Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Is a $6,000 bike "worth it"? Is a $6,000 bike 2-times better than a $3,000 bike?
If you can afford a $6,000 (or more!) bike, are you going to be that worried about spending $400 on a helmet?
Just because every helmet meets minimum standards doesn't mean they are all equally good. The problem here is that there is no objective testing beyond the minimum standards.
I think the point is that there is generally an obvious performance upgrade between a $6000 bike and a $3000 bike. More precise shifting, lighter weight, stiffer frame, more aero, etc.
In the case of helmets, there rarely seems to be much of a performance upgrade between average prices and top-of-the-line. Many times the more expensive helmets aren't any more aero, aren't better vented, aren't any lighter.