BELL CRUISER ELIMINATOR
The 2020 Eliminator impresses with its light weight, fibre-glass composite shell construction, anti-bacterial liner, contoured cheek pads, plus provision for an anti-fog shield. The first things of note are the nine circular vents that have been drilled into the top of the helmet, allowing air to pass through the shell and EPS liner to the head.
With nothing to impede the venting, they work effectively enough, as do the four smaller vents in a metal grid in the chin bar. With all those air vents, you might be thinking that this is going to be one noisy helmet. Well, at modest speeds it is fine, but hit the motorway and wind the power on, and you will notice the difference, but if you wear ear plugs then you should be fine. Bell says you can block these with a clip-on rain cover costing £15 – but I don’t have one! My advice would be if you are buying the Eliminator, then buy one of these too, just in case. I found replacing the face shield for a darker one a bit of a faff, not having to hand a 6mm allen/ hex key ( I understand that one is now included in the box). Should you also want to adjust the tightness of the opening/closure, you will also need a 2.5mm key. To the left-side of the visor, a pin and hole loc ck secures the visor in place onc ce you are on the move. Another thing of f note is the ‘double glazing’ groove aroun d the inside of the visor: Bell’s Provision anti -fog system is quite neat because there are no pins involved.
Do check fit before purchasing as it seems to suit an oval head! My head size takes a Medium (57-58cm) helmet, and it fitted perfectly. With the retro styling comes a range of neat colour options. I really like mine in a Vanish Matt Blue/ Yellow.
My verdict is that this is a stylish, retro helmet but one that isn’t easy to live with.
Suitable for the cruiser fraternity, it does come with compromises, such as the requirement of hex keys for swapping/ adjusting the visor, and the need to purchase a clip-on external vent cover. If you like the looks and are happy to live with the quirkiness, then go for it.