Commuting - Bell Metro Commuter Helmet

I received my new Bell Metro with the full accessory kit today from the Discovery Channel Store.

I love the helmet. It fits me better than any bicycle helmet I have ever had, and feels solid. I like the subdued look too (titanium color). The winter kit works very well and is very warm.

The mirror is useless.. it vibrates, it's too small, and the optical quality is really bad. I normally use a Take-A-Look eyeglass mounted mirror, and there is no comparison in quality. The mirror needs a serious redesign, and I won't be using it.

The rain cover... terrible. My helmet is a size large, and so is the rain cover. But one of the snaps in the front simply will not snap to the helmet, and one of the ones in the rear pulled out of the fabric the very first time I tried (and failed) to mount it. I will likely use my J&G Cyclewear waterproof / breathable yellow cover instead.

Although I love the helmet, I really feel ripped off by the rain cover and mirror.

My advice would be to buy the Bell Citi instead. I would have, but the Citi is a universal size and won't universal up big enough to fit my fat head. The large Metro fits great.

Oh, it also came with a Blackburn Mars 3.0 blinky, which seems like a decent blinky. One cool thing about it, it has amber LEDs on the sides.

I run the same helmet. The mirror takes some dickering to get right, but alas, is flawed. The cover seems fussy in that they use plastic snaps which require a precise hand to mount. The Mars blinkie was a nice touch. I added it to my left seatstay and use the Perfomance super-blinkie up top instead. Great product, though. WTH they don't have any reflective bits or a Hi-Viz rain cover are beyond me, though. It IS a city/commuter helmet.

Bell Metro here also...

I have no complaints.

Everything fits well. XL

GREAT WINTER HELMET

I use a metro for bad weather (doesn't vent as well as regular road helmet, so if it's hot I use a different helmet) it is great. The insert that pluggs the vent holes is excelent in winter. The rain cover works great but is a giant pain to install (very tight and the snaps stink). The mirror is a joke (tossed it after one ride) and so are the ear muffs (head band or scull cap are better). All in all, I like the helmet a lot for certain situations.

I was hunting around for a Metro a few weeks ago and only REI had it locally. When I got over there I was disappointed at the high price without any of the additional add-ons. I would have tried a Citi because I like the shape and simple styling but they didn't carry that model. There was another mid-range Bell on sale for half the price of the Metro, so that's what I got. I can't imagine that the Metro is any safer and the add-ons seemed gimmicky to me. I hope they continue to produce a range of similarly low-key commuter helmets without the extra stuff.

I was hunting around for a Metro a few weeks ago and only REI had it locally. When I got over there I was disappointed at the high price without any of the additional add-ons. I would have tried a Citi because I like the shape and simple styling but they didn't carry that model.

That's funny... when I visited a local REI, they had the Citi but not the Metro.

I have a Giro high-end road helmet too that is pretty much more vents than helmet, so I will wear that one on really hot days. But for the next few months, the Metro will be my daily headgear.

I also have the Metro and it the best of the bunch but it is amazing how much room there is for improvement with it- (e.g. low visibility colours for commuting- what genius though of that?)

is there no helmet manufacturing company that can get their act together and produce something really good??? please there must be some helmet manufacturers out there reading this.

I wonder about spray painting it with ANSI lime or ANSI orange spray paint?

I also have the Metro and it the best of the bunch but it is amazing how much room there is for improvement with it- (e.g. low visibility colours for commuting- what genius though of that?)

The sales guy said "we've got it in titanium or black." I like the titanium/grey color, but black!?! Why market a black commuter helmet. I agree with you guys, paint it hunting orange or hi-vis green with reflective strips.

A few minutes later, I overheard a couple looking at a vest say "who would buy something with that obnoxious neon green color?" Looks like safety to me, I said.

Commuters have different priorities than Lance wannabes.

Does the phrase "Lance Wannabe" refer to someone who wants to retire a millionare in their thirties and marry a hot rock babe? If so, I think I'm one.

I got the Citi and love it. I already had a mirror and good headwear, so I didn't nead the cover or the cold weather cap. The only thing I would like is a place to put a blinkie on the helmet. Sometimes, I hang a Cateye dangling blinkie from the rear strap.

