Any rules on helmets after a crash?

[Boudicca]

I lucked out at a crash this weekend, avoiding the oncoming car, swerving behind the parked car and ending up diving over the handlebars onto my someone's front lawn, which definitely cushioned the fall. Grass rash is much better than road rash.

But my shoulder and then my head took the brunt of the fall (I heard the clunk as helmet hit grass), and while the helmet looks almost undamaged, I remember reading somewhere that you should get a new helmet after a crash. Any thoughts on that one? It's a Bell Influx, about 2 years old, with big, airflow-friendly holes. The only visible damage is a really minor ding at ear level, and the foam looks totally unharmed.

For the record, I got away with a couple of bruises, a few aches and a gently scraped knee. The rear derailleur started clunking unpleasantly, but the bike shop fixed it in about 5 minutes.

[ngateguy]

Always get a new one after a crash. It is hard to really tell whether it is safe or not. Go to Bell's website they will tell you how to get a new one from them for $15 or $25 bucks if you send them your old one.

[Boudicca]

Looking on their web site now, and it's full of "coming soon" references but nothing that I could find on helmet exchange. Any clues? And if I send them the old one, what do I ride with while I'm waiting for its replacement? It's the kryptonite debate all over again. How do I lock my bike while I am waiting for a new lock?

[Randymac]

Near the end of your Bell helmet owners manual, there is a section on the replacement program. If you didn't keep your manual, here's what it says.

The crash replacement program is available to U.S. and Canadian customers only.
Customers outside the U.S. and Canada should call 1-800-456-BELL for
information on the crash replacement program applicable to them. If you have any
questions about this policy call Bell at 1-800-456-BELL.
Remember: NEVER wear a helmet that’s been involved in an accident.

Crash Replacement Policy
Bell is interested in your safety and in advancing the state-of-the-art in
head protection. If your helmet is involved in an accident you may obtain
a replacement from Bell by doing the following:
For U.S. Customers:
1. Send the following:
a. The damaged helmet (prepaid);
b. A copy of your dated cash register receipt;
c. A letter describing your accident in as much detail as possible; and
d. A check for $35.00 for Fusion In-Mold helmets or a check for $20.00 for non-Fusion helmets

2. Send to:
Bell Sports, Inc.
Consumer Service
1924 County Road, 3000 North
Rantoul, Illinois 61866-9512


For Canadian Customers:
1. Call Outdoor Gear Canada (1-514-332-1320) to
find out what the replacement cost is for your helmet.
This low costreplacement fee varies by model.
2. Send the following:
a. The damaged helmet (prepaid);
b. A copy of your dated cash register receipt;
c. A letter describing your accident in as much detail as possible; and
d. A check in the amount quoted by Canadian Customer Service
3. Send to:
Outdoor Gear Canada
2708 Diab
St. Laurent, Quebec
H4S IE8 CANADA

[Yoshi]

Send in your old helmet, buy a new one. When the replacement arrives just keep it in the closet or something. When you crash again (hopefully that won't happen but let's be realistic) send the busted helmet in for a replacement, and wear the one you set aside. Repeat as necessary.

It's not brain surgery (unless you forget to wear your helmet...).

[Boudicca]

That's really helpful.

Thanks guys.