Do I need a new helmet?

**ASammy1** · 03-18-2009, 01:04 PM

I know that after a crash, you are supposed to get a new helmet, but what if it was an intentional "lay your bike down" so you don't hit someone and just scuffed up your helmet a little?

**Blueberry** · 03-18-2009, 01:08 PM

I think the wisdom if if the helmet has impacted something, get a new one.

Better to be safe than sorry, IMO.

CA

**Jiffer** · 03-18-2009, 01:50 PM

I'd email the maker of your helmet and ask them. Maybe there's a way to get it checked out.

**papaver** · 03-18-2009, 03:20 PM

Always, always replace your helmet. It's not worth the risk.

**aicabsolut** · 03-18-2009, 05:43 PM

If it made an impact (got scuffed), then yes. Replace.

**RolliePollie** · 03-18-2009, 05:47 PM

I would replace it. When I first went clipless, I tipped over and hit my head on the pavement (kinda hard but not that hard) and my helmet looked fine. But then it fell out of the back of my Jeep a couple weeks later and practically cracked in two so I'm assuming it was weakened from the first impact. Thank goodness my head was not in it at the time!

**ilima** · 03-18-2009, 06:13 PM

If you have to ask, replace it.

Natasha Richardson supposedly only had a minor fall when she was skiing (no helmet).

You want your helmet at 100%.

**Imperfectstorm** · 03-18-2009, 06:27 PM

Hi,

Cut & paste this url in your browser

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_helmet

**ASammy1** · 03-18-2009, 06:50 PM

Thanks everyone! You confirmed what I "already knew."

**lph** · 03-19-2009, 02:37 AM

Hi - I'd say - if you've hit the ground with your head hard enough that it would have hurt without a helmet, consider replacing it. If you've just scuffed it from skidding, don't bother.

**OakLeaf** · 03-19-2009, 03:45 AM

+1 on replacing the helmet.

I believe that helmet makers will X-ray the helmet for you (I know that motorcycle helmet makers will). But if you want to ride before the helmet comes back from them, you'll need to buy a new helmet anyway, so just buy one and be done with it.

But also, work on your traffic anticipation and braking skills. Crashing to avoid a crash is an oxymoron.

**Aggie_Ama** · 03-19-2009, 05:20 AM

Bell and Giro also have a crash replacement program. I think it is like a 30% discount on a new one or something? Since you likely have one of those brands or a brand with a similar program might be worth asking the LBS to save a buck. Might not apply since it isn't broken in two or visibly damaged but my brain is worth more than worrying.

**ASammy1** · 03-19-2009, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

+1 on replacing the helmet.

But also, work on your traffic anticipation and braking skills. Crashing to avoid a crash is an oxymoron.

I did it to avoid hitting the girl in front of me who suddenly stopped and didn't signal that she was stopping

She felt really bad.

**OakLeaf** · 03-19-2009, 08:05 AM

Ah, okay, sorry then. Almost all of us, me included, could stand to improve our skills, but sometimes situations happen that only a pro would likely be able to handle - and sometimes the pros crash, too.

I'm just so sick of hearing the phrase you used initially. Almost invariably, it's used by people whose idea of braking is to stomp on the rear brake ... whose idea of steering is to turn the handlebars without shifting their weight ... and whose idea of paying attention is to tell the person on the other end of the phone to "hold on a sec."

**ASammy1** · 03-19-2009, 08:24 AM

No worries!

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