MET Helmets ROAM 2018
Reviews / Helmets
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On The Trail
The new Roam is Met's unashamedly Enduro specific lid. It's big, bold and is fully goggle compatible to go full bore racer-style. Available in a huge number of colours it's a stylish piece of kit and with the huge visor, it gives a striking look.
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Available in MIPS or standard it features a classic wind up retention system at the back of the head and has 22 vents to keep your scalp chilled. The long visor is articulated and attached via two hex bolts allowing it to pivot upwards to give plenty of space for goggles under the peak. The peak also has nifty slots for the goggle straps to keep them in place which is a clever touch. Weighing in at 340g for the largest size, it's very light for a helmet of this style.
The overall construction is one of quality, with all buckles and moulding done to a very high standard. The Roam is also compatible with Met's USB charged light, which clips on the rear adjuster to keep you safe and seen.
At £135 for the non-MIPS version it has a healthy price tag but certainly feels like a high value, well-made helmet.
On The Trail
I've found the fit to be excellent, but as always this is a personal preference and head shape issue. My head fits well in a classic Fox Flux or a Kali Maya for reference. The rear dial is simple to use and really feels like it's wrapping around your head as opposed to sitting on top. The Roam does come in three different sizes so it's likely that there is a fit for most heads.
The rear retention can be moved up and down for an ideal fit and the chinstrap is easily adjusted depending on how high you run your ears.
The padding is comfortable but quite minimal which I like, and the ventilation proved to be good, but as I ride in a cold and wet country, overheating is rarely a problem. The generous venting does give it a distinctive look but without losing the appearance of solidity and strength.
The long peak is a great sun visor and never got in the way of trail vision. I did, however, find that in strong winds the peak would lift, but fortunately, this can be tightened with the two bolts and this keeps it under control.
With no exposed foam, the plastic covered helmet is robust and has survived multiple trips being stashed in bags and vans. The matt finish also holds up well against scratches and still looks fresh despite a muddy winter.
The goggle compatibility is well thought out and gives a practical solution to goggle stashing between stages. Being able to store them under the peak and be confident they are secure is reassuring.
The rear light is a clever touch and worth considering as it clips in securely and is unobtrusive. I've left mine on for those times you get caught out and want to avoid getting squashed by traffic!
Overall
I like the style of the Roam and its big peak, it has definitely become my go-to helmet. The fit has proved itself to be comfortable for me during big days out in the saddle and it feels confidence inspiring with plenty of head coverage. If you ride with goggles the system is well worth investigating as it works very well. It is the exceptional build quality and attention to detail are what make the Roam stand out as great, stylish helmet but unfortunately, it does come at a price.
This review was in Issue 53 of IMB.
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By Ewen Turner
Ewen Turner is a self-confessed bike geek from Kendal in the Lake District of England. He runs a coaching and guiding business up there and has a plethora of knowledge about bikes with an analytical approach to testing. His passion for bicycles is infectious, and he’s a ripper on the trails who prefers to fit his working life around his time on the bike.
