Helmets have come a long way and its time you ditched your round, white kiddie helmet and move up to something with vents. Your head will thank you for it! Before you do anything, get your head measured. Use a centimetered measuring tape and place it just above the eyebrows. The better helmets are sized this way and it's the best way to get a perfect fit. I tested The Lazer Diablo helmet from their 2005 line, Giro's Eclipse Road helmet, Rudy Project's T-Rex Ferox Road helmet and Rollerblade's Inline Skating helmet which is also approved for cycling. Lance Armstrong wears Giro helmets and had a special "postal colored" model made for the Tour de France. The Giro Eclipse has 24 vents for free flowing air to pass through and weighs a scant 9 ounces. It is incredibly light and I especially appreciated the foam padding inside. The Lazer Diablo is a hair heavier weighing in at 10.5 ounces but had great air-flow through the "turbo like" vents. I could really feel the air moving over my hair even though I ride with a cotton cycling cap under the helmet. The Lazer has a reflective patch on the back of the helmet. Note: Be sure to print your emergency information on a label and paste it to the inside of your helmet. Here's another point, safety wise, get a light color. Studies have shown more bicycle crashes occur with people wearing black helmets than those wearing white or another light color. Once again visibility is key. The Rudy Project, Giro and Rollerblade helmets comply with CPSC Safety Standard. I would give the Giro a slight preference for women cyclists because it is smaller and lighter than most however the best value may be the Rollerblade Advanced helmet which weighs only 8 ounces and can be used for both cycling and inline skating. The Lazer's unique air cooling channels, however, make it extremely comfortable on the road. Even though Rudy Project's T-Rex Ferox weighs 11 3/4 ounces, it is one of my favorites for comfort and style.
