What should I look for in a helmet? Not trying to be a weight weenie, but is lighter helmet better, or recommended? I've never worn one before, but I'm finally going to buy one

There's a lot of controversy over the effectiveness and even necessity of helmets, which I'll overlook.

The last helmet I shopped for, I considered comfort, expected durability, and the ability to fit under the hood of my raincoat and winter coat, for all-weather year-round use.

If and when it wears out, I will look into the new MIPS technology, and decide if it deserves to be one of my criteria.

I like Bell Muni because of the bill, Bontrager blinikies and mirror that snap in - I'm on my 4th now

Comfortable fit is 80% of my criteria! The other 20% is airflow/price/looks. Of course there is personal preference, type of riding, and location to take into consideration also.

For example-
I have a larger than average head, live in Florida, ride at a slow to moderate pace, while doing utility/cargo/recreational rides. So right now I ended up with a Bell Stoker. This is available in a L/XL size that fits the shape of my head, has enough airflow to keep my head reasonably cool, and has plenty of coverage all around. I believe I paid $55 for it during a sale, which is a good pricepoint for me. The looks are also acceptable.

I would definetly suggest trying on as many helmets as needed to find one that fits "just right". I have tried on a ton of helmets in the past and even now I continue to try on helmets whenever I am somewhere and I see new ones. If I find a new helmet that feels better than my current one, then I would buy that one next.

Hope that helps,
Bruce

Weight is a component of comfort, so it matters even if you aren't a weight weenie. For me, ventilation is the most important factor. Followed by weight.

It's my understanding that all helmets have to meet safety standards so you can probably go with the inexpensive department store helmets without sacrificing. I agree with comfort and I also agree with having a bill or sun visor whihc can really help. Beyond safety, I think helmets also offer protection from the sun like any hat.

Pick one that fits your head and you like, and go with it. It doesn't matter how safe it is, if you don't wear it because it isn't comfortable or nto to your style, it does you no good.

Mine came from a local big box shop, Schwinn branded for like $15. It is comfy, and no one can really provide any conclusive evidence that a much more expensive one is any more effective in a crash. Lighter, more aerodynamic, cools better, has features they need, yeah, plenty of evidence for that, not so much for protection.

I hate helmets !
But I wear one, sometimes.
Usually a lone wolf cyclist- however when I ride with a group, on a mup or in dense traffic, I do wear one.
My head is more round than oval, how helmet feel is a major selection factor. I also like ratchet adjustment band & lots of vent slots. Don't pay much attention to weight or cost.

All helmets are supposed to meet safety standards. I don't know of anywhere where consumers can go look at the safety institute's test results though. It's not even clear to me whether the safety standards are tested for every maker and model of helment. Likewise, passing a standard just means it's some arbitrary minimum requirement. If you buy a car, you probably take a look though at the relative performance of one model vs another -- eg. braking distance, etc.. 3, vs. 4, vs. 5-star crash ratings etc.

For those interested in MIPS, and considering the frigid weather recently, realize that some brands of MIPS helmets (if not all of them) advise that you are not supposed to wear any hat under these helmets. I've been on a couple rides where others were really surprised to hear this. Something to do with adding a slip plane to the helmets built-in slip plane.

For the OP, look for a standard $50-70 helmet from a major manufacturer -- whatever's most comfortable, and call it a day.

With your need for supreme aeroness, nothing short of a full tt helmet will do. The longer the tailing, the more aero. Go for that.

Can you provide a quote for that, because I don't recall saying that? Only helpful comments please

You should go into a motorcycle shop and lift a few helmets, they weigh 5 times what a pushbike helmet weighs and we ride with them on our heads all day long. The difference in a few grams between one icecream bucket and the next is only of importance to the marketing department trying to justify a $300 price tag.

Something like this would look sweet with your Specialized, especially if you're riding really low.

https://cdn.mos.bikeradar.imdserve.co...met-630-80.jpg

It's in your handlebar drop thread. I'm sure you can find it easier than I can.

Now, if you're going to be riding the upright hybrid with the adjustable stem, then that might require something a little different. I'd go for something oldschoolish, maybe a leather hairnet?

You're confusing me with someone else, squirt.

But there IS a difference between pedaling a bike and riding on a motorcycle. And that component is a pretty important one when comparing the two.

Do you like the helmet or not?

I rode a motorcycle for years, including cross country tours. Much of the time in a relatively heavy full face helmet. What you say is true, but for me it just isn't the same. Maybe head position has something to do with it. But I've found weight in a bike helmet really does make a difference for me.

Having said that, it is a distant secondary consideration to ventilation.

I'm certainly no expert, but I'll just say that my helmet is a $20 Schwinn Walmart special and it's plenty light and comfortable, even for my big head. And I wear it every time I ride.

I'm still not sure if you're trolling me or not

Ah, mate, every time you pose a question I give you helpful answers. You're so insecure.

Do you want to wear a helmet? Sounds like it!
Do you want to go fast? Apparently so!

I even found a helmet that matched the color scheme of your bike. What more help can I give?

You confused me because you started talking about hybrid bike, and my desire for aero ness, I don't even ride a tri bike anymore.

It's a cool helmet but I would feel a bit goofy wearing a tri helmet on a road bike

Thanks for the tip. I don't want to spend a lot of money so that's probably what I'll do.

Yes, your desire for aeroness, which is why you ride a bike too small with your seat jacked way up high and your handlebars a lot lower. You talked about it for pages and pages.

But anyway, maybe that much drop hurt you a little bit so you've sorted it out. And that's the thing about helmets! You don't need to be on a certain bike. They're protecting you no matter which bike you ride.

Very versatile piece of equipment. And think of all the multitools and other cool things you can store in the tailing! Built in aero storage unit!

I'm not sure what you get out of trying to bully someone. Thanks for the helpful advice, and have a nice day.