I never understood why some people find being a pain in the ass entertaining, but to each his own I guess.

You know what makes a helmet look good?

says the guy who admits he usually doesn't even wear a helmet...

good thread for your valuable input, huh...?

Here here!

Is that, Fullgas?

Or, full of gas?

Yeah I feel the same way, thanks for the reminder. Shouldn't have gone there.

I like the Giro Air Attack, but went without the shield. Looks like a relatively normal helmet without the shield, and looks modern cool with the shield. Robbie is the only one that can sport the shield and get away with it in C&V-land though.

Color, I'll let you choose

Since this is the vintage section......

helmet in Vintage Bicycles | eBay

A couple of years ago I purchased a Propero from Specialized. Good enough and about $80- 110.

I have a black Uvex Urban that I think is reasonably non-clashing for various bikes and clothing options. I like that it has a slightly more rounded build (too many vents and points potentially hazardous because they're more likely to catch on things if you go down), and from my perspective it's comparatively discreet.

Hi guys , I thought this might turn into a slug fest , haha . Yes fit and light first and it has to look good . Good one Lazyass those vintage dork bowls are funny , except that last one , the leather basket . I remember back in the day when I thought those were cool . Chrome Molly , I have seen those Giro Air Attacks w/ shield , and thought it's the next big thing , but you better be fast to rock that lid . Anyhow I read every post and I thank everyone , for sure I'm going to the BS and have a look at everything and try them on . But you guys have me thinking about the ascetics thing , because my bike and my garb are kind of mis matched I'm thinking something kind of neutral .

I use those Bell skater helmets mostly. Usually in white or flat black. Only on my "racer boy" bikes do I (more likely) wear the uniform and a more cyclist oriented old, white (80s) Bell helmet. On my E3s I do not wear a helmet.

Ms.westi would not approve (not wear a helmet) Loose Chain , but she would give you a bowl of Pozole soup .

Helmets do wash.
I am in alliance with rum as they are a disposable item.
Buy what fits, buy light in color, a bit cooler.
I avoid long pintails and "horns" (I don't want my head to spike and the body not)
Buy with the intention that you will retire it in two years anyway.
Expanded Polystyrene which most affordable helmets use does not age really well.
for me, Bell helmets fit well. Gyros don't as an example. ( funny as Bell is now owned by them)
I found the Bell Solar, meets the above criteria for me, at least last year.
Next year? Nobody leaves well enough alone… Grumble.

Helmets do wash.
I am in alliance with rum as they are a disposable item.
Buy what fits, buy light in color, a bit cooler.
I avoid long pintails and "horns" (I don't want my head to spike and the body not)
Buy with the intention that you will retire it in two years anyway.
Expanded Polystyrene which most affordable helmets use does not age really well.
for me, Bell helmets fit well. Giros don't as an example. ( funny as Bell is now owned by them)
I found the Bell Solar, meets the above criteria for me, at least last year.
Next year? Nobody leaves well enough alone… Grumble.

All else being equal, I'd avoid a helmet with lots of "aero" points out the back. Besides looks (I don't think the multi-pointed helmets look good), I've read that the points can potentially catch on the ground and increase the risk of neck injuries. I agree that fit is of more importance than most other factors. Though my neck occasionally gets tired on long rides and I'm prone to overheating, so I do value weight and ventilation. I confess that it's been several years since my last helmet purchase (my current helmet was a freebie/gift), so I'm not up to speed on current helmet offerings and not able suggest a specific model. That said, next time I need to buy a new helmet, I'm going to look into a MIPS helmet: MIPS | Patented Brain Protection System

That's what I did.

Great comfort.

One of the few that tops my Volt.

Super 2 MIPS

Well, yeah, each to their own, but if I am casually riding or commuting a short distance at barely walking speed I do not need a helmet or knee pads or elbow pads. I tell you, the whole time I was in Germany, I think I may have seen two helmets. Of course, they smoke cigarettes while riding also so perhaps Europe has not gone over the top on this safety crap. I went to a rally car race and stood right beside the track with cars zooming by at 100 MPH and I could have touched them. Here we would have to stand a hundred feet away behind a barrier. Just a different perception and take on things. I grew up in the era before the safety BS that began in the 80s, somehow I survived. I guess most of you guys grew up post 70s and wore all the stuff so you are used to it. If I am riding fast, yes, if not, no thanks. Just me, not PC, it is what it is.

