Bell Citi Bike Helmet

"When your not racing down Mt. passes and you don't have your your spandex on, use this helmet to pick up that loaf of bread you need from the market or when your commuting amongst the throngs of other wheels."

"I bought this for my girlfriend and she thinks it's the only "normal" looking bike helmet she's ever seen (i.e., not "weird" looking).



I own the Metro which is the same as the Citi with two differences that MAY be important:

(1) The Metro comes in difference sizes rather than "one size fits all" ... my head was too big for the Citi otherwise I'd have preferred it because ...

(2) The Citi is cheaper (about $25 cheaper!) with nearly all the same features.



The remaining differences are:

(3) different colors available (not important, though I do prefer the "matte" black to the shiny version on the Citi)

(4) different attachments available for the Metro (all of which are a waste of money, much better lights and mirrors available which will not be proprietary to a particular helmet)



Otherwise they are identical.



Bottom-line: if the Citi fits you're getting a great deal on a stylish and performance oriented helmet ... after all, if you're willing to wear it then it will perform much better than another helmet that may be just a little lighter or aero but which looks horrible and thus stays at home."

"I bought this b/c it is highly recommended by Consumer Reports due to its superb impact protection. The helmet is designed with commuting in mind and has many reflective panels—even the straps are reflective. The only issue I have is the strap which has a sharp edge. When it comes too close to my ear, it can be very uncomfortable."

"If you want a good basic helmet, this is it. It is cheap and it fits perfectly. I will never buy another helmet without the rear fit wheel. No matter if I'm wearing a ski hat, a bandanna, or nothing under it, I can instantly tighten the helmet down for a perfect fit. It's not even too ugly as helmets go."

"Received the helmet yesterday, made my first commute today. So far I love it, especially compared to the [$]helmets that I am used to. The fit and feel of the helmet is much more solid. To the reviewer who said that it would be better for someone with upright handle bars, I commute with drop bars and the visor is not an issue. Different head shapes, maybe? Bottom line, try the helmet before you buy it everyone's head is shaped different but if this helmet fits you right, you won't be disappointed"

"This is a fantastic all purpose helmet. The fit system allows one to truly "dial in" their fit. I use this helmet for every day commuting."

"Used this helmet during utility cycling; commuting, errands, shopping, etc. Upgraded to Giro Hex; great ventilation, better fit.

Citi yellow comes with reflective stickers, reflective straps; good visibility in traffic.

Smooth rounded shape is safer than helmets with elongated rear projections that can snag in a crash (see Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute bhsi.org or helmets.org).

Citi helmet has poor ventilation, and gets hot. If you are cold all the time, and rarely sweat, this might be a good helmet for you.

Pads in front are difficult/impossible to remove, cleaning them is more work than pads with velcro.

Universal fit helmets don't fit as well as ones that come in S, M, L. If you have a large head, a universal fit helmet doesn't give as much coverage; it sits on top, doesn't come as far down the sides."

"I just got back into cycling (haven't since I was a kid) and needed a helmet. I have a big head, and was surprised that the universal fit actually fits well (better than "large sized" helmets of comparable cost). However, after using it for about a week in the hot Albuquerque sun, I realize that there are not enough vents, and it feels like my head is in an oven."

"I bought an orange Metro model, which was similar to the Citi, except for available options.* BUY the optional visor mirror for[$]. I LOVE this feature. Particularly valuable for commuters who mix it up with traffic.* Orange (or yellow) color and reflective tape provide visibility for commuting in the dark.* Rugged-This helmet gets banged around on the on-board Caltrain bike racks.* Two minor flaws- 1)The reflective tape on the strap quickly peeled off. 2)A pad attaches to a velcro circle that is glued to the inside of the helmet. The circle came unglued, but the pad mostly stays in place anyway."

"I owned a Metro model which is similar to this model. The Metro saved my head in a spill and I spent only four days in the hospital instead of the morgue. When I ordered my replacement helmet this was my first chose as the Metro had been discontinued.



Unfortunately the Citi is only available in one Universal size which only works if you have a Universal sized head (I don't). I returned my new Citi for an Influx (Large).



I also like that this helmet was available in a bright color to make the rider more visible.



Bottom line: If this fits your head then get it. Protect your head!"