Recumbent - Aging helmets

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CHAS
10-05-08, 01:01 PM
At what age should you toss a helmet? Does a bike helmet lose its protective qualities after three years?
Five??
Motorcycle helmets are supposed to be good for three years.

Recumbomatic
10-05-08, 08:22 PM
Contrary to what the LBS and helmet manufacturers may recommend, I read somewhere that helmets do not need to be replaced every five years*. The materials don't degrade or stiffen with age, or at least not enough to matter.


*Applies to helmets that have not been crashed and styrofoam helmets with a hard outer shell. Foam helmets with a fabric only covering (such as those made in the '80's) should be tossed out.
BlazingPedals
10-05-08, 08:42 PM
I replace my helmets when I get so tired of them that I'm willing to spend the $$$ for a new one. I'm cheap, so that only happens every 5-8 years. Then I keep the old one as a spare. I've got lots of spares! My newest one is only 2 years old.