General Cycling Discussion - How often do you change your lid?

I'm still using the same lid I bought 4 years ago. It's been dropped a few times and scuffed here and there but is it sound policy to replace them periodically? Guess I'll never know until it's too late.

i'd say its a good idea to replace every couple of years if for no other reason than the technology may be better. and helmets are pretty cheap when you consider if you ever really need it, it will be the most valuable piece of equiptment you own.

also with helmets for motorcycle and auto racing i dont think most organizations will let you race if your helmet is more than a year old, maybe 2 years, i forget the exact number of years. no idea why they insist on this, but they do.
just somethin to think about.

Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet after a few years of riding if the helmet doesn't sustain any impacts. Things like how much you sweat and the amount of abuse it sees can affect how quickly you might want to replace it as well. The general rule is that after a signifigant impact, whether the helmet looks damaged from the outside or not, you should replace it. It might seem expensive, but you've got to look at the big picture - throw 60-100 bucks on a nice helment periodically or throw a few 1000 at stitching your head back together. After splitting a helmet in a crash (I walked away with a few stitches and a doctor telling me I could be dead without it) and realizing just how important wearing a helmet is, I tend to be pretty careful about making sure my helmet isn't damaged and is in good condition.

-Moab

I don't agree with the helmet manufactures recommendations, after all they are trying to sell more helmets. Age of the helmet will only affect the foam interior and you can easily tell when it has degraded enough to warrant replacing it. The foam will develope cracks and/or start to flake off which you will notice the black particles on your head and in your hair.

Of course if you had an impact with it then replace it without even thinking about it.

Most helmet manufactures recommend 5 years not a couple of years and this is based on advancements made in the helmet technology and not so much because it is degrading!! Here is what Snell said about this:

"The Snell foundation recommends a helmet be replaced every 5 years based on a general concensus of manufacturers and the Snell foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from prudent safety philosophy."

Most helmet institutes around the world put more emphasis on replacing a helmet only after inpact not age:

ANSI: After impact, unless returned to manufacturer for "competent inspection" (and presumably found still sound or repaired).
ASTM: After impact, unless returned to manufacturer for "competent inspection."
Australia/NZ After severe blow, but labeling to note that helmet also has a limited life in normal use.
BSI: After a few years careful use, after crash, after bad knock or squashing, after badly scratched, if it does not fit any more.
Canada: After severe blow.
CPSC: After severe blow.
Europe: After a severe blow.
Europe-Child: After a severe blow.
Japan: After severe blow.
Snell B90: Recommends replacement after 5 years, or after severe blow.
Snell B95: Recommends replacement after severe blow, or after five years (or less if shorter time recommended by manufacturer).
Snell N94: Recommends replacement after severe blow, or after five years (or less if shorter time recommended by manufacturer).
Sweden: After violent impact.

I just replaced my helmet after 5 years, I only did so because A. it stunk, and it wouldnt wash out any more with a rinse. B. it flops on my head abit, it has the thicker/thinner pad fitting system, and with a headlight, it reallybecomes annoying. and C. I felt I needed a little more ventalation. Oh, did I mention D. it was half price? :D

Scoob

Every 3-4 years.
Old helmets stink.
Styles and colors change.
Technology changes.
Change is good. :D

Depends on various factors (crashes, magpies etc). Last year's magpie season was particularly vicious, probably due to the drought. I'm undecided if my current helmet will be able to get through another.

Originally posted by Chris L
Depends on various factors (crashes, magpies etc). Last year's magpie season was particularly vicious, probably due to the drought. I'm undecided if my current helmet will be able to get through another.

Tasmanian magpies are a little more benign than their Queensland and particularly Victorian counterparts. But we can arrange a special welcoming committee of spur-winged plovers for you when you come south, if you like.

My helmet bears the scars of concerted attacks by two groups of magpies north of Melbourne last August. Definitely a good reason to wear a helmet. I've been told that putting two spots on top of the helmet are perceived by the birds as eyes, and they are less likely to attack. Haven't tried the strategy, though. It's quite a sensation being dive-bombed by these birds -- a gentle push on the back of the head and neck that becomes a bit stronger with each dive. It's a real surprise when you are pedalling along, minding your own business.

R