General Cycling Discussion - Do I need to replace my helmet?

I had my bike up on the kickstand while I sat on a bench enjoying the sun :) Had looped my helmet over the handlebars. Next thing I know - Crash! - a gust of wind took the bike over and I think it landed on the helmet. I should replace it, shouldn't I? My bike is on the heavier side... there's no visible damage to the helmet but I don't know what the standard is.

I'd give the helmet a good inspection, both inside and out, And try flexing it to see if it has any give. It most likely will be fine since it was only a few feet. Look for any scratches and check to see if there are any cracks. Keep in mind though, even if the helmet is fine, the material degrades over time. I think I've read somewhere that helmets should be replaced every 5 years.

With motorcycle helmets, even if you just drop the helmet from waist high, it should be replaced unless inspected by the manufacturer. Reason being that the foam deforms even from that height, and it will not protect your head as designed.

This sounds pretty equivalent because of the weight of the bike, so in good faith I can't recommend you do ANYTHING other than full replacement or inspection by manufacturer.

Another bit of motorcycle knowledge: What is your head worth? In the case of my motorcycle helmet, $600! I bet you your bicycle helmet is much less, and so buy another!

I had my bike up on the kickstand while I sat on a bench enjoying the sun :) Had looped my helmet over the handlebars. Next thing I know - Crash! - a gust of wind took the bike over and I think it landed on the helmet. I should replace it, shouldn't I? My bike is on the heavier side... there's no visible damage to the helmet but I don't know what the standard is.
The industry "standard" is to sell as many helmets as possible with whatever storyline will work.

But at least the helmet saved your bicycle from catastrophic damage, eh?;)

The industry "standard" is to sell as many helmets as possible with whatever storyline will work.

But at least the helmet saved your bicycle from catastrophic damage, eh?;)

+1 even a cracked helmet(although I doubt you cracked yours) will most likely be better than no helmet at all.

+1 even a cracked helmet(although I doubt you cracked yours) will most likely be better than no helmet at all.

Yes, but depending on the severity of the damage in that first impact, the energy from a second may not be properly dispersed around the helmet. The helmet could shatter far easier in that second accident than it might as new. Check it throughly. If you have any doubts, for peace of mind just replace it. In your situation, I think I would probably replace it anyway. It fell onto concrete / tarmac or something very hard right?

Is it worth the risk? Replace it. If you value the protection your helmet provides, which you do if you wear it, replace it.

Thanks, everyone. That's about what I thought. I knew about the motorcycle helmet thing but didn't know if it applied to bikes. I'll have a chance to pop in to the bike shop this afternoon and I will pick up a new helmet to be safe. (If I get one of the fancy ones, maybe I'll look like I'm going faster!)

Nashbar is having a Helmet clearance sale. (No I don't work for them, but I want a kickback for all the Helmet business I've sent them)
http://www.nashbar.com/images/07NB_05_09_TopBtn.gif (http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?storetype=estore&estoreid=887&browse=all&cm_re=C1-_-biggie-_-HelmetPedal)
I got our '06 Giro Havocs there pretty cheap, but be sure you know what size you need, I had originally ordered my girlfriend a different helmet from them and had to send it back at my expense for the exchange.
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3999/helmetsbi3.jpg