Generally, I think most commuters are better off picking the accessories that work best for them, which may or may not be the ones specifically designed to fit the Metro.

Generally, I think most commuters are better off picking the accessories that work best for them, which may or may not be the ones specifically designed to fit the Metro.

I couldn't agree more.

I have the yellow Citi. Like others have mentioned, the visibility angle had a lot to do with the selection of the color. But I also like the simple rounded styling the commuter helmets offer.

Now I get it. I have been waiting for the 06 metro, fully-loaded, to come into the stores. My local bike store told me that production was delayed because they were not happy with the flip mirror. I called Bell and the customer service person told me it would be out sometime after January 1, 06. Hopefully, the flip mirror design will be an improvement from before. The fully loaded model will only be in titanium. The helmet is supposed to be the same design, only about an ounce lighter. Don't know about any differences in the rain shield.

Bell customer service never responded to my message about my dissatisfaction with the accessories. If I'd known then what I know now I would have just bought the basic helmet with none of the crappy accessories.

Commuters have different priorities than Lance wannabes.

You dissing my giro pneumo and E2???

You dissing my giro pneumo and E2???

Nope, and I don't understand why you'd think I am.

Nope, and I don't understand why you'd think I am.

Cause I'm a commuter and I'm not a lance wannabe.
But as you can see from my name brand helmets, I am not poor.
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33490

slvoid,
I don't see how "lance wannabe" could be seen as a dis. "hitler wannabe" or "stalin wannabe" now thats' a dis, but lance seems like a pretty decent chap, so where's the dis?

see from my name brand helmets, I am not poor.
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33490

:roflmao:

I got the 06 Metro but without the extra crap.
And i got it in the flat back. But i will add some refective strips to it. The best of both worlds.

It takes a special kind of bike commuter to wear neon green helmets coated in reflective tape, blinking lights and mirrors. Having only gaudy multi-coloured bike cloting will turn too many people off from the idea of riding a bicycle to work. I don't care about safety.

I don't care about safety.

Are you going to have that engraved on your headstone?

You dissing my giro pneumo and E2???

I gave away my Pnuemo to the GF's 14 yr old in favor of a Bell Citi. But then again, I ain't as pretty as you. :p

After using the Metro for a couple weeks, I've gotta say I am *very* pleased with it. It fits my big head far better than either of my Giro helmets. I like the look, I like the flasher mount, I like the Blackburn Mars 3.0 flasher. I like the winter "plug" kit, although the ear flaps are a bit much for my climate.

I prefer my TAL mirror and J&G helmet cover over the crap items supplied with the helmet though. I'm glad I bought it!

It takes a special kind of bike commuter to wear neon green helmets coated in reflective tape, blinking lights and mirrors. Having only gaudy multi-coloured bike cloting will turn too many people off from the idea of riding a bicycle to work. I don't care about safety.

Let me fix that for you...
It takes a special kind of bike commuter to NOT wear...neon green...reflective tape...blinking lights...mirrors.

I think YOU (Mr I don't care about safety) are the exception, not those wearing that stuff. At least in the commuter community.

WIsh the Visor was a bit more out there.... wider/longer.

other then that, everything works for me. Mirror ya get use to. Ear thingys are great. Rain cover fits perfect.

Mirror ya get use to.

Have you ever used the "Take A Look" mirror from The Bike Peddler?

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/PP-200TAL_xlg.jpg

Have you ever used the "Take A Look" mirror from The Bike Peddler?

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/PP-200TAL_xlg.jpg

I have one, and don't like it. I have very thin glasses, with almost round, maybe 14 gauge oval arms. This mirror won't stay put on them.

Also with glasses mirrors, I often forget to put them on. Since I've switched to a helmet mirror, I've never had them shift while riding, and I never forget to put it on, because I never take it off. I use a CycleAware Reflex and love it.

Cool.

I use Native Eyewear Nano 2 glasses, and they have thick plastic frames that hold the mirror securely. I never take the mirror off (I use those glasses only for cycling), so I can't forget to put it on. Every helmet mounted mirror I have tried has not stayed in place (optically) and has had vibration problems.

My point really was that the Bell one sucks bigtime, and if you've used anything better (including the CycleAware Reflex), the Bell one is just intolerably bad.

