Quote Originally Posted by GrassyRidge View Post
For those of you with more experience than I (ie. everyone ), I have two newbie questions.

1. Is there any difference in a $15 bike helmet from Target and a $50 helmet from a LBS?

2. With road tires, (my bike has Bontrager) will riding 50 feet over gravel/grass damage them? I have to cut through to avoid a narrow busy street and get to the park/bike route.

Thanks!
I can answer #1-if you're buying a helmet for the first time, it would be better to have the bike store fit you. There are certain ways a helmet should fit in order to protect you. After you've done that and need to replace it in a few years, you might be able to find one online or at a department store for less $$, but you should definately have it fit right from the start.