Review of Bell Adrenaline Adult Bicycle Helmet (Blue)

Bell Adrenaline Adult Bicycle Helmet (Blue)
By: Bell Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 18
More Information

Solid, dependable, everyday workhorse

On: 2009-10-26

I purchased this helmet for dual use. It saw daily service as the helmet I wore for bicycle commuting in all weather and also during singletrack XC adventures and racing. The Bell Adrenaline did what it was supposed to do, today, when I ate it during a race in a rock garden and hit my head. Its not ultra light, super flashy, or engineered with a featherweight latticework of a million vents, but it will perform in a dependable fashion and can be purchased for a reasonable price.

A few notes, the comfort pads in the front are secured by a relatively weak adhesive, so they can detach after being exposed to several hard rains and/or sweaty rides.

Sun-Cover Not shipped

On: 2009-09-30

This seems to be a great helmet in terms of its price and design...But it does not gives you a very sporty look...especially if you have a round face or large head. Moreover, I was not shipped with the sun-cover which overall gives a very dull look to the helmet. But nevertheless, its light and sturdy, though I have been using it for past 5 months, it seems the upper plastic layer is detached from the foam inside and needs a re-glue. For the price, the helmet serves it purpose

Very Nice Helmet

On: 2009-08-26

This is my first bike helmet. I found it easy to adjust and comfortable to wear, but again I am not a super picky person and all I wanted was something to protect me in case of a fall or accident and at the same time I was looking for a helmet that was lightweight and cool to wear in this Florida heat. When riding I dont even realize I have it on. All in all, I would recommend it.

A safe helmet at a bargain!

On: 2009-07-19

I continue to buy Bell helmets because they are comfortable, safe, great looking and at a good price. After many years, my older Bell helmet which is similar to the Bell Fusion Slant had the little cushion pieces wearing out so I decided to get a new helmet. Once I put the Bell Adrenaline helmet on, it felt great and snug. It kept my head cool as well. Also, I like the design and color. My gripe is that the visor could be longer and lower and its not as sleek as my other more expensive Bell helmet but the price surely makes up for it. I give this helmet a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Life Saver!

On: 2009-07-01

My adult son lives and works in France and had a horrific accident while bicycling to work one morning. He was hit by a van in traffic and thrown over the handlebars. He was VERY lucky that the only damage suffered was a hole in the knee of his pants, a scraped knee and scraped hands. Lucky, indeed, as he was not wearing a helmet! As soon as I found that out I went to Amazon, bought this helmet and shipped it to him. He tells me he wears it all the time (while on his bike) now and it is stylish enough. I have not been to France to check this out yet....

unique product

On: 2009-06-09

I just purchased this after spending time in Walmart, Canadian Tire, and the bike shop, where I tried on everything available in my size.

Many of the models from Bell, Raleigh, and others, have an uncomfortable hard plastic piece that drops down and presses into the back of the head, right in a spot where I have a protrusion at the base of my skull...and all are uncomfortable.

The Adrenaline has an elastic passing across this area, which holds everything snug and causes no discomfort.

I also liked the coverage of the helmets which were dual bmx/skater stying, but after trying one on found it felt heavy, and saw it was around 485 grams. The Adrenaline is much lighter, about 260 or so, and I decided that was a preferable compromise.

The elastic in the back is part of what they call their "true fit" system, which ensures for kids (and adults) that the helmet fits your head and sits properly without any adjustment. Only the chin strap needs to be adjusted, and nothing to fiddle with on the side straps.

It felt like an excellent fit for me, but I guess it depends on your head shape being somewhere in the range that the helmet is designed for. Anyhow, its certainly worth checking out.

Great helmet, depending on head size.

On: 2009-02-03

It says adult helmet but it doesnt fit all the way on my head. Well, let me rephrase that, it does it all the way but it doesnt go as far down on my forehead as it should. Once again though I have a much larger than normal head.

The snap really is pinch free and it does work in the elements (got caught in the snow storm in Pittsburgh while riding and it kept the wind and snow out of my face.

Overall strong product and durable.

Fashionable and affordable helmet

On: 2009-02-01

Bell Adrenaline is a value for its comfort, fashion and meets US Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Backed by a $20 crash replacement (save your receipt), its an unbeatable deal!

Adrenaline does not let my head get unbearably hot and sweaty with its averagely sized vents. If youre riding around in Nevada with hundred degree plus weather, or a weekend warrior who is going absolutely all-out, look elsewhere. Otherwise, commuters, leisure and trail riders will be satisfied.

Just dont expect a helmet that feels like youre not wearing a helmet - the vents are definitely not of the higher end.

The strapping design fits well around my head (Size 7 1/4), and with proper fit, can sit slightly above your head to allow airflow from back to front. Plus! The helmet does not rattle AT ALL when moving your head back and forth. All this is done by the plastic suspension system fits the crown of your head and allows the helmet to sit slightly above your head while completely secure.

The suspension is a design I have seen done effectively in Firefighter Helmets and some military Kevlars. The beauty about adjustment of the Adrenaline suspension system is that it can be done one-handed with a plastic hold-release mechanism while still on your head, instead of having to remove the helmet and move around the Velcro on military or firefighter helmets.

