FarHorizon

I find that with the heat & humidity (both ambient and generated by riding) that the open-cell foam inserts in my helmets rot & smell in a short period of time. To limit this, I own a number of helmets (typically three at a time) and rotate them from day to day. This seems to allow the foam helmet inserts to dry & last much longer. I also buy a new helmet about once every six months and retire the oldest of the three that are "in rotation."

Am I unique in this, or do others do the same - just curious...

toolba

I have one helmet. Been wearing it for nearly a year. I rinse it out after nearly every ride and replace the sweat pads occasionally. My wife says it doesn't stink yet. She should know.

Blackberry

I've got two, but that happened sort of by mistake. I showed up at an event ride without my helmet so I had to buy another one. Now I usually keep the second one in the car, in case the same thing happens again. Did i tell you I'm a little absent minded?

webist

Your poll has no option for those with more than one helmet who do not rotate. I have two. I use the newer one. THe older one is simply a spare. I guess I'd reuse it if something happened to the new one at least until I could buy another one.

jcm

I have two. The spare is a skater/BMX type. The everyday helmet is a climber's hardshell type from 1978. Because bike crashing is a contact sport.

sch

I rotate for another reason. Being hair impaired I try to reduce the tiger stripe effect of suntanning by using helmets with different hole patterns on alternate rides.
Steve

stargazer48

I usually wait for Nashbar sale for my helmets. Right now I am down to 2. Althought it probably doesn't make too much difference, I use the darker blue one during the day and the lighter yellow one at night.
On the other hand, if both were similar colors, I would use the older "beater" for day to day local biking and the newer one for long distance riding.

BlazingPedals

I chose 'rotate' only because it was closest to correct for me. Actually, I have at last count 5 helmets of different colors/styles. I choose the one that goes with the outfit of the day best. Doood! Helmets are a style statement! B) Ahem, er, sorry!

I squirt my pads with water from my bottle after a ride, and then squeeze them out. They are dry in no time.

scottogo

Are you wearing the helmets when engaging in this type of behavior?

DaveTaylor

Retro Grouch 

Me too.

serotta

I take the pads out, wash them and press them dry with a few paper towels, then let air finish the dry. I place my helmet in the dishwasher, top shelf, never had a problem.

billallbritten

+1 and as well use baby shampoo to clean pads (probably won't burn your eyes if you don't rinse it all out before replacing pads)

stapfam

Another user -just the same. I replace helmets on a regular basis- due to damage. 4 in the last 3 years. When I damage one- out comes the spare helmet till I can get yet another new helmet. That takes some doing as the range of helmets available is too good. Main point for me though is that it must be a mountain bike helmet- must be reasonable looking, has to be fairly lightweigh but most important is that it must fit and be comfortable. Then there is the colour, mustn't scare the dog or small children, and the wife has to have her purse on her. Well if the wife approves- then she can buy it- even if it is the wrong colour.

SugarHillGMC

3 years maximum use then trash. U-V light breakdown, wear and tear, etc... My head is worth it!!!!

Also, after just about every ride, I take it into the shower with me (in my hand, not on my head) and thoroughly flush it out. No soap used, just a very good soaking, then hang it up on the shower faucet until it is dry by the next morning. My helmet NEVER smells when I do this.

John

WorldWind

I have multiple helmets, they are use specific.
I always use my downhill helmet and my downhill bike when I down hill.
I always use my night ride helmet when I go on night rides.
My hair-net just hangs on the wall crying.

Chuck5.2_in_CA

I guess I should go smell my helmet. The only thing I ever do is take it off. I did rotate it once...after a crash...

roccobike

I have two and each of my sons have two more for a total of six. I rotate my helmets just because I like to wear a different helmet from time to time. Honestly, I never gave it much thought. But I have to admit, letting one air out makes sense.
Gloves are another story.

DEK

I don't rotate my helmet. I tried it once but it hurt my head too much.

GrannyGear

[QUOTE=Chuck5.2_in_CA]I guess I should go smell my helmet. The only thing I ever do is take it off. QUOTE]

+1 I must be the redneck trailer trash of cycling. I put it on, take it off, put it on, take it off, etc.

I do flip my gloves and mirror in it so things are ready to go. During the winter it usually just stays damp as it always ends up being left in the garage. There could be green stuff growing in it for all I know. Now you guys have me worried. Fungal infections of the scalp and ear tips are a cycling hazard.

dminor 

+1 - Not only that, but the dang rear vents obstructed my vision too much .

Coyote!

Yeah, I rotate 'em. One's for warm/hot weather; t'other is for the cold and has a little more room for an Under Armor skullcap. Both stink and are bright orange.

FarHorizon

I note with curiosity that nobody yet is helmetless in this poll (not that I'm eager to restart that particular debate...). I suspect that additional caution comes with age?

I also see that some of youse guys actually take the foam pads out of the helmet for cleaning. Doesn't that rip the velcro off the foam?

I've never tried cleaning helmet pads myself - the "terry-cloth" surface of the foam that is supposed to be in contact with my head normally delaminates from the foam after about a month. I tolerate the remaining foams for the remainder of my six-month term with that particular helmet (I choose this interval because of inherent cheapness on my part). I then donate the helmet to the LBS to pass on and buy myself a replacement.

Since I replace helmets so often, I prefer to buy inexpensive Bell models. I also feel no conspicuous consumption regrets because I "recycle" my helmets to needy students. Based on this survey and another similar one that I see in the "General Cycling" forum, I conclude that I am unique among the BF members (oddball yet again! ) in changing helmets so often. Who knew??

toolba

I believe you mean follically challenged

DnvrFox

1. Having had a lot of basal cell skin cancer (yes, on my scalp) I always wear a bandana

2. I do NOT like the newer types of helmets that sort of sit up higher with the "wheel" adjuster, as I can't easily use a head sweat band - not enough room.

3. Therefore, while I have a number of helmets, I always end up using the older model which accommodates my sweat band.