I like this helmet. It's relatively subdued in appearance compared to most other bike helmets. It's round in back, which is safer in case of an accident. But most of all, I like the accessories which work so well. The rain shield snaps on in a minute once you have it stretched. The mirror provides a fairly wide field of view, and folds away when not needed. However, the best feature is the strap for mounting a blinkie light to the rear of the helmet. Brilliant!! I don't know why nobody did this before. I can't imagine riding at night(which I do every day) without the extra blinkie. Having one at head height helps to identify the rider as a human being. Love the helmet. Accessories, especially the rain shield, can be a bit hard to find, so buy a couple.


UPDATE---4/9/07

I was hit by a truck on 4/5/07, while commuting to work. I don't remember much about the hit, because I was unconscious for a while, but here's what I've been told happened. I was riding along my normal route, which is a 45mph 2 lane. I only have 1/2 mile on this road before I enter the lightly trafficked suburbs, so I just grin and bear it. On this day, I was hit from behind by a truck. To be accurate, the driver's side mirror HIT ME IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD. I awoke on the ground, bleeding from my elbow, bruised and sore---but no broken bones and NO CONCUSSION. My helmet has a nice big crack in the rear at the 7 o'clock position, but better the helmet than my skull. Good helmet, and the fact that the Metro has more rear coverage than a race helmet helped.

UPDATE 8/4/2007

I have been using my second Metro for a couple of months now. I purchased the new "safety orange" model. Bell has seen fit to design a high vis model with added reflective material. The helmet shell has reflective tape strips and the chin strap is reflective also. I don't know if all new Metros have the reflective chin strap, but it's a good addition. It is a bit stiff at first, but after breaking in it's much better. 4 stars

As a recumbent trike rider I needed a helmet that didn't have the elongated shape as it would interfere with my neck-rest. The Bell Metropolis fitted the use just as perfect as could be. I often change the head covering I wear depending on the weather, and the Metropolis helmet adjusts very fast and easy with the turn of a dial. I would recommend this helmet to anyone that wants a practical helmet for recumbent riding or commuting on a bicycle where aerodynamics isn't important. 5 stars

I'm 38 years old and have never worn a bike helmet so buying one was a challenge all by itself. Trying to find a helmet that didn't look completely rediculous was even more callenging. This Bell Metro helmet is a great fit, looks good and was a great price.

I highly reccomend this helmet 5 stars

I realy like the helmet. It is light in weight-fits well- and doesn't flop or slide around. The visor is handy by blocking out some of the sun. I recommend it. 5 stars

The Bell Metropolis sounded like the ideal commuting helmet: you can put on a rear-view mirror, a rain cover, and an LED taillight. In reality, none of these accessories came with the helmet, they are optional accessories. Then I saw that the mirror attaches to the visor, not to the helmet. No problem if you ride a recumbent or use upright handlebars, but with drop handlebars you can't use the visor (you can't see where you're going) and so you can't use the mirror.

In contrast, Bell's Faction helmet is half the price and you can put a mirror on it. It has only a few small vents so you don't need a rain cover. In the winter I cover the vents with tape and fill them with foam. Plus the Faction comes down further on the back and sides of your head so it should be safer. And the shell is thicker. 2 stars