Do I need to replace my helmet?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Millis, MA
Posts: 296
Bikes: 2015 Trek Domane 5.2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 52
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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!
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!
#4
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,965
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,530 Times
in
1,042 Posts
Originally Posted by Buglady
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.
But at least the helmet saved your bicycle from catastrophic damage, eh?
#5
Mad Furyan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 10-a-Sea
Posts: 697
Bikes: 02 Cannondale Jekyll,06 Santa Cruz Heckler, 06 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 09 Santa Cruz Blur LT2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
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?
But at least the helmet saved your bicycle from catastrophic damage, eh?
#6
Insect magnet.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 465
Bikes: Trek 2008 Madone 5.5 Pro, Bianchi 2008 Axis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Quick_Torch C5
+1 even a cracked helmet(although I doubt you cracked yours) will most likely be better than no helmet at all.
#7
There's time now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: On a stack of books, PA
Posts: 768
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4096 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
113 Posts
Is it worth the risk? Replace it. If you value the protection your helmet provides, which you do if you wear it, replace it.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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!)
#9
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
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)
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.
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.