I bought a used bike today from a Bike Shop, and I'm in love with it. It's a vintage single speed Raleigh Grand Prix from the 70's I think, and I got it for $100. Well I'm excited to try riding it across town tomorrow, but I just realized that I don't have a bike helmet..
What helmet would all of you recommend that's cheap and works well? I don't have too much money to spend, but if it's necessary I'll save up for it.

I'm looking to (hopefully) spend less than $50

Thanks!

EDIT: Okay I went into the garage and found a schwinn helmet that my dad bought a while back, so I guess I can save my money! Well nice to meet everyone here Someone can close this thread if it's possible

How old is that helmet? They tend to deteriorate over time, if it's more than a few years old I'd get a new one, especially if it's been sitting in the garage!

If by works well, you mean keeps your brain safely contained in your skull, that'd be any helmet. The helmet crushes, your head doesn't. Pick one that fits and you're good to go.

More expensive helmets have a better fit and better airflow. They keep you from dying just as well as a $30 Bell.

performance has ghisallo (limited sizes) and alchera for $49.99. they also have a 15% discount going on. i bought my alchera and like it quite a bit, though granted it doesn't look as sleek as the more expensive ones.

yes, there are plenty of decent helmets at any lbs or good multi-sport (think sports authority) that are under $50, and they protect your skull goo as good as the expensive ones.

take your pick - your money or your life

Hopefully these won't be your last words


go to your local bike shop, REI, or outdoor sport store
they should have a variety of inexpensive (please don't use cheap and helmet in the same sentence) helmets that will save your noggin
that old helmet in the garage is false security

Okay thanks for the concern everyone, I'll borrow some money from my brother and go buy a new one today. I just tried this helmet on, and I think it's way too small anyways .
So should I look for a Bell helmet?

i think 50$ is the pricepoint where helmets actually fit well and are comfortable. the alchera above is a good example

cheaper helmets tend to be very "bowly" even if you adjust their strap/fit mechanisms. feel like half a melon on your head

try all the helmets on in your price & size range and get the one that fits you best
Bell or any other

I just bought an inexpensive (not cheap ha ha) Bell. I didn't think that I could wear a "one size fits all" but it's just as comfy as the $80 Giro it replaced.

Try them on. I went to Performance where it was on sale AND discounted 15%.

Some friends of mine have nice ones from Target. They were ch..um didn't cost too much.

The specialized Echelon is a nice looking helmet and is $55msrp.
Also I like the looks of Rudy Project helmets and they have good online closeouts sometimes, last week I got an email about some that were reg $130 on sale for $44.

I just recently bought a Bell Slant and I must say I like it and I only paid like $55 for it.

Thanks everyone, I went to the LBS and got a display model (it's pretty much new ) BELL Solar for $20

I paid $23 including tax for the Bell Ukon FS

I purchased a Bell solar at sports authority for like $30 bucks. It fits well and was better than nothing at all.

As long as it complies with the U.S. CPSC Safety Standard I think you're good to go...

The Solar is less dorky looking than the one I bought.