Can anyone give me a suggestion on a good bike helmet brand? - I'm getting a new one today!

I don't think the brand makes much difference. Giro and Bell are the biggest names. Shop for

fit,
vents,
appearance
and price.

I like the ones with detachable visors--handy in low sun and even rain. But the visors usually get lost or break, so visor isn't a deal breaker for me.

They all have to pass the same tests. So there's no difference from a safety perspective.

That being said, if I were you, my priority would be appearance (and you don't need to know brand for that).

Or just don't use a helmet.

I personally only use a helmet when I have at least two reasons. For example:
-safety and I need a place to attach lights for night riding
-safety and I want to keep the sun off my face/head
-safety and I want to keep the top of my head warm and/or I need to wear ear muffs (I have ear muffs which attach to my helmet).

Pretty much as mentioned above. Helmets *have* to meet the same impact safety standards, but:

Some helmets may have additional back of the head protection (helmets with sticky-out back of the head sections as opposed to more rounded ones), and some helmets may come with a better back of the head strap thats easily adjustable, tough, and will keep your helmet more securely attached to your head. Both of these things are beyond whats considered a minimum standard, so saying they all meet the same level of safety isn't entirely true.

Then, anything extra you might pay for is pretty much aesthetics, venting, visor, and lower weight. Most people think these are all good things to have on a helmet, i'd agree with them. There are some helmets out there that might work, but certainly aren't pretty or comfy.

As for good brands, Bell and Giro are common picks.

My helmet is a 2007 Giro Animas. Has a lot more price tag than a helmet that will perform the same function for a lot less money (standard collision protection), but its comfy, good looking, versatile and light. The back of the head system on these helmets is great.

If it gets cold where you're at, I'd get a helmet that has some insulation value. Maybe the Bell Metro with the ear flaps and vent plugs.

If it gets cold where you're at, I'd get a helmet that has some insulation value. Maybe the Bell Metro with the ear flaps and vent plugs.
For myself, if the weather is < 45F, I pull out the Balaclava. As for helmets, I wear a Bell [no ear flaps...]. Cost $35 two years ago.

I like Bell. Other brands don't fit my immensely large, square head very well.

whatever fits and doesn't cost more than my bike;) Most of the ones I have had are by Bell. Also look for last year's models on sale, or even the year befores. You can quite often get a nicer helmet at a deep discount.

Aaron:)