VCSL2015

Taking helmet suggestions. I usually ride about 20 miles at a time. Price range between $60-$100. Thank you for taking the time to read this and offer your suggestions.

dr_lha

I like Giro helmets and my wife has a Giro Trinity, which only costs about $40 on Amazon. You can pay more money for a helmet, that the only thing that will get you is a lighter helmet typically. The only exception to this are MIPS helmets, that may genuinely be better/safer, and are a little more expensive than typical helmets.

PhotoJoe 

Helmet fit is extremely personal. I can't stand the way Giro's fit me. Bells fit me much better. Also, Kask is extremely comfortable for me. You really need to go try them on.

NYSteve

I have a huge head, and big ears. I found an XL Bell helmet fits me really well.

dr_lha

Very true. I never found a Bell helmet that actually fit on my head!

TheLibrarian

Whatever fits, is comfortable and looks good. I'm still using an old skateboard helmet for mtn biking. Someday i will get an actual bicycle helmet. Didn't really bother me over the summer keeping the heat in. Any really hot days in August I try to get out in the morning.

Pamestique 

Certain things are tough to take other's advice... saddles, shoes, cleat and helmets. What work really well for me might not work for you. Best advice? Go to a bike shop, or even an REI or Sports Chalet (even Target or Walmart) and try on helmets. Most bike shops have helmets on sale this time of year.

I wear both Giro and Specialized helmets; they work for me but for some reason Bell or others do not. There is nothing wrong with those helmets, it's just an individual fit issue. Plus some helmets are complicated to use; some are not. Personal preference...

adrien

Yup, bring your head to an LBS and try as many as you can.

Retention systems are variable, and can create issues for some. Personally I love Lazer's system, which has a wire which cradles the entire head and can be tightened / loosened very easily, rather than 2-3 connection points like many do.

Other things to consider: venting, room for shades (if like me you like to park sunglasses on your helmet when not in use -- I take mine off for long climbs to keep the sweat off them) and safety.

On the last point, MIPS is becoming much more common, and claims to reduce brain injury in offset impacts. IIRC, it is in the order of 30% over the equivalent non-MIPS. I went for it.

Yendor72

And while my wife also loves her Lazer helmet I tried one on and felt like I was getting strangled. It took all of 3 seconds to figure out I was not going to wear one of those, that retention system goes down the back of your head and I hated every bit of it. They adjusted that thing up and down and there was just no way I was going to wear it. So yes, a helmet is a very personal choice.

bassjones

Helmets are like shoes, saddles and bibs. What I love, you may well hate. I love Lazer helmets though. They fit my head well and have a lot of adjustment and great features. Very lightweight and well ventilated too.

kc0bbq

The entry level Kask is still pretty pricey (50 NTA is $150 MSRP, I think), but, at least for me, the retention system made it incredibly comfortable.

The padding on the 50NTA left something to be desired on warm days - there's a forehead pad below the vents in the front that runs across most of the helmet. It holds a lot of sweat, so if you end up in a riding position that pushes your forehead against the pad you squeeze all of it out and into your eyes and on to your glasses. Their other helmets use a bit different padding and don't seem to do this.

It performed really well in a crash for me - head hit the ground solidly enough to dent the side and shatter the foam, which is what it is supposed to do. Barely felt the impact, only a small flash of light in my eyes and no sign of any concussion. It was kind of an ideal situation for a helmet to do its job, though, direct impact after stopping.

Couldn't find a replacement in stock in my size, back up helmet is almost ten years old, and didn't really want to upgrade to the even more expensive Mojito when Kask has no crash replacement program. Yeah, you're buying the helmet for that small chance you'd need it, and it most likely kept me from getting a concussion or cracked skull... But, in the same price range other options do have one, so might as well have a little financial protection, too.

In the less expensive range, I always liked the Bell Alchera - Performance has them on sale right now for $50. As you spend more the protection doesn't improve outside of going to a MIPS design, but as a new development they're a bit expensive. You just get a little bit better retention system (straps end up a bit more comfortable, possibly, and adjustability improves) and a lighter helmet as you spend more. It's actually a pretty decent looking helmet, and at 300g (in small, I think) not the heaviest out there. Just a nice, basic road helmet.

Best bet is to stop at a shop and pick one out in your price range that fits well. Most people never actually really use the helmet for its intended purpose, so there can be a bit of inclination towards not wearing it if it is uncomfortable.

VCSL2015

Most people never actually really use the helmet for its intended purpose" Crash car tests? thanks =)

JakiChan

I knew I forgot something....

JohnJ80

In that price range, it doesn't matter since they all meet the same CPSC standard and nothing else. At that point, just go for fit.

If you want to step it up and bit and get some more protection, pony up a bit more and pay for a helmet with MIPS in it.

J.

Trevtassie

You are better off having a cheap helmet (that meets the standards) that fits properly than an expensive one that doesn't. Or to put it another way, buy what ever fits properly: Sits down on your head with the maximum contact, and can't rock about when done up tight. There should be no air gap on the top. Just hope the one that fits isn't pink and covered in My Little Ponies, unless, of course, you are a Brony.
I have a weird shaped head that's long front to back and could never find a helmet that fitted well even in XL, until I randomly picked up a Bell one in a big box sports store in Japan. Strangely enough it was a size L. Finally one that fitted well. I should have bought two.

mprelaw

Specialized Echelon, something like $65-$70. Both CPSC and Snell certified.