What does a RoadBike editor have in common with the likes of Kenny Roberts, Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Richard Petty, Roger DeCoster, and Big Daddy Don Garlits? Not much, except that we all wear Bell helmets.

Bell was founded in 1954 in a small auto parts store in Bell, California (so that’s where the name comes from!). The company’s commitment to innovation and motorsports was strong from the start. It was also influential in the development of protective headgear for bicycling, and many of the riders in the Tour de France can be seen wearing (and crashing in) Bell helmets.

Recently, I needed a half-helmet to wear at a press intro for a new cruiser. I asked for a Bell Shorty with the classic hot rod-inspired flat black and pinstripe paint scheme. In my opinion, this helmet is really great looking. And, of course, it’s DOT approved.

The fit was right on with what I usually wear. The helmet has a black fabric comfort liner and the standard double-D-ring retention system, with a handy little elastic to keep the extra length of strap from flapping around. There’s also a forehead vent to keep you cool, and a removable neck curtain to keep you warm. The Bell catalog shows some accessory visors and face shields for this model, but I like the three-snap peak visor that comes standard with the helmet.

While I’m a proponent of full-face helmets, the half-lid fit the bill fine this time. Even so, I doubt I’ll be scaling the fences after an Indy 500 win like Helio Castroneves (he prefers Bell helmets, too). And I certainly hope I never put mine to the test like Evel Knievel did with his. RB

SOURCES

Shorty, Solid Matte Pinstripe $69.95

Bell Powersports
800/456-BELL

bellpowersports.com