Advocacy & Safety - Time for a shiny new helmet?

Got hit and falling off at around 15 mph. I fell off and rolled around then hit my head on the curb at I'm guessing a much reduced speed. Anyway, no visible damage except for a very very small ding on the side. Helmet is still relatively new. Would a (I'm guessing) 5mph slide onto the pavement call for a shiny new helmet?

Yes, it could be destroyed internally and the next time you hit- it will not protect you.

Cheap insurance to buy a new helmet.
Personally, I don't care. If my Giro Pneumo hit the ground and looked ok I would jump on it to see how fun crushing it would be and then buy another one.

The idea of my girlfriend wiping spiddle off my chin and changing my diapers is enough to say, " You know what, I'm worth a new helmet!"

Yes, it could be destroyed internally and the next time you hit- it will not protect you.

Cheap insurance to buy a new helmet.
Personally, I don't care. If my Giro Pneumo hit the ground and looked ok I would jump on it to see how fun crushing it would be and then buy another one.

The idea of my girlfriend wiping spiddle off my chin and changing my diapers is enough to say, " You know what, I'm worth a new helmet!"
I couldn't have said it better myself

:) excellent...

You might be able to get a discount on the cost of a new one...

You might be able to get a discount on the cost of a new one...
True. I, in fact, got a completely free replacement on my helmet when I crashed in August 2001. There was a one-year free replacement warranty.

Check with your distributor to see if you qualify for a discount.

Does it have to be horribly damaged to qualify or would I be able to send it back even if it just has a small bump on it?

Does it have to be horribly damaged to qualify or would I be able to send it back even if it just has a small bump on it?
Since helmet manufacturers unanimously urge us to replace our helmets even after minor crashes, I'd say it could easily qualify.

are mongoose brand helmets good? how tightly should a helmet fit?
i found one at target for $20.

Yeah, it should have a sticker that says it passes SNELL or ANSI standards. If so, it's good.

Helmet should fit snug but not uncomfortable or pinch. It shouldn't be jiggling on your head. They usually come with extra foam pads to help custom fit your head.

thanks!

(sorry.. too late to edit)

is CPSC certification as good as snell and ansi?

I don't recall ever seeing a helmet at a bike shop that was not ANSI or Snell certified.

If the helmet is only CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified, I wouldn't buy it.

I don't recall ever seeing a helmet at a bike shop that was not ANSI or Snell certified.

If the helmet is only CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified, I wouldn't buy it.

Performance Bike only seems to list CPSC in helmet specs. Also, Performance is having a helmet sale right now. You can get decent helmets for $20-$30. They are probably better than the Mongoose.

Probably about six years ago I crashed at a very slow speed, because the mechanic, at the time did not put my rear cluster together properly.
It was a Bell helmet, I hit on the curb at slow speed. Bell accepts replacment of a crashed helmet at cost.This probably pertains to your helmet.
Afraid if I had to replace my helmet it would be the red, white, and blue Giro Pnemo, like Lance wears.

It's probably fine, but I'd agree with the others: might as well replace it. :)