Do I need a new helmet?

[lph]

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]

+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]

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]

+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]

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]

No worries!