Bicycle Mechanics - Time for a new helmet?

I've had a Specialized Xtra Air helmet for like 10 years now. I've crashed, but never hit my head. It seems like the foam that helmets are made of would harden over a period of years - is there a limited life for a helmet?

I also want to get a new helmet to match my new bike - red instead of blue. I'm such a poseur, I know.

Damn dude get a new helmet! I only keep mine for 2 years tops. The reccomended maximum is 5 years. Whatever you get next is going to ventilate 1000 times better than what you have

Same as above, I like my cheapo giro, 25 bucks on sale (a whole 5 dollars off!). It fits well and has better ventilation than my old one. Do your noggin a favor!

Same here. I make sure to crash hard enough to bust my helmet about every two years or so in order to keep up on the latest styles. :D I do have a wall of sacrificed helmets though. :)

The thing that bugs me is people who sell / donate used helmets. Smash them with a hammer and recycle what you can. I've found that my cats love the straps

Thank you, everyone. I'm also wondering this: my head is right on the large side of S/small side of M (21.75 inches) for all the helmets I'm considering. Do you think I should just go with the M?

I'd go to a LBS to try on some models if they had anything cheaper than $120 in Japan.

Thank you, everyone. I'm also wondering this: my head is right on the large side of S/small side of M (21.75 inches) for all the helmets I'm considering. Do you think I should just go with the M?

I'd go to a LBS to try on some models if they had anything cheaper than $120 in Japan.
Well as much as I hate to admit it, in the past I've tried on helmets under the guise of "browsing". With a price gap that great I'd "browse" then order online.

You probably already know that helmets should fit fairly snugly. A lot of people are wearing helmets that fit just right as hats, but aren't doing the job as a helmet.

You don't want it to squeeze your head too tight but it shouldn't move around on your head at all.

You probably already know that helmets should fit fairly snugly. A lot of people are wearing helmets that fit just right as hats, but aren't doing the job as a helmet.

You don't want it to squeeze your head too tight but it shouldn't move around on your head at all.
:lol: I wish I could find a helmet that fit like a hat. Most of the time I have to reject even the L/XL ones for being too small.

:lol: I wish I could find a helmet that fit like a hat. Most of the time I have to reject even the L/XL ones for being too small.

There are so many things I could say. Must .... show .... restraint. :)

There are so many things I could say. Must .... show .... restraint. :)
Yeah my swelled head is something I'm self conscious about. :lol: :rolleyes:

I just got the overwhelming urge to buy some new bike stuff and splashed out on a Bell Metro (among other things)- I know I vowed to wait until they made it in a more visible safe colour but I tried it on in the shop and it fits so well. Much better than my old helmet.

It looks quite nice as well and I also got the little rear view mirror with it. I think it will take some getting used to. I am just getting a nice view of my rucksack at the moment but I am persevering.