The cheap skater helmets, just got one at wallyworld, integrated cover and foam construction, comfortable and good ventilation, made by Bell. Not like my old Bell helmets but works good, disposable. Yanked the visor off and tossed it and mounted my mirror. Love it.

I think those stylish faceted helmets with the faux aero shapes are dangerous. Helmets should have a smooth, hard exterior so they skip, not catch. I did slide down the road on my head once after getting of my Gixer at triple digits. The Shoei saved my bacon. It wore all the way through to the liner and took multiple hard hits before I came to a stop. A little scuffed (me) up but no worse for the wear, well, the bike was not so good. All good fun. Safety is way over rated, especially when it gets in the way of living or musses my hair.

Speed has nothing to do with injury. I broke my femur at zero MPH (track stand with my front wheel on a wet manhole cover). I never wore a helmet either, then 17 stitches to the head changed that. I've been wearing one for about 15 years now and it saved my life once already.

Aah. I shop the same way but for the opposite reason: I look goofy without a helmet since my hair, uncovered, tends to resemble a chinchilla that lost a fight with an eggbeater. Any helmet is a great improvement...

Oh, and black is the new black. And, as previously stated, fit is more important than anything.
Brent

MIPS is unfortunately expensive, but at the very least look for helmets that have a a plastic web all the way around, helmet used to just have it in about 3/4 and your forehead was against pads on the polystyrene. Now the plastic goes all the way which allows the shell to move independently of the web and absorb more rotational force. not quite MIPS but an improvement. Also, notice that most new road helmets are generally smooth, not only are the points potentially detrimental in a crash, they actually aren't aerodynamic. Look at the pro peleton, their helmets are mostly smooth now.

I'm glad to see helmet technology finally progressing and my partner and I got all new helmets this year (MTB and road). She got a smith forefront MTB helmet with the honeycomb structure that is supposed to be better at absorbing and distributing impact forces. It makes me feel better than the low end giro she used to have. I have cheep friends who refused to buy new helmets no matter how much I told them they needed it. Then on of them (a couple) crashed and her ancient helmet shattered and she had a serious TBI. They replace their helmets frequently now. They just came back from 8 months on tour and tossed the helmets they toured with. i was so proud of them.

Get a new helmet that fits your head. Done. It was a thoughtful gift from Ms.westi BTW. Make sure she knows you appreciate it.

An eastern NC standard.

RE: helmets. Many are good. My head is hardly worth saving.
However, Giro had given me excellent customer service in the past.
So, in order of preference, my helmets: 1-Air Attack Shield, 2-Air Attack, 3-Ionos CF Livestrong Edition.

The OP describes himself as the stylin' type. I think the majority of cyclist, from kiddies, the casual to racer put the look of a helmet as a top criteria. All you have to do is observe and listen to comments of a shopper while at a bike shop or big box store. It is rather funny but not joking here.

Anyways, I find myself sometimes like the above but rather worse. I dig the funky vintage. I suppose that would make me 'bad to the bone', hehe. Recently in the last couple weeks I went out riding the older lightweight bikes, sporting cleats and leather hairnet, cycling cap underneath. Yea, yea I know..... its like riding without. For those who want to pipe in about this, forget it please.

Though the majority of time I'm like RHM and toss them out after they get kind of nasty. I don't think there's much difference in safety when comparing price levels. All have the certification of whatever brainy engineer comes up with, of course which will likely be outdated every few years (per the marketing guys). Maybe there are some safety improvements but not much. So, I fit fine and use the Zefal with attached brow. Cheap and always under $20. I also keep a few spares around for guest.

Lastly, I agree with the comment about Robbie sporting the Air Attack - shield. You have to be good enough and earn that one. That is one cool looking helmet plus how does one top that name?!

(ps. Glad you're here Mister Westi! Lucky man you are.)