Years ago I gave away my last MSR (Mountain Safety Research) helmet to an exchange student. It may not have been a great helmet, but it was the first hard-shell I know of that was actually designed to be used for bike riding. I think it preceded the Bell by 2 years or so. At the time it was introduced, I was in Oregon, and knew MSR's pioneering climbing helmets. I wrote them, suggesting that time was ripe for a bike helmet. They were already on the case, and sent me a prototype to pass around among the fast guys, to see if they would find it cool (both senses).
On the wall I have a Kucharik "hair net," a Skid-lid triumph of marketing over physics, a Bailen, and a first-generation Bell. The Skid-Lid originally belonged to Alma Harris, wife of the great gadgeter Chuck Harris (probable inventor of the glasses- and helmet-mount mirrors, maker of super-wide range touring derailleurs, and maker of nice miniature bike replicas). The Bailen came from CR's own Marty Walsh (thanks, Marty).
What would it take to give your MSR a place on my wall of honor and infamy, just over the sink in the garage...? I'm happy to sign a full release from any liability!
thanks Harvey "fathead" (hat size 7- 5/8) Sachs McLean VA