I purchased my first helmet in the mid-80s. I was browsing in a bike shop and the owner asked me if I had a helmet. I replied "no." He said "you know if you break your bike I can fix or replace any part that needs to be replaced but if you break your skull there is not much anyone can do for you." That was enough for me. I went home with a nice Bell helmet and have been wearing a helmet since that wonderful day!