Old helmet...how long do they last?

I have a Trek helmet that I bought in 1998. It hasn't had any hard knocks, I've taken good care of it, and it has been in storage for the past, oh, 6 years :P Standards change, yes, but at the time this helmet was to the ASTM standard certification.

I am in the process of looking into new helmets, but I am still riding in this one for the moment (I like the looks of the Giro Skyla but need to go try it on to see if it will fit my little (21.5") head :) I am a recreational rider who is just getting back into getting my fat butt on a bike :D

Anyway, I was just curious exactly what is the time frame on bike helmets? How old is too old? How long do they last before they start to break down? Is there any hard and fast rule on these things? I am sure that an 11 year old helmet is too old, but I am curious.

Thanks much!

Lesa

I would replace it, specially if you'll be commuting (replied in your other thread :))

My helmet is from '02, and I've always thought it's best to replace every 4-6 years, as the polyurethane breaks down after awhile.

I'm in the market for a new one as well...but I'm a poor college student so I'm just looking at an Indicator.

I would say every 3-5 years, so yes it's time to replace. New helmet are very good, and lower end helmets provide just as good protection at a fraction of the cost of a high end helmet.

Please get a new helmet. The "experts" say replace every 5 years as the protective material breaks down over time.

Thank you for the replies.

I picked up a new Giro Skyla today :) I got the breast cancer awareness pink and silver/grey. I love how there is actually room for my ponytail. My old Trek helmet didn't have room for one and I always had the pull my ponytail down low, which defeated the purpose of getting the hair off my neck in the first place.

I'll be getting a new one this weekend...Skyla's look to be WSD but I was thinking about the Livestrong Indicator. I might see what else they have, and if I want to go up in price.