I'm ordering a Bell Citi today. Nashbar has them in Yellow, and the '05 for $25.

I'm ordering mainly because my head is so big, most helmets don't fit. Also I like the idea of a visor; I've not had one before and regret it sometimes.

My current helmet is the biggest the LBS had and it barely fits, and actually hurts to put on if I have a balaclava on (even the PSolarX HX, which is just spandex up top); I worry that by forcing it on I may have cracked the shell at some point.

Anyone else here have a (physically) fat head? Mine is 61cm in circumference at the temples. That's the top end of even the Citi. I'm wearing a helmet now that is only supposed to fit up to 59 or 60 or something, I get it on only because I removed all the foam inside.

All you other fatheads, at least at the Nashbar and Performance sites, the '06 doesn't go as big as the '05's do. Could be a misprint, but you might want to buy that new helmet now while they're still big and still on super-sale.

I'm ordering a Bell Citi today. Nashbar has them in Yellow, and the '05 for $25.

I'm ordering mainly because my head is so big, most helmets don't fit. Also I like the idea of a visor; I've not had one before and regret it sometimes.

My current helmet is the biggest the LBS had and it barely fits, and actually hurts to put on if I have a balaclava on (even the PSolarX HX, which is just spandex up top); I worry that by forcing it on I may have cracked the shell at some point.

Anyone else here have a (physically) fat head? Mine is 61cm in circumference at the temples. That's the top end of even the Citi. I'm wearing a helmet now that is only supposed to fit up to 59 or 60 or something, I get it on only because I removed all the foam inside.

All you other fatheads, at least at the Nashbar and Performance sites, the '06 doesn't go as big as the '05's do. Could be a misprint, but you might want to buy that new helmet now while they're still big and still on super-sale.

I bought the Metro instead of the Citi precisely because I have a big head (for instance, in motorcycle helmets I wear an Arai XXL and a Suomy XXXL). The Citi is a one size fits all shell with an adjustment band. It was way too tight for me when I tried it on. The Metro has three different shell / foam sizes, and the large adjusts big enough for me with some room to spare.

As far as the Flip Mirror on the Metro... I got use to it... course my commuting is all at Night (am +pm) So I look for the Headlights.

I bought the Metro instead of the Citi precisely because I have a big head (for instance, in motorcycle helmets I wear an Arai XXL and a Suomy XXXL). The Citi is a one size fits all shell with an adjustment band. It was way too tight for me when I tried it on. The Metro has three different shell / foam sizes, and the large adjusts big enough for me with some room to spare.

Whoa, yeah. I was just looking at the '05's and there was only the tiny ones left. I see that in the '06's they have up to 63cm.

Well, I'm going to try a Citi anyway, since they're $25. I'm really not ready to pay $70 for 45 cents worth of styrofoam and nylon strap. If it doesn't fit I'll return it.

As a fathead, I have found Bell helmets (in general) fit better than Giro helmets.

By the way I much prefer pumkinhead to fathead, but since I was commenting on someone elses question, I stuck with thier term.

Partner and I have been using the Metro for 2 weeks now. Extremely happy. Rain cover is ultra-tight and requires deft hand to install, but no failures; would be a hassle to remove/install frequently, but I will leave it on for a season.

Visor was placed too high to be useful anywhere other than Bermuda high-noon on the equinox--so I re-positioned lower using zip-ties and tubing. Also plugged holes in visor with silicone. Now excellent.

Helmet mount mirrors -- don't use 'em, no comment.

Earflaps and winterizing plugs--fairly good. Eyeflaps being attached means one less accessory (like headband) to remember or lose. Flaps are stiffer and less warm than equivalent ear-cover found on snowboarding helmets, however; also noisier in headwind.

Sizing -- my partner has small head, this is the best fit helmet she's ever had.

Safety--Metro shape avoids angular protrusions that can snag and wrench neck in an accident. Rain cap has some relfective details, but not alot.

Safety--tail-lights. I fastened two Cat Eye "SL-LD100" (charming name) blinkies to the strap apparatus behind the neck, using urethane drive belts instead of the bungees provided. Creates's excellent 170 degree pan especially when looking over shoulder when crossing intersections.

