I never wore one either until I bought my Synapse last year. Bought the bike, helmet, shoes, shorts, etc. People may think I look goofy or think it's just a bike but I'm sure a crack on the asphault would do some serious damage. I would rather appear goofy in others eyes than be confined, or unable to fend for myself due to a serious head injury.

I've got two young daughters (partly why I started riding to improve my fitness) and I just feel much more confident on the bike knowing that should an accident happen, at least I've done all I could to protect my noggin.

I wear a Bell, not sure what the name is but it was about 60.00 on sale at LBS.