Bell Citi Helmet with Planet Bike Lights.
Here it is! My first review! I just got a new helmet this week and I thought it would make for a great first review for the blog.
I purchased a new helmet for several reasons. The most important reason was that my helmets are all aging. Helmets do age. As they get older the styro-foam core starts to break down. I am no scientist but, basically the recommendation is to replace your helmet when it is about 5 years old. Most helmets have a sticker inside that shows the month and year of manufacture. If you can’t read the sticker you helmet is probably too old. Both of my helmets are 5 years old this year and they are showing signs of age. My road helmet even has some small cracks starting to appear. The other reason is that I really have been wanting a dedicated commuting helmet. A helmet that offers better coverage and better visibility. After doing a bit of research I decided on the Bell Citi. The best feature of all is that I was able to get it in orange. I love orange. Have I mentioned that?
Bell Citi:
• MSRP: $48.00
• Sizes: Universal Adult
• Colors: Black, Brown Leather, Glow in the Dark, Matte Pewter, White Lime Green, Yellow
• Weight: 10oz./283g
• Certification: CPSC Bicycle Safety Standard Certified, CE EN1078
The Bell Citi helmet is designed for commuting and urban transit. It incorporates a number of Bell helmet technologies including In-Mold Microshell, ErgoDial, Channeled Ventilation, Blade Visor, and Cam Lock Levers. It is available in a number of different hardshell colors as well as a fabric option. The 2010 color options are as follows: Black, Brown Leather, Glow in the Dark, Matte Pewter, White Lime Green, and Yellow. The Brown Leather is the fabric option and the helmet looks as if leather were stitched onto it. The others colors all incorporate Bell’s Fusion In-Mold Microshell. The microshell is a clear piece of polycarbonate (Lexan) that is painted from the inside. This shell is then placed in the bottom of the helmet mold and the EPS foam that forms the helmet is poured directly into the shell. The shell and EPS foam fuse together resulting in a very clean look and an ultra durable finish. Fit is accomplished with the quickly adjusting ErgoDial. By turning the dial at the rear of the helmet the headband inside can be adjusted to fit any headsize between 54 and 61 cm. The chinstraps have Cam Lock Levers that allow easy fitting of the strap around the ear. The air vents on the helmet are designed to channel airflow over the top of the head for efficient cooling. The visor is easily removable for those that prefer a cleaner look.
Reserved styling and adaptable features make the Citi the perfect townie helmet, whether you’re on the way to work or off to the coffee shop. From the ErgoDial fit system for easy sizing adjustments to the durability of Fusion In-Mold construction, the Citi delivers like a bike messenger in traffic. Includes Blade visor, easy-adjust Cam-lock levers, air-moving Channeled Ventilation and the option of adding a Flip Mirror and rear flasher lights for better visibility.
