Helmets

[KnottedYet]

I wear a helmet every time and for every ride.

I've had one accident (involving a car) without a helmet, and never want to do that again. Ever.

[Zen]

Don't get us started on helmets again

Try a search on this forum for helmets, see what you come up with.

Everyone wears a helmet, helmets have to pass safety standards, and you don't necessarily get a more protective helmet just because you paid more for it.

[rij73]

I took a little fall last weekend that could have been worse had it not been for my helmet. Wear one every time you go out... period.

All helmets on the market are certified. Spending more gets you lighter weight and more ventilation - not more safety.

[bmccasland]

Since we're on the subject of helmets.... Do they have a life span? A "use by" date? Not that I'm looking to spend more money at my LBS

I prefer to keep my brain safely tucked under my skull, and unscrambled.

[KnottedYet]

I've heard lots of "use by" dates, most often I hear 3 years.

[TrekJeni]

I've heard lots of "use by" dates, most often I hear 3 years.

KnottedYet is right. The League of American Bicylists recommends a new helmet every three years. Funny, I'm a LAB certified instructor and one of my fellow classmates called all the manufactures to get the "real scoop". Seems they all have different opinions. Some said the materials would break down if left in a hot car, others not. Some said the three years starts the day it's made, others said the day someone buys it. Regardless, the rule of thumb is 3 years.

More importantly, a crash over 18 miles an hour will likely cause head trama if not protected. Well, some people don't have to worry right, cause they're on the trail noodling along at 8-10 mph. WRONG. The speed at which your head hits the ground from STANDING still from a fall is approx 18 mph! So, you are at a stop, you clip out, you lean to the wrong side, you hit your head on the curb, you have successfully had an 18 mph crash. Get a new helmet!!!!!!!!!!

Besides they come in such great colors!

Oh, and I also wear my Troxel helmet while horseback riding EVERY time I ride. I've been to the hospital once for a fall, that was enough for me!

Jeni

[Zen]

If it has a Perot for President sticker on it you can buy a new one.

[indysteel]

Don't get us started on helmets again

Yes, let's not get into that debate again.

In addition to the three-year general rule for replacing helmets, I'd add that you should get a new one if your helmet sustains an impact during a crash. Even if it looks "fine" to your naked eye, I've been repeatedly told that it should be replaced.

[ehirsch83]

hey horserider!
I also ride horses,h/j, and I will admit that I pick my helmets for both sports on how they look.
For the horses I have a GPA because it looks the best in the show ring, it is an older one(probably 4 years now) and then for the bike I have a giro(which is like the bikers equivalent to the gpa). They all provide the same safety, but I prefer to spend a little more and look better.

[bmccasland]

Looks like I need to make my LBS happy and get a new helmet - the 3 year mark, NOT because of a crash.

um... last year I did do a face plant on the concrete steps at the office. Being a klutz, waiting to start a ride. But I did have on my helmet. Maybe my face plant would have been worse. Did sustain a broken nose.

[brok]

Helmet everytime, always, no exceptions!! Reason - I had a friend who crashed at a slow 10 mph on a casual ride through a park. She hit her head on the curb so hard she cracked her helmet in 3 places. Had she not had it on she is convinced she would be dead. Like others have said, no sense taking a chance.

[horserider]

i do not want to get into a debate on helmets, i searched the form but i did not find what i was looking for



horserider