Helmet matters...

[Catrin]

I would like to thank those who encouraged me to replace my helmet a couple of weeks ago after my "clipless gymnastics". You see, I had no idea that they were supposed to be replaced after an impact if you could not see any damage.

One of my LBS had a huge sale this weekend. complete with factory reps, and I was talking to the Bell representative, and the instructor who first taught me riding basics was there as well. Somehow the topic came up and I described what happened, and the fact that there was a localized headache afterwords for over an hour.

They both said the same thing at almost the same time - that the headache meant that I had given myself a small concussion - and what would have happened if I hadn't had the helmet on? They certainly gave me good food for thought, and I won't be going out without my helmet any more (have only done it once).

It wasn't quite true that there was no damage to the helmet, there was a small piece of material hanging from the edge of a vent - probably where my head struck. I had fallen on gravel - but really didn't think anything about it.

I also now have a second helmet (they were on a really good sale) that is now squirreled away in my closet just in case.

[Biciclista]

I'm surprised the rep didn't insist you throw away the helmet that you fell with. They are damaged when you fall on them. they are designed to be used for one fall only. Especially if you fell hard enough to get a concussion. Toss it; start wearing your new helmet.
Imagine if you fall again and this helmet fails... what good is that new helmet doing you?

[Catrin]

I'm surprised the rep didn't insist you throw away the helmet that you fell with. They are damaged when you fall on them. they are designed to be used for one fall only. Especially if you fell hard enough to get a concussion. Toss it; start wearing your new helmet.
Imagine if you fall again and this helmet fails... what good is that new helmet doing you?

I wasn't clear enough, sorry. When Oak Leaf (I think it was her) strongly suggested I replace my helmet when I mentioned the head-hit here - I did that and did dispose of that helmet at the same time. I did NOT wear it on the bike again - though thanks for for the question. My wording was not so clear.

So I now have a nice new helmet that I bought the day after the head-hit, and another one in my closet. The second one is in reserve should there be a repeat so I won't have to wait to ride until I can make it to the store again

I had not realized the import of that hour+ long localized headache - which was the reason for this post. I really just did not know so didn't think anything about it.

[moonfroggy]

i think she meant that she bought 2 new helmets, one to have in case her new one gets damaged. not that she is still wearing the helmet she had on in a crash.

[ny biker]

I alternate my two helmets rather than keeping one in the closet just in case. Two reasons -- I need lights for my post-work rides, so I keep a small headlight and tail light on the white helmet for those rides, and have the other one light-free for daytime rides on weekends. Also they tend to get really sweaty in the summer, so I prefer to switch between them to give each one a few extra days to air out. Plus I when I clean them I can do one at a time so I always have a dry one available.

(The helmet lights are in addition to larger lights on the bike, not my only illumination.)

[Crankin]

I also have 2 helmets. One is the one that "matches" my bike. I wear it during most of the season, but I know that if it gets sweaty or rained on, I have another one. I do rotate it every few days. But where it really comes in handy for me is at this time of year and in the fall. My other helmet is set up for wearing my thicker beanie or buff underneath. I hate having to readjust anything. I can handle doing the ratchet thing, but for some reason, the straps on all of my helmets tend to get looser as I wear them. So I keep one set up for the head cover and the other for just the tin skullcap or nothing, until May or so.

[OakLeaf]

You're welcome. Thanks for listening. I wonder sometimes if I come on too strong with my helmet rants. I'm not the only one on this board who wouldn't be here if not for a helmet.

[Bike Chick]

No, you're not, Oak!

[noombs]

As a related question, how old is to old for a helmet? I haven't been in any crashes or anything but my helmet is pretty old. I'm guessing I've had it for 6years but it could be older than that. Any thoughts on if it should be replaced?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Most manufacturers say helmets last 3 years or so. I would say 6 years is replacement time. Polystrene degrades on time, especially in sunlight as well as the straps (car seats belts also have the same problem). Also deisgns and technology changes so better ventilated helmets and styles are available (remember the heavy plastic "lids" when helmets first came out?).

BTW its the same for shoes and boots. Even if they are stored in their boxes in a cool, dry place, the glues and materials will degrade over time and won't be as durable, so do use your helmet in storage and don't leave it for years!

[OakLeaf]

I think it's plenty safe to store a helmet for a couple of years if it's never been tried on (exposed to oils and acids from skin and hair) and stored in its box indoors without excessive exposure to UV or ozone. Probably no more than that, if you want it to have its full life after first use, though.

I also haven't seen any explanation for why the manufacturers started saying to replace your helmet after three years, when it always used to be five. Snell hasn't updated their five-year recommendation.

I've heard some consumer speculation that lighter helmets with increased ventilation have more surface area to volume of EPS than they used to, therefore the decreased life, which makes sense... but I've never seen a manufacturer say that, or give any reason at all.

This is one I'm truly on the fence about. Even though I'm in one of the few places where I can recycle EPS.

[MartianDestiny]

As a related question, how old is to old for a helmet? I haven't been in any crashes or anything but my helmet is pretty old. I'm guessing I've had it for 6years but it could be older than that. Any thoughts on if it should be replaced?

I replace mine every 2-3 years. That's because I know how I am on my helmets. Inevitably they get dropped, fall off the handlebars, get beat around while commuting, etc. I figure after 2-3 years of that I don't want to take the risk that it's damaged where I'm going to need it on the next ride.

Standard wisdom/recommendation is 5yrs of use and they are done from a combination of the above and UV/sweat exposure.

I also check the manufactured on date on the sticker inside the helmet (NOT on the box because the "year model" is frequently younger (sometimes by 1-2 YEARS) than the helmet actually is). I don't buy helmets that are going to hit their "5 year lifetime" within the 2-3 years I'm going to be wearing them. But I'm exceptionally anal about such things (I've watched someone die from a head injury...).

[annielynn]

All this talk is making me seriously consider getting a second helmet. The heat is coming to FL and I sweat a lot as it is. Maybe I need that second helmet so that I can let one air out between rides. Thanks for all the insight ladies!!

[badger]

this is going off topic a bit, but would anyone here know if the same principle of replacing helmets regularly applies to snowsport helmets? Mine's getting to be around 5 years old, but has only probably been worn about 20 times. No impacts, but has been exposed to my sweat and oil.

[Catrin]

All this talk is making me seriously consider getting a second helmet. The heat is coming to FL and I sweat a lot as it is. Maybe I need that second helmet so that I can let one air out between rides. Thanks for all the insight ladies!!

hmmm, this seems a good idea. So I will switch between my black and blue helmets when I ride two days in a row...