I'm also of the school that says that after you get the fit issue tackled, get the best helmet you can comfortably afford. Yes, they all pass the same safety tests, but the lighter weights and better ventilation you buy with the extra cash are well worth it, IMO. A couple of years ago I picked up a Bell Sweep road helmet, and it's the best I've had so far. Sometimes I could swear I'm not even wearing it.