Helmet Replacement
 

How many seasons do you use your helmet before replacing it. Does anybody know the recommended number of seasons?

The helmet manufacturers say every 2-3 years. I don't believe it.

As long as the helmet has not been damaged, and the straps are snug, it is probably fine to use for 5 years, maybe even longer.

It's 5 years of you listen to cyclists. 2-3 years if you listen to the helmet companies and every season if you listen to their stockholders.

Really, it's about recognizing that helmets degrade slowly with use, faster with abuse, faster if left in the sun and probably also if left around ozone. I go about 5 years if that helmet has seen an easy life, sooner if not. I don't toss the ones with some life left. In a pinch when #1 helmet isn't available for whatever reason, I'll pull out an old one.

Best approach for good helmet life is to refrain from slamming the helmet against solid objects or abrading it at high speeds, especially with heavy objects strapped inside.

Ben

I replace ever time I land on my head and crack it. That trend has beat the 2-3 year mark every time so I am not sure what I would do then...

Same here. At least I get to buy a new one after. Can't wait to crash the current one so I can go for one of those fancy aero ones.

I have more than one. I rotate them. My favorite is stored in a drawstring bag between rides.

These days I'm wearing a cheap Bell Solar that I bought one size above my normal, to wear over a skull cap or balaclava.

Every five years, or sooner if you have reason. Just like a rope.

Since it takes Styrofoam over 1 million years to degrade, you can keep it until the straps rot or the glue fails. Or longer if you don't mind doing minor repairs.

I third that... except for the "can't wait" until crashing again. I do have to replace my backup helmet (about 5 years old and really stanky), so I'm just waiting on a good deal on the Kask stuff.

The 3-5 year rule is because of UV rays breaking down the foam and glue. That's the reasoning, anyway. Same in the motorcycle world. Those helmet manufacturers won't warranty a helmet past 5 years and stop selling replacement parts (padding, visors) for the old models. My current helmet was bought 5 years ago. I ordered a new Giro a few days ago simply because it was 50% off and I was ready for something new.

UV affects a thin layer on the surface, but not with the plastic cover on it. I've had the glue on the conver break down after a few years, but 10 minutes with some Gorilla Glue* fixed that up.

Mine get ratty after 4-5 years and when it feels too embarrassing to wear it in public I replace them.

*might have been Elmer's. You do have to be careful which glue you use.

Every five years is good for me. There are improvements in fit and adjustability, lightness, and aero. Then there's also the need for new pads and maybe straps that cost almost as much as a new helmet on sale

Yeah but a million years of sweat is a show stopper.

Yes the can't wait part might have been a bit of an exaggeration. :)

True, nothing worse to wear than a rank-smelling helmet. You can wash them though.

Here's how

As long as you got a dishwasher, no need for that.

An easy trick to keep helmets a lot cleaner (and hair feeling nicer, sweat out of the eyes and a touch warmer on cool days) - wear a skull cap under the helmet. I use the simple Pace jobs and have enough that I put a clean one every time I leave the house. Big step up in quality of life when I started doing that 10 years ago.

Ben

I have never looked at it that way before.

I have been in your club for some years now.

I resemble that remark. Not to mention minimizing the dreaded helmet head.;)

And avoiding interesting zebra-stripe sunburn patterns for the follicly challenged.

It's also because of the EPS construction. If you drop your helmet or it takes a hit, the foam will compress a little. When that happens, and enough times, the ability of the helmet to absorb impact becomes compromised. I believe most manufacturers will check the helmet for you.

J.

Usually the first thing to break down is the pads. I just ordered two sets that are held in by Velcro. Nice to have fresh ones.

If no cracks by either a crash or dropping, I'll probably keep it for about 5 yrs.

I like Specialized helmets, best straps out there. I replace at two years IF I haven't crashed on it. Their crash replacement is 20% discount on new helmet as long as you have your receipt. I've crashed on two Specialized helmets in last 13 months