OK.. .went to the LBS and spoke to one of the salesman I know well. His first reaction was to replace it. He took me to their "helmet expert" and after a careful examination we found the outer shell has separated from the EPS foam. He said to replace it without question.

I honestly didn't expect the LBS to say it was OK to use, after all that's a liability issue.

So... Giro has a crash replacement program which is 30% off list price (that's what i paid for it originally) and the LBS is giving me an additional 20% off. So i'll have a new helmet in a week or so which should give me time to recover.

Being almost 60, my old bones are really sore. The road rash wasn't too bad since I had a long sleeve jersey on. I did have to carefully rinse the grit out of my leg, I was wearing shorts.. Minimal damage to the bike. But my neck and shoulder is pretty sore. Luckily I have some left over meds, from a previous problem, that will make the recovery quicker.

I can't say a $300 helmet is safer than $60, but in my case I am sure if i wasn't wearing a helmet i'd be laying in the hospital. I clearly remember my head hitting the pavement and being stunned for a few minutes. As far as i'm concerned, MIPS is worth the extra cost.

Giro Synthe MIPS = $190
Riding home in once piece = PRICELESS

BTW... as i walked into the LBS, a guy rode up on a MTB with no helmet. I told him he should wear one and he said he's careful. I showed him my leg, hand and the side of the helmet and said " i'm careful also". Not sure if he really understands.