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?

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?

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]

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.

[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!

[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.

[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!)

[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?

[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.

[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.