Commuting - Bell Metro-opinions on accessories

I dinged my Bell Citi a couple of weeks ago, I'm riding with an old helmet now but am thinking about getting a Metro, because of all the trouble I have in getting a mirror to stay put on my helmets.

However, this thread (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=157189) indicates that the Bell Metro mirror is "useless". But it's a 2-year-old thread. Does anyone with a Bell Metro 2007 have the mirror? Is it OK now or still floppy and prone to vibration?

I'm not too concerned about the other accessories. I don't mind getting my head wet so the rain shield will probably never get used, and in the winter I toss a rain cap over the helmet and wear a polarfleece balaclava (face needs shielding too) - I think the winter stuff would be OK if it never got really cold, but around here not wearing full face shielding is asking for frostbite.

(EDIT) - Would the Metro's mirror fit on the Citi? Looks to me like it would.

I am interested in comments about the helmet also. Thinking of getting one myself.

Here is a really good deal on one with all the accessories except the winter gear.

http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Metropolis-Helmet-Titanium-Large/dp/B000BO9QDM/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-1719631-1076835

It doesn't say its a 2007, but looking at the specs (weight), I am pretty sure it is. It is the Titanium color (did earlier models come in that color?), and is available at that price in size medium and large.

I live in MI also, I am thinking the raincover would help in winter to keep wind out and insulate a bit, and like you, I would use a bacaclava.

I have the 2005 version. I use the ear muffs, blinkie, and visor. I don't use the visor mirror - I have a bar end mirror.

It was about the only helmet that didn't look totally dorky - who are you foolin' wearing a swoopy-doopy racing helmet on a 3-speed?

I'm on my second Metro. The first one took a truck mirror impact and saved my skull. The second one is orange with all the accessories. I love the helmet cover---it's easy to install and leaves the blinkie strap uncovered. I love the blinkie strap---it's amazing nobody did this years ago. The mirror works fine. It survived the crash, taking a direct impact with the ground. The shape is a bit weird but you get used to it. Vibration is not an issue. Plus, it folds up out of the way. It's a good product.

I too have the Bell with all of the accessories. The mirror works fine and I have had no problems with it or any of the accessories. I would reccomennd it highly. With that said, I use the mirroor more for "monitoring" what is going on behind me. I always still turn my head and scan before making a move, mirror or not. I think some folks on the forum seem to want to use the mirror as a replacement for the head turn. I still prefer to see what is there and it forces me to not "zone out" while riding. YMMV.

Actually I might get the winter gear if I buy this helmet, but would wait until winter to order it. Was just thinking the rain cover wouldn't work with a helmet mounted light, which I will probably use when the days get shorter. I have DiNotte lights on handlebars, but use them mostly in flash mode for visibility, except when I go on night rides for recreation, which isn't often lately. Hell its not totally dark until around 10 PM.

I have seen deals on the Titanium w/accessories elsewhere, not just that Amazon link (although that was best price I could find). I wonder if Bell overproduced the Titanium color helmets, expecting they'd be most popular? I would prefer white to deflect the sun in the summer, but at least its not black, and its not as big of an issue in MI anyway, at least its not around 100 everyday like in other parts of the country.

Edit: the Amazon link makes it seem that the helmet comes with ALL accessories, including winter gear. But a reviewer comment says it actually shipped with just the raincover, mirror, and blackburn LED light.

I've a Metro from '05. I've used it year round since. Great lid. Not perfect, but great. The mirror isn't top shelf, but gets the job (almost) done. Overall, I'd buy it again.

I have a Bell Metro. Once I tried it I saved one of my old helmets for a spare and pitched the rest, they needed to be retired anyway. Thinking about getting another Metro, to put away in the box, for a back up.

The visor mirror is serviceable, good visor, haven't needed the vent plugs, or ear flaps, or used the rain cover, the blinkie strap is a stroke of genius.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the Citi is the same helmet without the accessories.

I have the '06 Metro with mirror, rain cover, and light. It is a great commuter helmet and the mirror works well after about a week of figuring out the perfect adjustment. Having a light more at eye level with an SUV can't hurt.

I admit, I take off the visor and light for training races-hard to see when in the drops and I don't need the light in the paceline- it still looks pretty Fred. But, it works and I don't have to drop another $100 on a 'road' helmet.

