Road Cycling - Do I need a new Helmet?

I have a Specialized Enduro comp helmet. There is a piece of clear plastic in the back part of the helmet where the straps attach and it's molded to fit the back of your head. It's about a 2" crack or break and doesn't seem to be a safety issue, but I thought I'd solicit opinions.

I've had the helmet for 2-3 years. The straps are white from perspiration, and if I took the time to smell it...well you can guess.

Thank you!

Replace the helmet. Anything that has been subjected to at least 2 years worth of use and abuse(?) should be replaced just because of the stress that the foam core has been exposed to.
Also UV rays do a number to certain types of plastic and over time they become brittle. One last thought...is your head worth saving?
I know mine is, I would like to ride another day!
:D

Rick

Get it replaced, better safe than sorry, beside Specialized are very good at replacing them.

I got my Specialized helmet replaced about 6 months ago, when I fell off (one of those not unclipping in time sort of falls :o ). No sign of damage to the helmet. I wrote to Spealized and explained what had happened, paid a quarter of the price of a new helmet and got a new helmet by return post.

Originally posted by RHNiles
Also UV rays do a number to certain types of plastic and over time they become brittle.

I would appreciate your supporting your statement in regards to bike helmets and UV rays with some research attributions.

This is generally considered an urban myth promulgated by helmet manufacturers to promote sales. But, I would welcome attributions with an open mind.

In fact, many technical standards for the manufacture of bike helmets require just the opposite - that they not be damaged significantly by the sun.


http://www.bhsi.org/stdcomp.htm

Australia/NZ Materials should "remain appreciably stable" after exposure to sunlight. UV inhibitors should be used when necessary.
BSI: None.
CPSC: None.
Canada: None
Europe: Outer surface of helmet exposed to ultraviolet irradiation by a 125 watt zenon-filled quartz lamp for 48 hours at a range of 250 mm before wet conditioning. Alternative method: helmet is rotated at 1 to 5 rpm under a xenon arc lamp until total energy received is 1 Gj per m. Alternating 18 minute spray with distilled water whose conductivity is below 5 per cent S per cm followed by 102 minute dry period. Humidity of test chamber 45 to 55 per cent, temperature 68 to 72 degrees C measured by a black thermometer placed at same distance from the lamp as the helmet sample. Other conditions as specified in ISO4892 and "the revisions currently being prepared as ISO 4892 Part 1 and Part

Australia/NZ Known to remain "appreciably stable" under influence of aging or normal use under sunlight, temperature extremes and rain. "Ultraviolet inhibitors should be used where necessary."

Also in regards to your statement about replacement after two years, anaother urban myth. While ANY helmet involved in a crash or visibly damaged should, of course be replaced, the Helmet Safety Research Institute states the following:


Replace any helmet if you crash. Impact crushes some of the foam, although the damage may not be visible. Helmets work so well that you need to examine them for marks or dents to know if you hit. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after five years. We think that depends on usage, and most helmets given reasonable care are good for longer than that. But if your helmet is from the 70's, it's time to replace it. Replace the buckle if it cracks or a piece breaks off. No one requires you to replace your helmet, so give it some individual thought.

Dnvrfox,
In regards to the statement of UV and replacement of helmets... Please direct your comments to Bells Helmets. They stated after examining the helmet my son wore in a crash, that there was some Ozone damage to the liner and that there was a crack that was not visible without taking the shell off. Also from working in the plastics industry, I said certain types of plastic were subject to failure, not necessarily helmet outer shells. Isd87 stated that the support inside the helmet cracked-That type of plastic is is subject to break down.

Rick

Originally posted by RHNiles
Dnvrfox,
In regards to the statement of UV and replacement of helmets... Please direct your comments to Bells Helmets. They stated after examining the helmet my son wore in a crash, that there was some Ozone damage to the liner and that there was a crack that was not visible without taking the shell off. Also from working in the plastics industry, I said certain types of plastic were subject to failure, not necessarily helmet outer shells. Isd87 stated that the support inside the helmet cracked-That type of plastic is is subject to break down.

Rick

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

Originally posted by lsd87
I've had the helmet for 2-3 years. The straps are white from perspiration, and if I took the time to smell it...well you can guess.


The straps and pads are easily washed without removing them. Fill the bathroom basin with warm water. Immerse the helmet enough to get the straps and pads wet. Reach one hand under the helmet and rub the straps in the water until clean. I use a taste test on the wet straps: if they no longer have a salty taste, they're clean enough for me.

Now, is someone going to tell me that this too is bad for the helmet?

Rich

I appreciate the responses...thank you!

Originally posted by Stinger9oh
Now, is someone going to tell me that this too is bad for the helmet?

Not me! I regularly take the helmet into the shower with me after a ride and rinse it off before sudsing myself up. Alternatively, I do the sink thing as well. And the lick taste-test too.