How long between Helmet Replacements
TheBigYin
Posts: 5,686 Member
I'm not talking post-accident damage of course - just general wear/tear and degradation to the helmet via years of being worn.
I'm asking because I've a 3+ year old Giro that's currently doing double duty as MTB and Cyclocross bike helmet (i.e. it gets covered in mud and spray pretty much every time it's worn) and even with regular, gentle and careful washing it's starting to look a wee bit ropey... All the other lids i've had have ended up getting written off in some scrape or other - either in crashes, hitting trees (on the mtb) or in one spectacular case, when a branch fell out of a tree in a gale and tagged me... Hence why i've a Propero II to replace the Original model.
I'm sure I remember from a while back that helmets were supposed to degrade over time with the UV from sunlight (fat chance of that in the UK - especially for that helmet - it seemingly only ever goes out in the rain!) so I do try to store my lids in a helmet-bag once they've aired off after the ride - best to at least let the pads dry out before stuffing them away I reckon)
But with the prime - nay - only real reason for wearing a bloody helmet being protection, at the moment i'm erring on the side of caution and thinking "If I'm going to wear something and look like a prat in the process, I may as well wear something that I've got a bit of faith in"...
I'm asking because I've a 3+ year old Giro that's currently doing double duty as MTB and Cyclocross bike helmet (i.e. it gets covered in mud and spray pretty much every time it's worn) and even with regular, gentle and careful washing it's starting to look a wee bit ropey... All the other lids i've had have ended up getting written off in some scrape or other - either in crashes, hitting trees (on the mtb) or in one spectacular case, when a branch fell out of a tree in a gale and tagged me... Hence why i've a Propero II to replace the Original model.
I'm sure I remember from a while back that helmets were supposed to degrade over time with the UV from sunlight (fat chance of that in the UK - especially for that helmet - it seemingly only ever goes out in the rain!) so I do try to store my lids in a helmet-bag once they've aired off after the ride - best to at least let the pads dry out before stuffing them away I reckon)
But with the prime - nay - only real reason for wearing a bloody helmet being protection, at the moment i'm erring on the side of caution and thinking "If I'm going to wear something and look like a prat in the process, I may as well wear something that I've got a bit of faith in"...
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Replies
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A quick 'Google search' revealed this: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm
The consensus on here (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15394943) seems to stipulate 3 years?!0 -
About every 3-4 years is what most recommend. And you don't have to buy an expensive helmet to provide what you need. Many helmet companies provide a crash replacement helmet at a bit of a discount over purchasing new. It's a nice way to get a new lid if you don't mind the wait of sending the old one in and waiting for the new one.0
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A quick 'Google search' revealed this: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm
The consensus on here (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15394943) seems to stipulate 3 years?!
:frown: I knew it well well nigh time to replace mine, but didn't know how over I was (5+ years). Guess it's be a helmet as the next bike-related purchase.0 -
found the box the helmet came in (was looking to see if there were any spare padding foam bits left) and the reciept was in the box - apparently it was a little longer ago than I thought (august 2008) so I guess it's done it's stint...0
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A quick 'Google search' revealed this: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm
The consensus on here (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15394943) seems to stipulate 3 years?!
I guess I'm due.......0 -
Sounds like I am due as well although somewhere in the past I seem to remember a five year life span. Not sure I would trust the helmet industry to be truthful about the lifespan of a helmet since they make a living off of replacement gear but it certainly brakes, tires and helmets are the main ways to keep us as safe as possible in a world that seems to want a piece of every bike rider.0
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I'm thinking that in five years, hopefully there'll have been some improvement in design / wear comfort as well - not just "the shell doesn't look like it's been shot blasted..." :laugh:
Ultimately, I suppose the real answer to my own question is "it's time to replace the helmet whenever you ask yourself 'is it time?' ... "0 -
A quick 'Google search' revealed this: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm
The consensus on here (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15394943) seems to stipulate 3 years?!
Guess I'm due also. I just tossed out my old helmet from 1990/1 this week and was wondering about the one brought in 99 since I finally ate through all the foam pads last month.0 -
No more than three years, or after any crash.0
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I read a study a while ago that said it is safer to ride on the road without a helmet. Cars think you are crazy and give you more room than if you wear a helmet. Even so, I replace mine every couple years. Even washing them, the begin to smell after a while.0
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Mine's been sitting on the shelf for 22 years except when I participate in a club ride. Other than replacing the foam pads now and then, it is like new.0
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I read a study a while ago that said it is safer to ride on the road without a helmet. Cars think you are crazy and give you more room than if you wear a helmet. Even so, I replace mine every couple years. Even washing them, the begin to smell after a while.
Yeah, I think I read the same story. People think you are a good rider if they see a helmet on you, so they pass closer on the average. Helmetless bikers are viewed as less predictable and idiotic, so the car drivers are more cautious.
I guess I'm more worried about the drivers that are texting or drunk, or just not paying attention, and veer off the road and hit you without seeing you at all, helmet or no. In that case, the study cited is worthless and a helmet might help you avoid brain damage!0 -
I read a study a while ago that said it is safer to ride on the road without a helmet. Cars think you are crazy and give you more room than if you wear a helmet. Even so, I replace mine every couple years. Even washing them, the begin to smell after a while.
The study I read actually said that the widest space was given to women wearing skirts ans sans helmet, but while I'm in possession of fairly long hair, I draw the line at swapping my Castellis for a Laura Ashley print dress :laugh:0 -
Decided I fancied this better than the long Blonde Wig..
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