General Cycling Discussion - What bicycle helmet should I get? What does the military use?

I want a light weight helmet that will protect me without spending a million dollars. Are there any tactical helmets out there? I have the option to ride a patrol bicycle at work and would like something that vents air and protects me. I want it for on road and off road crashes.

I didn't know the military had a bike program... However, I've been riding a patrol bike for about 15 years and our department (and every other department in the area that has a bike program) just uses standard bike helmets that sell in the thirty dollar range.
They are all Snell/ANSI certified and will provide as much protection in a crash as you can expect without going to some sort of auto-racing device.
All bike helmets are essentially single use.... If you have a nasty crash you toss it and buy a new one.
The ones that cost the earth, that pro racers use, are just lighter, more ventilated, and have nicer fittings. They do not protect a whit better than the sort of helmets I mentioned.

All helmets must meet the same safety standards. Helmets are priced differently because of style, number of vents, locking features, color patterns, etc.
Buy the one you like and that feels good on your head.

Unless you plan to crash a lot look for the most comfortable and also easy to adjust fit.

If it weren't the fact the OP stated that "have the option of using a patrol bicycle for work", I'd think that they were looking for recommendations on motorcycle helmets. Occasionally we do get people who think this is a motorcycle forum.

i'm assuming you looked here and didn't find anything you like?

http://www.4bike-police.com/Police_Duty_Bicycle_Helmets/c34/index.html

I have no idea if these work, so buyer beware.
http://www.oregonaero.com/p9091-2001.html#Mountaineering

What does the military use?

The MICH TC-2000 is what the military uses, at least the Army. I can tell you from experience that these things are NOT well-ventilated, and that they are extremely heavy compared to bicycle helmets. They can be purchased for $400 from [2].

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MICH_TC-2000_Combat_Helmet
[2] http://www.recon-tactical.com/product_info.php?products_id=847&osCsid=2517ac9244e89db84b50eb2be0cb3f2e

I didn't know the military had a bike program... They don't. WWII taught us that cycling soldiers, make great sniper targets.

The Swiss Army had a bicycle brigade up until 2003 when it was disbanded. Looks like they were wearing kevlar combat helmets when they ride:

http://www.benvanhelden.nl/Condorclub/Fiets/Switserland/MO93/162.jpg

Standard army combat boots too. Does not appear to support clipless.

Those Swiss helmets are steel. Not too lightweight and no ventilation whatsoever. Talk about a hot noggin....

The MICH TC-2000 is what the military uses, at least the Army. I can tell you from experience that these things are NOT well-ventilated, and that they are extremely heavy compared to bicycle helmets. They can be purchased for $400 from [2].

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MICH_TC-2000_Combat_Helmet
[2] http://www.recon-tactical.com/product_info.php?products_id=847&osCsid=2517ac9244e89db84b50eb2be0cb3f2e

Hey---at least it is on sale---marked down from $618 to $399.99!:D