Bell Solar Bike Helmet

As an avid cyclist and racer for 30-plus years, I've long since outgrown the need to be seen using the latest gear endorsed by Lance or Alberto or Andy. Let's face it: A big reason for the high cost of many cycling accessories is marketing and sponsorships. Products like helmets are little more than commodities, so manufacturers have to differentiate their high-end brain buckets by paying big-name riders to wear them.Helmet technology has evolved to the point where there's little functional difference between entry-level models and the top of the line ones. They all consist of a shell, nylon webbing and some EPS foam. And while the more costly units may carry stickers signifying compliance with multiple certification standards (Snell, ASTM, CPSC, etc.), keep in mind that manufacturers are obligated to pay for the costs of testing along with (in many cases) royalty fees that grant them the privilege of applying the stickers of certain privately-funded safety foundations. A given helmet may well comply with the latest Snell standard, but unless the manufacturer pays Snell's fees, they can't say it does.So that brings us to the Bell Solar. I've worn many Bell helmets (and crashed a few) over the years and have never found their protection to be lacking in any area. I originally bought a Solar as the first adult-sized helmet for my still-growing daughter, so I didn't want to spend too much on one that might well end up being replaced in a year. Once it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the adjustable-fit system would accommodate even my 60cm melon, and it was a couple ounces lighter than the dated Giro I'd been using. So I bought another one for myself. After more than 2000 miles of training, racing and touring (including 540 miles on the week-long Ride The Rockies), I have no complaints at all. The Solar fits well and has sufficient airflow to keep my head cool even when racing a criterium on a 90-degree day. Plus, its ridiculously low price means I have money left over to spend on other stuff for my bike.

I come from a family of huge noggins. Virtual planetoids, if you will. So when my husband decided to start biking and skateboarding around the streets of Washington, DC, I insisted that he find a helmet, but was worried that we'd find one large enough for him. I asked my Dad (who also has a giant head and likes to go mountain-biking) if he could recommend a brand that might fit, and wasn't too expensive, and he recommended Bell. We decided to give this helmet a go because it was "universal" and a really reasonable price, and it fits!! We had to adjust it to the largest size (my husband's head measurement is right around 24"), but it does fit, and he likes it quite a bit. He hasn't had to test its crash-effectiveness so far (thank goodness), but I feel better knowing that he's wearing something that fits him properly.

I purchased a similar helmet from the bike store for $65...and then proceeded to crack it in a crash that very same day.So I needed some replacement gear, but wasn't too stoked about going back to the bike shop with its high mark ups and limited selection. I ended up choosing the Bell Solar Bike Helmet for its price and other great reviews.I too was hesitant about the "universal fit" since I couldn't try it on in a store, but when it arrived it fit perfectly with a few minor adjustments. Its lightweight and not too uncomfortable and it even breathes well while riding. I do find that I have to wear my ponytail down very low in order for the helmet to fit my head correctly, but I'm sure this is the case for all bike helmets. Trust me, I'd rather have an un-concussed brain rather than cute hair!I highly recommend this helmet if you're looking for an affordable, well-made, cycling helmet. I'm not a hard core racer, but it has served it's purpose well.And yes, this one lasted me more than 24 hours! Over a year later and we're still accident free!

This helmet does it's job. Ventilation is okay. Weight is okay. The matte black (more of a dark gray color) version does not look that good in real life. I tried on some of the higher end helmets and the weight difference is immediately obvious -- I'd imagine even more so during long rides. The main reason why I chose this helmet was because it fits my small (7 1/4 hat size) round head pretty well. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money only to find out I didn't like riding. If you're a new rider and you feel like you'll be riding for a long time, I'd definitely spend the extra cash on something that looks nicer, has more ventilation, and weighs less.Let's face it: road biking is expensive...what's another $100 for something you will wear everytime you get on that overpriced bike of yours.EDIT: Also, it does NOT weigh 252g like they claim. The matte black version is around 300g.

I purchased this light in march and used it for a couple of month until the light refused to stay attached to the mount. This is due to the idiotic design of having the light slide "up" onto the mount rather than "down" so that it slides off with the slightest bump. I contacted customer service in July to tell them I was having an issue and a very nice lady promised to send me a replacement light. Now, 2 month and 3 excuses later, I still do not have a light. This is a poorly designed product, with customer service which has not only failed to make things right, they have deceived me about their intentions to do so.