The Bell TX501 open-face bike helmet is a step up from the enduring Traditional 500 mannequin, incorporating up to date “velocity movement” air flow and a drop-down sunshield as trendy conveniences whereas sustaining its nostalgic jet-era silhouette.
The TX501’s inside is an intermediate oval form, with primarily artificial leather-based liner completed in a beautiful distressed brown hue. The fabric is perforated for breathability and fairly plush to the contact. The liner and neck roll are all simply eliminated for laundry. There are cutouts for normal 40mm audio system as properly, ought to the rider wish to set up a communicator unit. A Euro-style micrometric buckle closure is extensively adjustable and ensures a secure match.
The shell materials is fiberglass composite, and it has an aesthetic lineage tracing again to 1954 – arguably probably the most quintessential profile of any three-quarter helmet design. The Bell options 4 shell sizes (XS/S, M, L, and XL/XXL) for a exact match and a wholesome number of basic coloration schemes to select from. The Rally Gloss Black/White paint on my take a look at mannequin is wealthy and shiny, complementing the very good total match and end. The TX501 comes with a transparent Class 1 drop-down faceshield, which actuates through tabs on each left and proper sides. There are not any detents – it’s both all the way in which up or all the way in which down. An Additional Darkish Smoke protect can be included, and the shields swap out with no instruments required.
Out on the street, the TX501 was the right companion to my Vespa GTS250ie for bouncing round city. Weighing in at solely 2.8 lb, my dimension Giant mannequin was comfy and properly balanced after many hours within the saddle. Air flow is nice, with an outsized 3.25-inch exhaust vent out again shortly disposing of incoming air. Many of the airflow is channeled over the crown, offering efficient cooling on these scorching summer time runs.
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The Bell TX501 meets each DOT (within the U.S.) and ECE (in Europe) security necessities, with MSRP beginning at $329.95.
