So I have all the gear and the bike, I lastly need "the right" helmet. Something that is comfortable, fits well, and most importantly - safe!

Yes, Kask looks very cool and all but there are a couple things I am concerned about. For one, as a new rider, it would probably be quite pretentious to sport a Kask Vertigo either merely because of its use by Team Sky or due to its high price point.

So my first question is, as a new rider should I feel compelled to spend less money on a flash helmet, but instead something in the $50 - $150 range?

Secondly, I remember seeing Kasks retailed at my LBS but have been hearing that they are now not accepted by US safety standards. This leads me to my second question. What are your opinions on wearing helmets that do not meet the US safety standards? Furthermore, can anyone point me to a list where I can find which helmet brands are accepted?

I am also looking at Uvex helmets, specifically their Race 5. It apparently only weighs 225 grams, which I believe is less than the Kask Vertigo.But I don't believe they are retailed in the US due to not meeting standards.

Yes, this is a very subjective topic, but I would still like to hear what you wear and/or your recommendation for a road cycling helmet.

Thanks!

No one really pays attention to what helmet you are wearing. Giro Aeon is good in terms of both weight and ventilation.

I am a new rider sporting a Bell Gage. I felt kind of silly buying such an expensive helmet since I am a beginner but it is worth every penny (I bought it on sale). People dont notice anyway since I fly right by them I tried a couple of lower end ones from Specialized, Giro but none of them fit me well. The Gage is perfect fit for someone with a round head. Its very light and I forget I have it on when I am riding. Also the vents give good air flow, not to mention big enough so I cant scratch my head without taking the helmet off.

that helmet will last you 5 years so you'll be into the sport enough by then. No one cares what kind of helmet you have. Buy one you like. And as long as the helmet meets international standards, I would wear it even if it doesn't meet US standards.

I got a giro aeon off ebay for pretty cheap. One of the best helmets made, light, looks cool and vents well.

I bought an Uvex Race 5 earlier this year and I love it. Fits (me) well, very lightweight, and the closure is the best/easiest to adjust of any other helmet I've had. If you have any specific questions shoot me a PM. I haven't seen many people with them here in the states.

Got out mine online, btw. Never come across one in a store.

Any helmet sold in the US must meet or exceed minimum CPSC standards. That has been the law for 15 years at least. Don't rely on "what you hear". Go to the shop and look inside the helmet for the certification sticker(s).


[h=1] CPSC Issues New Safety Standard for Bike Helmets
[/h]
February 01, 1999
Release Number: 98062

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously today to issue a new federal safety standard for bike helmets. The new standard will for the first time provide one uniform mandatory safety standard that all bike helmets must meet. About 900 people, including more than 200 children, are killed annually in bicycle-related incidents, and about 60 percent of these deaths involve a head injury. In addition, more than 500,000 people are treated annually in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. Research indicates that a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.


Beginning February 1999, all bike helmets manufactured or imported for sale in the United States will have to meet the new federal safety standard set by CPSC. The new standard ensures that bike helmets will adequately protect the head and that chin straps will be strong enough to prevent the helmet from coming off in a crash, collision or fall. In addition,the new standard requires that helmets intended for children up to age five cover more of the head to provide added protection to the more fragile areas of a young child's skull.

Helmets meeting the new standard will carry a label stating that they meet CPSC's new safety standard. This will help eliminate confusion among consumers about which certification mark to look for when buying a helmet. Previously, helmets met various voluntary standards and were certified by a number of standard development groups. In 1994, Congress directed CPSC to develop a mandatory safety standard for bike helmets to replace these voluntary standards.

Cannondale Teramo. Extremely comfortable, good looking and under $100