New helmet or not?

[DeniseGoldberg]

So when DO you replace a helmet that's never crashed?

And how about just dropping it on the pavement, without a head in it? Does that compromise its integrity and life-saving potential?

Here's a link to the "when to replace a helmet" page on the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute's web site: http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm.

The helmet manufacturers seem to recommend more frequent replacement for non-crashed, non-damaged helmets than the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute - but then again the manufacturers are in the business of selling helmets. Giro & Bell (yes, I know they are the same company) recommend 3 years.

--- Denise