HELMETS! Who Has The Best Crash Replacement Program?!?

[VeloMel]

I recently busted my $130 specialized helmet I had for only 3 months or so and they sent me a louzy 20% off coupon! Does anyone know who has the best crash replacement program before I purchase a new one??

[jobob]

What, you plan to make a habit out of crashing? :eek:

I don't quite understand the logic here; since when does a helmet manufacturer owe you a replacement?

20% off seems pretty fair to me. if you don't want to shell out the bucks, get a less expensive helmet next time. Or don't crash again.

[smilingcat]

It would be the least of my worries after a crash...

Lets talk about bike repair/replacement wheel repair/replacement after a crash first. Helmet is cheap. And oh medical cost, ambulance or helicopter ride... Too bad you can't enjoy or worse have no memories of riding in a helicopter (med-evac).

None of us plan on crashing. It's one of those things. It happens. :(

One thing though, it's not like the old days when Bell was the only manufacturer. Back then you might get a free replacement.

[VeloMel]

What, you plan to make a habit out of crashing? :eek:

I don't quite understand the logic here; since when does a helmet manufacturer owe you a replacement?

20% off seems pretty fair to me. if you don't want to shell out the bucks, get a less expensive helmet next time. Or don't crash again.

Thanks for the input! Your reply was so helpful

[ehirsch83]

Louis Garneau!!!!
1st year crash replacement for free!!

That's right, if you crash within the first year of owning the helmet take it back to the shop and they send it back to LG. If the shop has one in stock they will trade you out on the floor, if they don't have the same model and color they will get one shipped asap.

[VeloMel]

Geez,
It was just a question! Accidents happen and I happen to be okay just out a helmet that I spent a little bit of money on, And was asking a simple question because who knows, an accident might happen again then I can be covered. Thanks for making me feel like a complete jacka$$ for asking something I though was pretty simple.

[VeloMel]

Louis Garneau!!!!
1st year crash replacement for free!!

That's right, if you crash within the first year of owning the helmet take it back to the shop and they send it back to LG. If the shop has one in stock they will trade you out on the floor, if they don't have the same model and color they will get one shipped asap.

THANK YOU! That is the kind of answer I was hoping to hear!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Looks like you need to look for a Louis Garneau. It was my impression 20% is pretty standard. I haven't wrecked any of my Bell's when they weren't already close to replacement, so I didn't really care. I am pretty sure theirs is 20%. Probably the same for Giro since they are made by Bell.

I would be annoyed if I ruined a new expense helmet too but for me I wouldn't worry about the replacement if my head was saved. Truly it is humorous they even offer crash replacement policies, I know it is standard but I wonder what the logic behind it was? Brand loyalty? Congratulations you aren't a vegetable? I wish my car manufacturer would do that! If only DH had gotten 20% off a new car when he totaled his old one, man that would rock. Seriously, I understand the question and the annoyance just got me thinking about the bike industry and why they even do crash replacements. My parents are Harley riders, my Dad laid his bike down and cracked his helmet. He was okay but the helmet was a total loss, no discount on the replacement that I know of.

[marni]

giro sent me a sympathy card when I inquired about replacement cost after crashing. I came to in the ER briefly and again in the ambulance on the way to another hospital for observation for bleeding on the brain and a partially collapsed lung. Actually the 7 days in the hospital while they did x rays 2x a day to see if they were going to put in a chest tube or whether the lung would reinflate are pretty much gone as well but that might be drugs rather than memory loss.

I'm glad that you are ok, and I feel your pain about having to buy a new helmet, but please please, do not ride again until you get one.

marni

[ridebikeme]

I think as many have already offered, your health is the MOSt important piece of this puzzle. With that said, we are glad that you are not injured!!

Louis Garneau does indeed offer a crash replacement as others have mentioned. In fact, I have replaced helmets out of the shop for that very reason. The damaged helmets are generally used to pinpoint any issues or help their research teams in designing new helmets.

AS always, helmets do run a bit differently from brand to brand, so make sure that you find something that fits you.

[ehirsch83]

THANK YOU! That is the kind of answer I was hoping to hear!!

