You're weather and my weather are pretty damn close to the same.

I'll give you 2 degrees F on Tues. But you'd die in the 40% humidity here.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tusc...utf-8&oe=utf-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=aust...utf-8&oe=utf-8

You generally pay more for "more" vents, more advanced fitting mechanisms, higher quality pads/straps, lower weight, aerodynamics, and MIPS compliance.

Can you provide an example? A more expensive helmet will generally offer more vents and be a bit lighter, but higher quality pads and sraps? More advanced fitting mechanisms?

Giro Synthe Aero Road Helmet 2015

You don't provide any evidence that the synthe has any of the benefits you mentioned.

It is actually only one ounce lighter than the giro indicator:

Giro Indicator Bike Helmet - REI.com

The indicator also has 20 vents vs the synthe's 19, so your claim that a more expensive helmet has more vents is incorrect.

So, the indicator, which cost me $20 new, is 1/12th of the price of the synthe, has one extra vent, and weighs within one ounce of a helmet cosing $225 more.

You provide no evidence that the synthe is mips certified, or has better straps, or provides a more accurate fit. Both are the same weight and the indicator is better vented. You have no evidence the synthe is more aerodynamic.

Both helmets have a 4.5/5 rating.

Try again.

Try reading a review:
First look: Giro Synthe semi-aero road helmet - VeloNews.com

I did. The helmet does not have any of the advantages you claim. It DOES claim to be a whopping TWO PERCENT cooler.

Here's what they claim/spec:
- coolest aero helmet
- relatively lightweight for an aero helmet
- MIPS
- x-static padding
- roc loc air fit system

But only 1 oz lighter than a helmet $225 less expensive. One less vent. No evidence of "superior" straps.

I'm not saying there aren't subtle improvements, but an extra $220 may bring about minor improvements in aerodynamics that you would never notice in a typical recreational ride.

Perhaps a Cat 1 might. Maybe. Maybe not.

According to them it is almost as aerodynamic as a TT helmet but is lighter and cooler. My point is that the $220 price delta buys you something that has quantifiable differences (wind tunnel tested, temperature tested, MIPS). The comfort differences are subjective but the roc loc air does allow more adjustment and x-static is a fancy textile used in other performance sports.

That's all fair, as far as it goes.

But we are comparing inexpensive vs. expensive helmets. In this particular comparo, the weights are essentially identical, and it's very unlikely that the expensive helmet is more comfortable or cooler.

It is probably fractionally faster, but no one will notice that in a recreational and/or training ride.

A time trialist will care, but that's about it.

Since the OP was talking strictly quality differences I'm going to assume he means protection. No real idea about actual test results, but Virginia Tech did create a standard protection rating system for football and hockey helmets. Price appears to make no difference for actual protection, especially in the hockey helmet study.

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings: Hockey helmets

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings: Football helmets

I was out at 0530 in the am, was home by 0830. It was hot this am, I chugged a heck of a lot of water. My Helmet is a Bell it has good ventilation, but it was not 250 Clam when it was brand new. Think the original MSRP was maybe 60-70 Bucks.

Helmets, like anything else in cycling (or anywhere, really) exist in a broad price range, with a definite point of diminishing returns. Going from a $20 Wally World helmet to say a $70 LBS helmet, and you can notice an immediate, significant difference. But going from that $70 helmet to a $200 one might leave you saying, "well, it's lighter, and it seems to cool a little better."

In stark contrast to my own line of thinking, I went straight from the $20 to the $200 with no stops in between. It was something like $150 to keep my feet comfortable, so I'm fine with $200 to protect the bucket my brain sits in. It is also a very, very comfortable helmet (Kali Maraka RD.)

Sure. That's a legal issue. But your first sentence was this:

I dont have a lot to add other than Bell, Giro, and Blackburn are all made by the same company. Now does that mean they are all the same? Probably not, but I'm sure there is a lot of technology and research that crosses over and is shared. As long as it fits correctly and is comfortable enough that you will wear it every ride you're gonna be in good shape.

When it comes to heat, the helmet thing is part of a bigger picture: core temperature of a rider and its effect on performance. Or in case of a recreational rider, heat stroke or just plain discomfort.

If its aerodynamics, the bigger picture is how you ride in that particular type event. TT bikes are set up different than Tri bikes in the Ironman. So maybe get two helmets: one for non racing events and the other for racing or pretend racing.

When it comes to style: then by all means spend as much as you can afford. Just don't try to justify it to anyone but yourself.

When it comes to safety: quit riding altogether.

How's that for "assertions"?