The straps are more of a minor compliment to make sure it doesnt fall off from being lifted or thrown off. The straps are thin, but the buckle is curved for your chin. If the suspension is fitted snugly, you could almost get away without wearing the straps and feel comfortable.

The pads are thin and few in number, but I see this as an advantage as it wont retain as much heat and sweat as larger pads.

Adrenalines design mimics higher end designs with a quasi-tear drop design. The carbon-fiber pattern and the long lines racing across makes it stand out nicely from the rest of the pack. The generally round shape is found to be the safest design, and this accommodates it well without looking like a childs helmet.

The visor leaves plenty to be desired - with the visor sitting about an inch higher than being flush with the bottom edge, it does little to block the sun. It appears the visor is more for fashion and design than efficacy.

Having said all that, my experience with helmets is slightly different from most. Im accustomed to wearing firefighter or military helmets where I often had to operate in extreme heat conditions under helmets without ventilation! I wore 50lbs of gear, a no-vent Kevlar helmet on foot patrols in Iraq when it was 140 degrees outside.

All said, even with my experience in helmets, if youre looking for a good looking helmet with good accommodations for comfort while retaining safety, this is an excellent deal for its price!

Nice helmet, but maybe a little too expensive

On: 2008-12-31

This is a nice working helmet if you need one. It looks fine, fits comfortably and will do the job. I received mine in the wrong color then what I ordered. However, I would consider an off brand helmet that is guaranteed safe like a Bell. This helmet is more expensive then others because of the name brand, not because it is superior or anything special.

Good Helmet

On: 2008-09-12

A very adjustable helmet, also comfortable. And doesnt look too dorky.

All in all, I would recommend this.

Serves the purpose

On: 2008-09-06

Unfortunately, it does not fit all. Otherwise, it is a good pick for the price.

Good helmet, but not flashy or super comfortable

On: 2008-08-30

This is a very well-priced, decent all-around helmet that does what it is meant to. I dont find it particularly attractive, though. I also think it isnt the best fit on my head compared to some of the ridiculously expensive ones Ive tried at bike shops.

Great Helmet -- Great Features

On: 2008-08-22

Getting into the safety aspects of bicycling later in life, this is my first bicycle helmet. I had not bought into the need for a helmet on bicycle, but I think they have come a long way in the past few years. Although a neophyte to bike helmets, I do have 40 years of motorcycle experience and am a motorcycle safety instructor, so I will compare this helmet with my experience with another type of safety helmet !
1 - Hard plastic shell : The shell seems a little too pliable but I am going to assume that it offers adequate protection
2 - Polystyrene - used to absorb the impact: Seems less dense than I had expected -- this too was a little too mushy --

--- Overall for these two safety features, I suppose because a bicycle helmet protects at a significantly lower speed, you would want your hard outer shell and your protective polystyrene to give at lower speeds -- so I give TOP MARKS to the Bell Adrenaline helmet

3 - Comfort Pads : The comfort pads are pretty lame -- the tiny pads are velcroed in -- and the fitting system is designed as a one size fits all -- It works, but it exacerbates the problems with the comfort pads and retention system ! Wearing the helmet a short time leaves you with a sweaty head. This helmet is VERY hot.

4 -- The Retention System : This too is a little disappointing -- although you just want to clasp the helmet to your head, the straps are either too loose or too tight and jammed into your ear. I have read the directions and fooled around with them === I guess I just have a funny head -- but this would probably be resolved if we went back to sizes on a helmet instead of 1 size fits all.

So for these two features I would rate the Bell Adrenaline -- well -- not so good.

Overall -- I would rate the helmet good and pray that the Bell Company works on the comfort pads and retention system and has a better model out the next time I am in the market !

Fred Meyer has it for $15.99

On: 2008-08-08

I ordered this before reading the reviews. It cost me $24.99 from Amazon.com and I saw the EXACT same helmet at Fred Meyer for $15.99. I am still waiting on the helmet. Should have checked my local store first. That is a HUGE price difference. Lesson learned.

Bought from wal mart but just as good here too

On: 2008-07-14

It is very comfy and is lightweight yet durable. Bell you have done it again!

buy it at wal-mart.

On: 2008-03-10

fits great. looks great. I found out 2 days after buying it here, that you can get one at wal-mart for about $10.

cheaper at walmart

On: 2007-10-20

The bike helmet is great. It even looks real cool even on an old guy like me. Delivery was prompt. Merchandise in excellent condition and great quality. Just found out it is $5 cheaper at WallyWorld. Oh well. Im satisfied. It was easier than going to Walmart and standing in line.

cheaper at walmart

On: 2007-10-19

The bike helmet is great. It even looks real cool even on an old guy like me. Delivery was prompt. Merchandise in excellent condition and great quality. Just found out it is $5 cheaper at WallyWorld. Oh well. Im satisfied. It was easier than going to Walmart and standing in line.

Great

On: 2007-10-05

The helmet is well designed and has the appropriate adjustments for a comfortable yet snug fit. The visor is optional. I highly recommend this product.

pretty good helmet

On: 2007-07-05

very sleek design, but if you have a larger head do not buy because it will look odd. the strap system is a little difficult to get right, but when you do it fits great. padding system is a little light and are not adjustable but overall a great product.