Best bike helmet?

What do you think? I've never owned a helmet. I'm finally old enough to be scared into it. I ride an upright, pretty chill- not racing around town or anything. What's the best helmet? I was going to thrift one and read here that old helmets are a bad idea.

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on February 7, 2012 at 9:07pm

CPSC certification comes on cheap helmets and costly ones. The pricier ones have more air holes. The cheap ones are cheaper. I agree that the CPSC sticker is the most important part, since who wants to wear something that might not even protect your head well? The Snell standard is (was) stronger, the european one is less.

In winter I prefer a ski helmet since it fits well with goggles and keeps your head really warm. The Smith Holt is one that has CPSC certification and removable insulation for use in summer. I got one at Erewhon near North Ave.

Buy anything you like and enjoy riding your bike!

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Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on February 8, 2012 at 11:06am

I recently replaced my plain white Bell- it had survived a nasty dooring accident and was far past its freshness date. I don't skate and I don't race and I'm not riding horses. That still left me with approx. 678 different models to choose from ranging in price from $20-$300.

Found a guy on CL with a new-in-the-box Uvex for $15, (50% off!). Nice, one-handed adjustment wheel and chin strap features. And it fits my giant head.

Buy new- you can get one for less than you think.