I've been wearing a helmet for the last long while which is basically a prop because it never fit right and wouldn't have saved me if I'd fallen at the wrong angle. Anyway, I'm buying a new one.

Is there any real difference between MTB helmets and road helmets? Other than the MTB has a little peak, I prefer the sleak-er road type. Any thoughts? I race XC but cruise the roads a lot for fun too.

Thanks

Bad Breaks

I like helmets with a visor, both to block the sun, and also to block the rain. I think white or silver color helmets feel cooler under a hot sun than dark colors. But, the most important issue is fit and comfort. You may find a $20 helmet from Target fits you perfectly or that a $200 "pro" helmet is a poor fit. A helmet that fits perfectly makes using a helmet a pleasure. Take the time to get a good fit...if a $20 helmet fits you perfectly, you have found the right helmet.

Road bike helmets tend to be light weight and have alot more vents so they're cooler. The higher end road bike helmets are also aerodynamically designed to lower drag in the slip stream.

MTB helmets tend to have fewer vents, so less of the surface of the head is exposed to poke hazards like tree branches, and they are also heavier and of course hotter to wear.

My MTB helmet is supposed to be a "Hi-Vent" design and still has nowhere close to the number of vents as a well vented road bike helmet.

In before the fireworks start!

If you're riding a road bike, get a road bike helmet. I just recently joined the helmet camp and am really enjoying the lightweight and cooling vents from my Met Estro. ~$80 range so its affordable and works great.

I actually don't like the built on visor and prefer a cycling cap underneath my helmet if I want a visor.

Generally spending more money gets you less weight, more ventilation, and greater adjustability in the straps.

A good way to save money is buy a manufacturer's previous model.

The vents on an MTB helmet are designed to cool at a more upright riding position and slower speed. The vents are a road helmet work best at a road riding position. This is assuming quality bike shop equipment.

I really liked the Bell Tourlite.

Nowadays, all helmets are lighter than and better ventilated than my Bell Biker.
Why do I keep wearing it?

The same reason I wear my Tourlite knockoff?