What's In Your Head, Zombie?

Helmets save lives, but they also look dorky. So to overcome the dork-factor, get a helmet that looks good. All helmets sold in the US meet the same safety standards, but higher end helmets have more vents, carbon fiber bits, less exposed foam, usually lighter, and look better.

One of the lightest in the market, but for a high end helmet, it looks cheap and dorky.

This one looks awesome. It's also a Belgian brand, so you know it's totally Euro.

Cycling-specific helmets are for cycling (though inline speed skaters use them too), which means they'll work for road, mountain, 'cross, etc. Some helmets come with a detachable visors. They're meant for protecting the rider's face from tree branches and stuff in mountain biking, so don't use them for road. BMX helmets have no place in road cycling. For color choice, it is the same as for sunglasses. Black is hideous, team colors are cool, and if in doubt go with white, or silver in the case of helmets only. White and silver helmets will go well with any kit, be cooler in hot days, and more visible in the dark.

Since wearing a helmet is a serious matter, I won't dwell too long on what colors or brands of helmets to get. Instead, I will talk about how to wear a helmet for maximum style and protection for your noggin. First, make sure the helmet fits. Second, sit the helmet on your head and align it to just above your sunglasses. If you're not wearing sunglasses, make sure the helmet covers your forehead. Not only does it look better that way, there's a smaller chance of the helmet moving backwards and coming off your head in a crash.

Niels Albert still has yet to learn how to wear a helmet properly.

Fabian Cancellara saying: "Yo Niels, this is how you wear a helmet correctly".

Lastly, don't leave the excess strap hanging free. Either cut them off or keep them tied up using the rubber band that usually comes with helmets. Most importantly, whenever you are out riding, wear a helmet, regardless of what it looks like. Riding without a helmet was cool in the Mesozoic era because it was legal to race helmet-less back then. But we're in the 21st century, so unless you are a dinosaur, wear a helmet.