when is it time for a new helmet?
01-02-06, 11:38 PM
#1
Ride for Life
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when is it time for a new helmet?
i have a helmet that i've used for a few years on all my trail and road rides. it's never taked a fall, most trauma it's ever seen is probably getting tossed into the back of my van.
my question is, does a helmet "go bad?" or is it pretty much safe until i crack it or wear out the straps or something?
my question is, does a helmet "go bad?" or is it pretty much safe until i crack it or wear out the straps or something?
01-03-06, 05:59 AM
#3
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It's definitely time to replace a helmet when the pads and straps start to rot.
01-03-06, 10:17 AM
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UV rays will degrade the foam in a helmet reducing its effectiveness. Every 4-5 years has always been my rule of thumb, but I'm at 52 degreess north where the UV index rarely crests 8 its probably a shorter time period where you are.
01-03-06, 10:22 AM
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I replace mine every two years or so just to get something new. I have one that's sitting in the garage after two years of use and it appears to be fine. Around here, the sun bleaches and discolors. I suppose that might also be a reflection of an earlier poster's concern about breakdown in the foam. I don't think I'll ever wear a helmet longer than 3 years. Then again, I only spend $40 - 50 on 'em. Some spend a couple hundred. Not at al sure I'd want to replace a very expensive helmet at all.
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