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review
Bell Citi helmet£39.99
VERDICT:
Streets ahead of comparably priced, commuter specific helmets
Weight:
340g
Contact:
www.madison.co.uk
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Bell’s bargain priced city isn’t simply a Cinderella version of the Metropolis, rather it enjoys some unique detailing such as an integrated insect net, washable pads, Scotchlite detailing while taking advantage of the Metropolis accessory kit. Those looking for an inexpensive, second lid for winter and general hacking about town won’t be disappointed.
Our "universal fit" (54-61cm) test model tips the scales at 340g, conforms to CE1078 and enjoys 16 sensibly sized vents. A detachable peak shields the eyes from rain, sleet and snow and strong sunlight while also offering protection against loose branches and other bridle/towpath foliage.
Getting the desired fit was easy and took just over a minute straight from the box, although the straps felt coarser against the cheeks than I am used to and the rounded, conservative shape felt slightly alien compared to the angular looking performance helmet I usually wear. Even so, it stops short of frumpy. Fine tuning-even on the fly is surprisingly simple while the Scotchlite detailing and rubberised LED tab are welcome touches.
Detailing, especially that of the outer shell is a little bargain basement, collecting swirls and light surface imperfections remarkably easily. However, in fairness the usual casual abuse had negligible effect upon the vulnerable, exposed polystyrene. Commuter helmets such as these aren’t comparable in weight or ventilation to race models but the sixteen vents won’t boil your brains in summer, protect against chill on cold winter jaunts and mean your head stays drier in unexpected downpours.
Trench helmet shouldn’t be a problem thanks to washable pads- take it through the shower with you, should the straps and webbing start humming in the warmer months. Commuters/leisure riders seeking refinement but liking the conservative styling are better served by the Metropolis but my money’s on the citi should you want the same levels of protection while saving best helmets from the rough and tumble of utility riding.
Verdict
Streets ahead of comparably priced, commuter specific models
road.cc test report
Make and model: Bell Citi helmet
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The Citi is a budget priced commuter specific helmet with surprising amounts of bang for very modest buck.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
16 vents, integral insect net, peak, conforms to CE1078 and shares an optional accessory kit with Bell's more refined metropolis.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Feels like you'd survive beeing shot from a cannon!
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
340g actual compared with 283g claimed by manufacturer.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performs better than you'd expect in most cinditions and less ventilation has been very welcome these cooler nights. Build quality is surprisingly high, although the outer shell collects marks more readily than others. Does most things very competently including moderately pacey off-road jaunts.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great value, quality where it counts.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Straps could be softer against the skin.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? A definite yes for commuting/hack duties
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)
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