Helmets

[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