Road Cycling - Bell Phi Helmet

Anybody wearing one? I need to get a real bike helmet and this one used to be top of the line before ghisallo as I understand. Performance has it for 45$. Like it? Good fitting system and all? Plus, if I have a black bike, would getting a black helmet be a little much? What other color would look alright? Not white, maybe red? How bout the alchera or ghisallo too?

Ordered both my wife and myself red (to match our red tandem) phi helmets back a couple months ago from Performance to replace some older image pro helmets. We are very satisfied with them. The dial tension at the rear makes it much easier to finetune adjustments, and the airflow keeps my noggin cooler than my old helmet. Excellent buy for 45, in my opinion.

I bought one of the 2002 models when it was on sale. It fits well, but I have to take the strap out and route it properly for a comfortable fit. It's pretty comfy now, so when I fix the strap it should ride like it's not there.

Wife and I also have them. Very nice helmet. Prefer brighter colors myself - always pays to be seen.

Yeah, I've got this one in the red/orange fade (Came with an AG2R sticker too which I did not apply) awhile ago when it was on clearence somewhere... My only other reference point to compare is a Giro Supermoto MTB helmet but the Phi is rounder and of course, doesn't have a visor. Fits me fine, and ventilation is good.

Jay

I have a number of helmets and the Phi gets used the least. My one big beef with it is - I cannot get my fingers through the vents to itch my head if the need arises. No problems with the Pnuemo or Ghisallo as the vents are bigger.

Bell helmets also seem to drip more sweat down onto my glasses than my Giro. I'm not entirely sure why but would guess it has something to do with the padding composition.

The Bell helmets do have a better system of dialing in the fit that the Giro. which is great for fall riding when you need to adjust fit for additional layers under the helmet. The smaller vents don't bother me nearly as much when the weather gets cooler either.

I ordered a black medium Phi from Performance 2 weeks ago. I got my order last Friday, and... no helmet. The invoice states it is "discontinued". They may have other sizes, but don't hold your breath.

ChipR

I have to second what BikeInMN said about difficulties itching my head due to the narrow vents. It's been only once in a while, but it seems annoying to have to take off the helmet for that.
On the other head, the fit is great, so no complaints about it here. I have a 2001 light blue fade, I like it.

Also beware, the design is not as slim as other helmets, it creates a slight mushroom effect, but I don't think it's worse than the Ghisallo or the Alchera. Then again, it could be just my big head, I have a size L helmet...

Bought a Bell helmet a few months ago, not sure if it's a Phi (was $75 :-() at REI and really like it.
I tried five or six helmets before buying this one, some were too tight or the adjustments were dificult to operate. I can remember one did actually hurt the upper part of my forehead, even after several adjustments (maybe I have something growing up there :-). The point I want to make is that buying an helmet is a bit like purchasing shoes, you got to try them and make sure they fit your head well. Nothing worse than an helmet that slides or hurts.

I have a 2002 model. It fits well, but I second the hard to itch complaint. Otherwise, I like it.

Don't get black. Your scalp will thank you.

OK, with all these hard to itch comments on the Phi, I've come up with the solution:

Carry a twig from a tree and use that to poke around the vents to scratch itches! :)

Beats the alternative, which is finding a low flying branch and run into it with your head at 30mph.

Be one with the itch.

:D

Jay

I know just ride faster so the wind will scratch the itch! :)

I can see how that would get annoying every once in a while i have a itch on my head and just need to scratch it so reach through the vents.

I find a new helmet always needs a bit of customizing. You can get pad kits to fill in areas where the styrene contacts your head or to improve the fit.

It seems that many bikers wear helmets that are a size too small (looks cool?). This provides less protection. I'm a 7 5/8; i get an Extra Large & snug up the fit with aftermarket pads.

My winter helmet has an Izumi waterproof cover to keep out the frigid blast.

Pass on the black... Buy a light and bright color. I get a bit of discomfort in the on the back of my head after Ive worn mine a couple hours. It's nothing like I used to get from motorcycle helmets though, so I dont pay it much mind. It feels like the helmet squeezes the back of my head a bit too much, but I know it's sized right.

I think Im going to pick up a red phi...look alright with black bike and yellow jersey?