Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan
I have a Bell for the mountain bike, not sure what model specifically. It was ok as far as comfort went, but all the padding pieces were glued on, and most had fallen off after the first summer. For the roadie I have a Rudy Project Kontact and I love it. Easier to adjust, plenty of padding, and a nifty liner so that bugs and other random stuff doesn't get into your hair through the vents. Found it on ebay for way cheaper than new.
My favorite is a red, blue, and white Giro Atmos, and I have a Pneumo in similar colors as a backup. For mountain biking and commuting, I have an acid green & white Giro Xen, tricked out with lots of reflective tape, that is super-comfortable. I like Giro helmets, initially a little bit for the "Lance factor," but I've also gotten six years of good fit, comfort, and service from them, and they've taken good care of me at least on three occasions when I was pushing the boundaries of my skills.
As Ama noted, you really can't buy a new helmet these days that doesn't meet at least one (or all) of the ANSI, Snell, or CPSC safety standards. So, the $20 helmet from Wal-Mart or Target will protect your noggin as well as the newest $200+ Giro Ionos or whatever. What you're paying extra for is style, and maybe a little more comfort.
Lazer Genesis. Best Fitting Helmet EVER!....for me at least
They're fit system is fantastic, there is a dial on top of the helmet that you turn and it tightens a cord all the way around your head, not just at the back. Most people I know who have tried this helmet can't believe how comfy they are.
They're definitely not as popular/common as Bell or Giro so it may be a bit more difficult to find.