Helmet Suggestion
 

I am a newbie about to join a bike club and buy a road bike (maybe a Trek 1500). I want to buy a decent helmet that will be lightweight, safe, and comfortable. I'm fairly petitie standing 5'2" tall and am medium build. Any suggestions?

I'd go to a good local shop and try some on. Let them help you with fit. From what I learned, the more you spend, the better ventilated the helmet is. Make sure you like the way it feels and that it is certified by those cycling safety standards (don't recall the proper name). The local shops usually sell only those that are from what I have seen. The entry level helmets usually start around $30. That is what I spent, and I like mine very much. From what you wrote, you'll be on your bike more than I will, so maybe a better ventilated helmet would be worth the extra money.

I have a $30 helmet, and it's just fine. Make sure you get a light colored top, as black will be hotter in the summer.

I've never tried the higher tech ventilated ones, but they're about $75 or so and up. Lance uses a $200 helmet, but he needs tons more ventilation than any of us. He's hot. ;-)

The most important thing is to buy a helmet that is comfortable so you won't be tempted not to wear it! My helmet saved my life recently - I believe I (somehow) flipped the bike forward, landing on my head and ending up with both a skull fracture and a brain injury. I don't think I would have survived my accident if I wasn't wearing a helmet. You can see my story at denise2004crash.crazyguyonabike.com

Wifey uses a Trek Intervel WSD. If you have a wide head like me, a Bell night be the ticket.