The best part about the mirror is that it detaches at 2 points. I've ripped it off many times on accident and just pop it back on good as new.

Thanks, sounds like a winner then. I was also looking at the Amazon deal. It definitely says it comes with all that stuff, and if it doesn't, I'll be asking Amazon to fix it.

For anyone who can use a "small" - Nashbar has a few smalls left WITH all the accessories for $50.

I got the nashbar one a few months ago. Haven't had the opportunity to use the winter gear yet. Don't really need the rain cover either as my bike poncho has a hood. I like, and use, the blinkie (which I attach to the back of the helmet).

I tried using the mirror for a while, but I just don't like using a mirror on a bike. What's the point? There's nothing obstructing my peripheral vision nor is there anything obstructing my view when I turn my head. Handlebar mounted mirrors don't work when you need them most (when you're making a turn and, thus, turning the handlebars) and helmet mounted mirrors are very sensitive to how upright you are sitting (if you try to lean down to get more aero then you're suddenly looking at the clouds instead of the road behind you).

Like my metro, but the mirror sucks. Not even remotely useful.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the Citi is the same helmet without the accessories.

The Citi may not be capable of using the same accessories. It lacks the blinkie strap on the back. I dunno if the visor has the same shape for the mirror, and I don't think it has the snap-ons for the rain cover.

That, and it doesn't come in the same obnoxious "Safety Zealot" orange and silver. :D Yeah, I know, they have yellow, but it's just not the same. ;)

I've got a Metro and I really like it. I do wish the mirror was larger, though.

*******s, just checked the Amazon link above, they jacked the price up to $114.99

ItsJustMe (http://bikeforums.net/member.php?u=40124), did you jump on the deal? If so, did they set you up with the winter gear?

No, I skipped it. Against all advice, I'm riding with the dinged Citi until the end-of-year specials come on. Even with a ding, I think the Citi is probably better protection than the old Bell Arc that hasn't been dinged, because it's so old it's starting to fall apart.

The ding in the Citi is not horrible, really just a scratch, so I'm not terribly worried about it, but I will replace it when I find the right deal.

I picked up this Citi on end-of-year for $25. I've seen some Metros on sale, but always in Small or Medium size. When I looked at the Metro deal, I decided that it just wasn't worth it; it's basically identical to the Citi except for the accessories, and I'm honestly not that interested in the accessories. The rear blinkie strap is a little interesting, but I have a blinkie strap on my helmet cover. The winter kit isn't that useful to me since I need a balaclava anyway, and the mirror is interesting but not worth the $40 or so that the Metro costs over the Citi, so I'm going to just punt and buy another Citi when I see a good price.

*******s, just checked the Amazon link above, they jacked the price up to $114.99

ItsJustMe (http://bikeforums.net/member.php?u=40124), did you jump on the deal? If so, did they set you up with the winter gear?

How much was the sale price?

I got the nashbar one a few months ago. Haven't had the opportunity to use the winter gear yet. Don't really need the rain cover either as my bike poncho has a hood. I like, and use, the blinkie (which I attach to the back of the helmet).

Well the rain cover doesn't obstruct the blinkie loop (unlike a hood). And it's not just useful in the rain. I put in on when the temps drop below 35 or so and leave it on all winter. It helps make the helmet warmer - without being too hot, and helps extend the range of temps I can stay balaclava-free for (always a good thing).

I don't have any experience with any of the other accesories, but I won't shell out anything extra for them now, as I already have all the winter gear I need.

I do wish the bright orange one would have been available when I bought mine, though. I would also say that it's a bit on the warm side, even without the rain cover. I use my regular road helmet throughout the summer, and only use the Metro Fall through Spring.

Other than that, no complaints. A very solid helmet - although it seems overpriced at regular MSRP.

I just use a ski helmet during the colder periods, stripping it less and less the colder it gets. A side advantage is that the impact coverage is better for a typical ski helmet than for Metro or other cycling helmets.

As to the hood, I put it under rather than over a helmet.


Well the rain cover doesn't obstruct the blinkie loop (unlike a hood). And it's not just useful in the rain. I put in on when the temps drop below 35 or so and leave it on all winter. It helps make the helmet warmer - without being too hot, and helps extend the range of temps I can stay balaclava-free for (always a good thing).