Don't feel stupid!
I have crashed twice this year, both times needing new helmets! First crash I had a Giro replaced it with a LG. With my shop discount it made no sense for me to do the crash replacement from Giro. But... for me, a new helmet is a big expense. I didn't know about LGs replacement when I bought it, but I bought it because I liked how it fit, it comes down lower on the head then the Giro and made me feel safer.(In the earlier crash another riders pedal hooked up and under my helmet...)
I crashed again in the LG and took it into the shop to see what the crash replacement was, that is when I discovered the swap out if it occurs in the first year- love it!

[tulip]

Geez,
It was just a question! Accidents happen and I happen to be okay just out a helmet that I spent a little bit of money on, And was asking a simple question because who knows, an accident might happen again then I can be covered. Thanks for making me feel like a complete jacka$$ for asking something I though was pretty simple.

Those of us who have been in very serious crashes could really care less about a helmet company's replacement program. We are thankful that we are alive and functioning relatively normally, even if we don't remember the helicopter ride. Your understanding of our point of view is appreciated, and we are glad you didn't have to experience the same thing.

[OakLeaf]

What Tulip said. When I've landed on my head (after I regained consciousness, the one time), I've said to myself, "Thank goodness I spent the money for a helmet, how quick can I buy a new one?"

[Pedal Wench]

Not to add fuel to the fire, but I would be more concerned with who has the best crash protection! (Mainly, the one that fits YOUR head best!)

[marni]

[QUOTE=Muirenn;522221]Marni, that's frightening! But you recovered well?

I hope so!


that was four years ago and I have since done three cross countries so I guess I am recovered, although my husband and daughter don't think my sanity is back completely.

this last winter was rough because I took two head hits and went through two helmets in two months. I am back to full strength and energy again and riding hard again and my husband and daughter are back to questioning my sanity.

Find a helmet that fits and screw fashion,

marni

[Selkie]

Not to add fuel to the fire, but I would be more concerned with who has the best crash protection! (Mainly, the one that fits YOUR head best!)

I have to agree with you, Pedal. To be honest, if I ever needed to replace my helmet because of a crash, looking for a discount would be the last thing on my mind. I'm not criticizing/judging, but my logic is that accidents happen and why should company give me a discount when something beyond their control damaged their product? That said, it's great that companies do provide discounts for replacements. A good way to build customer loyalty, plus do QC with the aim of improving their product.

My helmet is getting long in the tooth, so it's probably time for a new one. Any recommendations for those offering the best crash protection?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Look for a safety standard sticker. In the USA ithere is a number of standards-

CPSC Standard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
The CPSC standard uses a lab test drop of 2.0 meters on a flat anvil and 1.2 meters on a hemispheric and a curbstone anvil.

The Snell Standard is considered on of the toughest, and they independently buy and test helmets (rather than have manufacturers submit them for tests).

Plus a couple of other not so well known ones.

In Australia and New Zealand, the current legally-required standard is [B]AS/NZS 2063. The performance requirements of this standard are slightly less strict than the Snell B95 standard but incorporate a quality assurance requirement. As a result, the AS/NZS can be argued to be safer.

So basically if it has certification it has passed a test. Some tests are considered "better" than others so you might want to look out for those certifications on a helmet. If it doesn't have a certification- don't buy it.

[OakLeaf]

Bike helmets can't be sold in the USA unless they meet CPSC standards.

Unfortunately, CPSC doesn't involve any independent testing. Snell does, but since CPSC became the law, few manufacturers shell out for Snell testing.

Unlike the recent exposés of motorcycle helmets and the drastic revision of Snell motorcycle standards as a result, CPSC and Snell standards are quite similar.

BHSI has a handy comparo (http://www.bhsi.org/stdcomp.htm) on their site.

[Bike Chick]

Trek replaced my helmet after I crashed.

[buffybike]

I just finished doing a lot of helmet research after I crashed. Here's what I found:

With regard to helmet safety, as other posters noted, all helmets sold in the US must meet a minimum standard established by CPSC. The Snell certification is a little more rigorous. The only "large" manufacturer I could find who sells Snell-certified helmets is Specialized. I purchased their Propero helmet and couldn't be happier. It comes down lower on both my forehead and the back of my head, has great ventilation and is so light I can barely feel it. I think I paid $100 +s/h and didn't bat an eye. You can't put a price on safety.

