Helmets!!!!!

you could spend your helmet budget on spectacles so you can see where you're going and avoid crashing in the first place

Good idea nod!

I am an "always wear a helmet" brigade. Imagine my surprise when I got back from a ride the other day, caught a glimpse of my reflection and noticed no helmet! I didn't even notice I wasn't wearing it ......usually wear Giro Aeon ...... like wearing nothing! Done well if you can get one for £50 though!!

+1 for Kask for looks and comfort. If too much ventilation is a problem in Winter then wear a cycling cap underneath.

Tony, time for a round up perhaps?

In terms of performance in a crash, more money doesn't necessarily equate to more crash protection from a cycle helmet. What the extra cash buys you is lighter weight, more vents, the latest production technique/ratchet system and the latest fashionable style. Today's £50 helmet more often than not these days as good as a lid that would have cost you double that and more two or three years ago. There really are some very good lids around for £50 or less.

They're all about as safe as the others. However, downhill MTB helmets do provide better protection...

That's a good point. What is the best cycle helmet money can buy? I have a Savant. Are there any tables that purely compare how safe they are?

Just bought a Lazer o2 (£64.99) which i'm happy with. As you, my main aim was to not look like un Grande Champignon, and this fits the bill (got it in matt black, very slimming colour for the noggin!)

The Carrera Razor is considerably less mushroom lie than many and pretty cool looking. Tredz currently have them for £50 down from £100.

There are a number of 'older' premium models available at hugely discounted prices. As some have mentioned, try the various brands etc on for size, fit and mushroominess.
I have found Bell, Scott and Carrera helmets to suit my pinhead noggin, also flirted with Uvex (Ivo)...but although not really mushroom shaped...was like a pudding bowl in fit.... and made me look like a dwarf stormtrooper...and would suit a more buxom bonce than mine.
Scott Fuga still my favourite. (Giro don't suit me...)
£50 will still buy you a good helmet.
It's the safety standard you want more than anything....as you go up in price it's the lighter materials (and therefore 'better design' and fortification required to maintain the rigidity) you're paying for. If you want to wear a 'yellow duck' helmet, then by all means do so...just make sure it has the appropriate minimum safety requirements.

Hi
You said you have all the gear and are looking for a helmet with a budget of £50 well when i first started cycling i was the same, didn't want to spend a lot on a helmet but luckily 6 months ago i bought a Kask mojito £120 , now i know this is not in your budget but 4 weeks ago i went over the handlebars at 30 mph and landed on my head and that helmet saved my life no question of a doubt.
Get yourself the best helmet you can afford and Kask do a 50% replacement so i am getting a new one for £60

Disclaimer: ... This is a partially a plug for my affiliate website that I am developing (see signature).

Anyway, there is a deal going from one of of my merchants, Merlin Cycles, for a Giro Saros helmet... £54.99 reduced from £99.99: http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1857&awinaffid=168364&clickref=&p...

I had to get a new helmet myself after leaving mine on the train, so I did this deal.
It's light and comfy - possible downside is it could get cold throw the vents in the winter.

Cheers

+1 for Kask - really comfortable.

Everyone knows the only way to look good on a bike is by wearing a TT helmet, preferably while wearing jeans and t shirt. Save up for one.

Otherwise, apart from the fact that this is out of stock... looks cool

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/cuesta-cuesta-helmets-r...

Could always try that blue and white decathlon one.

A french shop that sells... cheap sports kit?

Surely not...

You will really just have to go to your LBS and try some on. Head shapes differ more than you might think so what looks good on one person may look ridiculous on another.

If not looking like a mushroom is worth an another £30 on top of your budget, the Kask K50 is good.

Giro Savant is *very* good for the money

Spiuk zirion it fits like a dream.available at about £45.read cycling active reviews of best helmets for £50.it wins and gets 10/10 and its also available in9 colours so it'll be sure to match your bike

Bubble wrap and sticky tape