALL for the replies....

I got my matte-black Metro at the start of this summer and have worn it in record heat without problems. But my commute is only 2 miles over flat city blocks. For me, it's the BEST HELMET EVER, simply because it fits me and the style doesn't make me feel like I'm swearing a Lance Armstrong costume to get to work. Do you know what I mean? I've had a Giro Eclipse for a while, but never wore it, cuz it was made for racing, fit funny, and I simply looked silly.

I didn't get the accessory pack because it was so expensive. But I'd like to get the ear-muffs eventually. The Metro not available at any LBS in my hood and the Citi is supposed to be "one size fits all" but is not. So, to keep the price down, I waited for Nashbar to put it on sale (down from $69 to 49), then I used a coupon for an extra 20% off. That's how I was able to rationalize the expense - multiple discounts.

In short, this helmet totally hit the spot for me and I have hardly begun to realize its potential in rain/cold. Buy it.

I like the clip for a blinkie light on the back, I like the vent plugs for winter riding, I like the ear muffs for winter, and I like the rain cover (costs extra, though). Very comfy, too.

I get all these and more by just flipping up the hood on my jacket. Last winter I wore a Kelty Helium,this winter I'll be using a Moonstone Storm Flight(cause it's bright yellow). I get them one size larger so I can wear my bag underneath(don't need a waterproff bag if it won't get wet),and the slightly larger hood easily goes over the helmet. These jackets also have adjustable hoods so they'll stay in place when you look around and won't blow back in the wind. The hood also keeps more heat in than a bare helmet.

I'm another Citi user, which is the blue collar cousin of the Metro. I love my Citi, and the size adjustment feature is fabulous. It is the most comfortable helmet I've ever owned, and I also like the simple non-racing style. I have a friend with a Metro and he really likes the helmet. For me, though, the difference between the two wasn't worth the difference in $, though the rear blinkie strap is a nice touch.

Nashbar as the Metro for $59 now.

I know Nashbar prices fluctuate a lot. But right this minute the Metro without accessories is $49.95 plus shipping. Pull out one of thier mail order cataloges and you can usually find a code for an additional 10% off. Just a suggestion.

I got the Metro this summer. I liked the understated styling. Besides, I read somewhere that helmets with fancy pointy vents at the back can twist your neck if you fall on them the wrong way, and the whole point of a helmet is safety.

The only accessory I have so far is the snap-on rain cover, which keeps my hair completely dry even in driving rain. I might try the winter kit later (usually I wear earmuffs under my helmet).

I got one

good things:
1) aesthetic and safer round shape not like the stupid alien head things
2) lots of extras available: mirror/winter bits/rain cover
3) fits my head much better than my last helmet with good adjustment possibilities
4) the mirror can be handy
5) clip on the back for fixing a blinky

bad things
1) the inner fixing bands (the bit that contacts the head not the helmet shell itself) are thin plastic and look fragile (if they break then you can then throw the helmet away)
2) no bright colours available- might regret the cool low key look one day
3) the helmet is not cheap and the accessory pack is outrageously overpriced
4) the mirror is a bit flimsy and small

overall the helmet is good and I have not seen anything better for commuting use but there is considerable room for improvement

There was a positive review for this in a recent Rivendell Reader. Grant the owner doesn't like helmets and basically the review said that it doesn't really feel like you've got one on and without the sunshade doesn't restrict visibility. Hope this helps