Worst omission: does not come in safety colors! Why did they not offer this alongside the bland "business commuter" colors? Sheez.

I give the Metro + kit 4/5 stars. Bell needs credit for this kit--rest of industry still has head up a**.

I bought the Metro instead of the Citi precisely because I have a big head (for instance, in motorcycle helmets I wear an Arai XXL and a Suomy XXXL). The Citi is a one size fits all shell with an adjustment band. It was way too tight for me when I tried it on. The Metro has three different shell / foam sizes, and the large adjusts big enough for me with some room to spare.

Whoa, yeah. I was just looking at the '05's and there was only the tiny ones left. I see that in the '06's they have up to 63cm.

Well, I'm going to try a Citi anyway, since they're $25. I'm really not ready to pay $70 for 45 cents worth of styrofoam and nylon strap. If it doesn't fit I'll return it.

My head's circumference is 58 cm and enjoy riding with Citi. One particular thing I find great about this helmet is that, in the rain, I can put the hood of my raincape under it and adjust the fit with one turn of the knob.

Found some on sale for $30 at the LBS a couple days ago. I got the "matte Aluminum" model, with no accesories,(and after reading this thread, I guess I don't miss them,) so of course I got one, since I've been drooling over this helmet since they introduced it.
As far as absolutely needing to dress in neon colors for one's commute, I don't agree. My bike is black, my rain cape is black, so is my mess bag and i usually ride in street clothes, but my bike has a full complement of front and rear LEDs and reflectors, and I have a yellow 3M reflective vest for when i get off work late, so I don't feel as if I've gone about safety half-assed. I don't see why people feel as if they need to look like McDonald's playland when it's the lights and reflective materials that save your butt, and don't make you seem ike a fruit loop to any potential commuters. Anyway, nice helmet.

I don't see why people feel as if they need to look like McDonald's playland when it's the lights and reflective materials that save your butt, and don't make you seem ike a fruit loop to any potential commuters. Anyway, nice helmet.

no one is saying you should be forced to buy a neon green one but not even making a safe colour is incredibly stupid

no one is saying you should be forced to buy a neon green one but not even making a safe colour is incredibly stupid
I agree. Bell probably just pulled the colors it already had for its other helmets. With all the work that Bell put into trying to figure out what commuters want, they should have thought about paint. As a commuter, I want a helmet that will stand out not only at night, but also in gray weather. Part of the reason I got the Citi (which is the Metro without the bells and whistles) and not the Metro is that the Citi came in a bright yellow.

By the way, the Citi helmet (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19336&subcategory_ID=4210) is on sale for $27.99 at Performance (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19336&subcategory_ID=4210). That's a great deal.

The Metro is about three times the sale price of the Citi, and it certainly is not three times better.

Sorry for the double post, but the web site won't let me edit the previous one.

The Metro is about three times the sale price of the Citi, and it certainly is not three times better.
The Metro is several times better for me. I can't get the Citi onto my fat head. The Metro size large is very comfy for me. If the Citi had fit, I'd have bought it though.

The Metro is several times better for me. I can't get the Citi onto my fat head. The Metro size large is very comfy for me. If the Citi had fit, I'd have bought it though.
You have hit the one real superiority of the Metro. The Citi is one-size-fits all. The Metro comes in sizes. If you have an odd-sized head, the Metro is worth it.

My head is odd, but that mostly has to do with what's inside it. My size is even... 62cm.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=165639

I just love my Metro.

Super Geek

I found other Bell Helmets to size up with the Metro.

I tried on another "roadie" Bell Helmet, and ordered my Metro, fit like a glove.

You have hit the one real superiority of the Metro. The Citi is one-size-fits all. The Metro comes in sizes. If you have an odd-sized head, the Metro is worth it.
I forgot a second real superiority--the clip for a helmet-mounted rear light. That's a neat idea. I just won't pay an extra $40-$50 for it.

I forgot a second real superiority--the clip for a helmet-mounted rear light. That's a neat idea. I just won't pay an extra $40-$50 for it.

Not when my helmet cover has one for winter/rain, and I'm not that worried about blinkie overkill when it's not winter or raining. Besides, a nylon zip tie puts blinkies on the helmet just fine and cost 25 cents.