my specialized align helmet flew off my car two days ago while i was turning at about 20 mils per hour. its a bit scuffed on sides. should i be worried?

My price point is around 50$ or less, i like the giro indicators, trinitys, and bell alchera.

Often, you can have the mfg check it. Hard to say, but you certainly could have compromised it's ability to absorb impact. That's one of the reasons that mfgs recommend replacing your helmet on a schedule.

For example, my son had a skiing crash in an Uvex full coverage racing helmet. He was in a coma for three weeks. Obviously, the helmet took a shot and was no longer usable but it looked just fine under casual, lay, inspection - no scratches, cracks etc.... You'd have to measure the foam density throughout the helmet to know how much was crushed down. Often the damage is obvious, but just as often it isn't.

J.

Always got my helmet in the trunk so next time im at my bike shop will let them check it out.

I never pay full price for a Helmet buy last years model.....$200 + is crazy for a helmet.
That being said if I had the coin to burn I would get one of those Catlike helmets they do look very cool.

They don't have the capability to check it out but they should be able to send it to the mfg for you.

J.

whats a mfg? and is it worth the wait for a 50 dollar helmet?

How are you you wearing out your helmets?

In rapidly approaching a half century of riding, I have NEVER banged my head in a crash.

I've had a few helmets just wear out, or go obsolete. Or, have those pads disintegrate. So, I'm not still using my old skid-lid.

Anyway, a cheap helmet seems good enough for my needs.

mfg=manufacturer.

The $50 question is up to you. If my helmet took a good shot, I'd replace it. Bike helmets accumulate damage over time since the foam compresses from each whack the helmet takes. They aren't for repetitive impacts.

You can't sit in a neurosurgeon's waiting room for $50.

Given our experience with the reality of severe TBI, we're really cautious with our helmets for both cycling and skiing and replace them on about a 3 year cycle. The helmets both age and accumulate damage over time.

J.

From the SNELL Foundation:

[h=4]Why should you replace your helmet every five years?[/h]The five-year replacement recommendation is based on a consensus by both helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials. Hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, as well as normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Petroleum based products present in cleaners, paints, fuels and other commonly encountered materials may also degrade materials used in many helmets possibly degrading performance. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five-year period due to advances in materials, designs, production methods and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five-year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from a prudent safety philosophy.



[h=4]"I dropped my helmet! Do I have to go buy a new one?"[/h]Generally the answer is probably not. Helmets are one-use items, but are quite durable otherwise, at least the ones we certify. Frequent dropping or spiking a helmet on the ground, or other hard surfaces may eventually degrade the helmet's performance. Similarly if the helmet falls to the ground at highway speeds unoccupied, the owner must be aware that some degradation may have occurred. In general, the real damage comes when the helmet contacts an object with a head inside. The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, you avoid hitting stuff with your head. It can be difficult to readily determine if a helmet has been damaged, and the protective capabilities compromised without a thorough inspection by a trained professional. Some manufacturers may provide this service or direct you to these others that can perform these inspections. The Foundation recommends that if you suspect your helmet may be compromised, then replace it. If the helmet has been involved in an impact while in use, replace it.

Nature provides the perfect aero and cool structure...no helmet for me....

Have reused helmets after a crash . . .

I have too. I'm sure you would be much safer than biking without a helmet at all than with a damaged one. The manufacturer can't guarantee its safety after a crash though.

The Foundation recommends that if you are participating in an activity that requires that you wear a helmet, you avoid hitting stuff with your head.

Uh, yeah, that right there is wisdom of the highest order.