Sneak peek: Bell launch new commuting helmets

Bell are launching two new helmets for 2011 that incorporate several commuter-friendly features while keeping the styling low-key.

Details are limited – the US manufacturer has only shown us a few pages out of the dealer catalogue so far – but the models are called the Muni and the Arella. Reading between the lines, we’re saying that the Muni is the gents version and the Arella is the ladies model, but we could be wrong.

Both come with a peak – or ‘visor’ if you prefer – which has an integrated light mount to accept a Blackburn Flea front light. You get integrated rear lights too – on the head retention device. Speaking of which, Bell seem to have come up with a new design to hold the helmet securely in place, called the OneStep Plus Fit System – but we know no more about it than that. You can fit a Blackburn Flea rear light onto a removable strap that sits on the back of the helmet body too.

Each helmets come with integrated rain gutters to keep water out of your eyes, a ratcheting buckle for simple micro-adjustment of the fit, and a mount for a rear-view mirror. We’re guessing that there will be the option of buying the helmet with the two Blackburn lights and the mirror already fitted.

Apart from that, all we know is that the Muni will be available in matte titanium (grey), matte white weathered), matte black and safety yellow , and Bell are claiming a middling weight of 275g.

The only thing that’s bothering us is the name: Bell Muni? Isn’t she the journalist who used to be married to Jonathan Dimbleby? [No, that’s Bel Mooney. And that’s a very obscure ‘joke’ – Ed]