For a list of Snell-certified helmets you can go to this site: http://www.smf.org/certlist/std_B-90A_B-95A_B-90C_B-95C.html

[Tri Girl]

I crashed at a t-shirt ride a week after getting my new helmet. A road crevice reached up and threw me down- straight on my head. I didn't even think to ask about crash replacement (it was a Specialized- I could have used 20% off). I just threw it away and bought another.
Glad you're OK.

[bcipam]

Not certain I would return a helmet asking for a refund if I crashed (and I have crashed, it saved my life... end of story), but you might consider purchasing a helmet through Performance Bicycles. I believe they take back everything, no questions asked. They are sort the Costco of bike stores. I have friends that buy products through both with the understanding they will forever return it and get upgrades for the one purchase price. Not certain if that is ethical but their justification, the store allows it so it must be OK.

[badger]

it's not the prettiest thing, but I switched to the bucket-style helmet by POC recently (POC Receptor Flow). It's developed by engineers and Doctors and is supposed to be multi-impact, so I can keep wearing it after an impact (though I'd imagine if it was exceptionally serious I'll likely replace it).

[maryellen]

My first crash with helmet-impact was w a Bell helmet. I vaguely recall that if I mailed back the helmet and sent a report of the incident, Bell would replace the helmet. I was too impatient to wait for a new helmet so I didn't bother--I didn't see the point of two helmets

[Selkie]

That's some list of bicycles Selkie!

Luna Eclipse//Terry B'fly
Luna Orbit//Sella Italia Ldy Gel Flow
Bianchi Eros Donna//Terry Falcon
Seven Alaris//Jett 143
Terry Isis (Titanium)//Terry B'fly
Specialized Dolce Comp (beater bike)//Sella Italia Ldy
Specialized Dolce Elite (trainer bike)//Sella Italia Ldy
Kona Lisa FS//stock saddle

Wow!

I know--the stable is over-crowded. Several of them were good deals (close out sales), which I couldn't pass by. I need to downsize and maybe give away the beater bike, sell the MTB. I am an endurance rider and when the weather cooperates, I've been known to log more than 10K miles annually. Therefore, the bikes all see road time (except the trainer bike, of course, which gets plenty of pedaling when the weather is bad).

[makbike]

I had a bad crash last month and landed on my head. Without the helmet I most likely would not be here today so I thank my lucky stars. Sadly, I totaled my new Diva :(. The good news I had it insured for a 100% on my homeowners policy and will be placing an order for a replacement Diva tomorrow! I did not know about helmet replacement policies so looks like it is time to check into this. Glad I went back and searched TE for helmet info.

[colorisnt]

When I fell into a big ditch last weekend, I hit my head. I had to replace the helmet. I am flat broke right now, but seeing as I ride my bike for transport more than I drive my car, the $40.00 I spent to get a new helmet seems pretty fair. I fell and 2 hours later I was at the bike store after I got home replacing it. No excuses.

When I showed horses, I had a couple nasty falls. These helmets were about $200.00-$300.00 a piece pretty easily. When I killed one, I bought a new one immediately. So, $40.00 to replace my helmets (I don't spend a lot because I don't need a really spiff one. I know some people have preferences, which is fine, but I really don't).

I would rather spend more money on jerseys because of my stuff on my back and icky elastic fear lol.

[Aggie_Ama]

Marcie that stinks! You waited so long for that bike. I am glad you are still here though.

[makbike]

Thanks Aggie Ama! I ordered my new Diva today and am keeping my fingers crossed previous issues will not rear their ugly head.

[pll]

I know--the stable is over-crowded.

Each time I read someone's post talking about the stable... I can't avoid thinking "at least that stable does not need hay". ;)

I crashed and broke a (Louis Garneau) helmet the first year I was cycling and got a replacement at my LBS. I was told they scrapped the crashed helmets -- no report about the fall required. I wish they did.



Find a helmet that fits and screw fashion

Words to live by, Marni! I'd wear that phrase on a jersey... :cool: