Bike Helmets?

5.9 Helmets.
(a) Type of Helmet. All participants shall wear a protective head cover, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Helmets manufactured prior to March 10, 1999 must meet or exceed the safety standards of (i) the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4), (ii) The Snell Memorial Foundation (Protective Headgear for Bicycle Users), or (iii) ASTM F-1446 or F-1447, and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Removal of helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards, shall constitute an impermissible alteration in violation of this Section 5.9(a). Any violation of this Section 5.9(a) shall result in disqualification.

(b) Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this Section shall result in disqualification. This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while at the event site on race day.

As long as it meets the CPSC safety standard, it should be fine. Plus, I believe all helmets that your LBS sells are safe to wear.

Not brands... the helmet you wear has to be certified by ANSI/Snell/CSA or CPSC or something, acronyms which you needn't worry about, because virtually every helmet sold anywhere is certified, even at places like Wal-Mart.

Oh, to answer you question, I have two Giro helmets. One areo and one non-areo.

Any helmet that a bike shop sells will meet the requirements. The best bet is to try on many helmets because they all fit differently. Depending on the shape of your head you may find one brand you like over the others. Aero helmets aside, the only thing you get from spending more is a lighter better ventilated helmet. A more expensive helmet doesn't mean a safer helmet.

Thank you to you all for this good advice.