I don't have any experience with any of the other accesories, but I won't shell out anything extra for them now, as I already have all the winter gear I need.

I do wish the bright orange one would have been available when I bought mine, though. I would also say that it's a bit on the warm side, even without the rain cover. I use my regular road helmet throughout the summer, and only use the Metro Fall through Spring.

I got my metro in March 2007 here in MI. Tried the winter kit for a few weeks. I had to cut out some padding in the earmuffs to allow for my head to fit without a headache after a 20 min. As said by others, I wear a full face mask anyway for the other parts of my face. Ears were toasty.

Mirror works well. I wish it stuck out to the side more though. I have to adjust it so my ears are in the mirror in order to see directly behind me. I am often amazed after I bump the mirror that it is still adjusted properly.

If they mounted the mirror directly to the helmet instead of the visor it would be better. I would like to get rid of the visor at times but need the mirror. I ride mountain and road bikes and would rather not mount a mirror to my MTB. They did do a good job of having the mirror pop off without damage.

BTW: I hit a overpass with the helmet and sent it in for a replacement (last month actually). A descreption of the incident with pics, $35, and 2 weeks later I had a new helmet of same color/size. Good job Bell!

BTW: I hit a overpass with the helmet and sent it in for a replacement (last month actually). A descreption of the incident with pics, $35, and 2 weeks later I had a new helmet of same color/size. Good job Bell!

Really? I called Bell after my incident, and they said the only program they had was if you brought the dinged helmet into a retailer, you'd get 30% off the MSRP, which was about what I could buy it for online anyway.

How much was the sale price?

Around 75 bucks IIRC. It was only in the Titanium color. There is an LBS near me, who has an orange Metro for 75.00 in my size , but it doesn't come with any accessories at that price. I guess I'll wait til they go on sale online someplace w/accessories again. I do like the orange one after seeing it in person tho :) Seems highly visible, and not as ugly as I thought it would be.

Just checked, looks like the Citi can use the Metro's mirror, but not the rain cover or the winter kit. :)

Not bad for almost half the price. If you're ok with not getting the orange :D

Read the manual. It is on-line too, see FAQ. Didn't need the receipt either.

BTW: I did next day air the helmet to them.

Not bad for almost half the price. If you're ok with not getting the orange :D

Actually, one of the reasons I didn't get the metro is that it's not available in the yellow like the Citi is.

I'm looking really hard at the metro, but I need a helmet with good air flow/ventilation. The vents don't seem as good as some other helmets. Can anyone comment on this?

I'm looking really hard at the metro, but I need a helmet with good air flow/ventilation. The vents don't seem as good as some other helmets. Can anyone comment on this?
Yep this is a draw back of the metro when it comes to cooling. However, I think it makes a safer helmet for you. Reason is that it is less likely to get caught on the mirror of a car or other object. Less likely to get caught on things could mean the difference between a bad head ache or major head trauma. Just my opinion.

Yep this is a draw back of the metro when it comes to cooling. However, I think it makes a safer helmet for you. Reason is that it is less likely to get caught on the mirror of a car or other object. Less likely to get caught on things could mean the difference between a bad head ache or major head trauma. Just my opinion.
+1. I'll live with less than fantastic ventilation if it means I have a helmet that won't catch on stuff if I go down. The last thing I want is more injury because of the helmet shape.

I have a Metro from a few years back and LOVE the mirror. It moves as much as all helmet-mounted mirrors do, so if you're not a fan of a little wiggle it's probably not for you. I've used it on long and short trips on paths and B'more streets and never had a problem.

I'm looking really hard at the metro, but I need a helmet with good air flow/ventilation. The vents don't seem as good as some other helmets. Can anyone comment on this?

I guess the lack of hair gives me a little advantage for cooling, but I've never really noticed an airflow issue with my Metro.

I guess the lack of hair gives me a little advantage for cooling, but I've never really noticed an airflow issue with my Metro.
Right there with you. I am in the process so 1/4 inch long hair is all I got. Besides a squirt of water on the top of the helmet works well to cool you off. Did that yesterday while riding 15 miles in the 95 degree sun.