HELMETS! Who Has The Best Crash Replacement Program?!?

[Selkie]

Not to add fuel to the fire, but I would be more concerned with who has the best crash protection! (Mainly, the one that fits YOUR head best!)

I have to agree with you, Pedal. To be honest, if I ever needed to replace my helmet because of a crash, looking for a discount would be the last thing on my mind. I'm not criticizing/judging, but my logic is that accidents happen and why should company give me a discount when something beyond their control damaged their product? That said, it's great that companies do provide discounts for replacements. A good way to build customer loyalty, plus do QC with the aim of improving their product.

My helmet is getting long in the tooth, so it's probably time for a new one. Any recommendations for those offering the best crash protection?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Look for a safety standard sticker. In the USA ithere is a number of standards-

CPSC Standard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission
The CPSC standard uses a lab test drop of 2.0 meters on a flat anvil and 1.2 meters on a hemispheric and a curbstone anvil.

The Snell Standard is considered on of the toughest, and they independently buy and test helmets (rather than have manufacturers submit them for tests).

Plus a couple of other not so well known ones.

In Australia and New Zealand, the current legally-required standard is [B]AS/NZS 2063. The performance requirements of this standard are slightly less strict than the Snell B95 standard but incorporate a quality assurance requirement. As a result, the AS/NZS can be argued to be safer.

So basically if it has certification it has passed a test. Some tests are considered "better" than others so you might want to look out for those certifications on a helmet. If it doesn't have a certification- don't buy it.

[OakLeaf]

Bike helmets can't be sold in the USA unless they meet CPSC standards.

Unfortunately, CPSC doesn't involve any independent testing. Snell does, but since CPSC became the law, few manufacturers shell out for Snell testing.

Unlike the recent exposés of motorcycle helmets and the drastic revision of Snell motorcycle standards as a result, CPSC and Snell standards are quite similar.

BHSI has a handy comparo on their site.

[Bike Chick]

Trek replaced my helmet after I crashed.

[buffybike]

I just finished doing a lot of helmet research after I crashed. Here's what I found:

With regard to helmet safety, as other posters noted, all helmets sold in the US must meet a minimum standard established by CPSC. The Snell certification is a little more rigorous. The only "large" manufacturer I could find who sells Snell-certified helmets is Specialized. I purchased their Propero helmet and couldn't be happier. It comes down lower on both my forehead and the back of my head, has great ventilation and is so light I can barely feel it. I think I paid $100 +s/h and didn't bat an eye. You can't put a price on safety.

For a list of Snell-certified helmets you can go to this site: http://www.smf.org/certlist/std_B-90...90C_B-95C.html

[Tri Girl]

I crashed at a t-shirt ride a week after getting my new helmet. A road crevice reached up and threw me down- straight on my head. I didn't even think to ask about crash replacement (it was a Specialized- I could have used 20% off). I just threw it away and bought another.
Glad you're OK.

[bcipam]

Not certain I would return a helmet asking for a refund if I crashed (and I have crashed, it saved my life... end of story), but you might consider purchasing a helmet through Performance Bicycles. I believe they take back everything, no questions asked. They are sort the Costco of bike stores. I have friends that buy products through both with the understanding they will forever return it and get upgrades for the one purchase price. Not certain if that is ethical but their justification, the store allows it so it must be OK.

[badger]

it's not the prettiest thing, but I switched to the bucket-style helmet by POC recently (POC Receptor Flow). It's developed by engineers and Doctors and is supposed to be multi-impact, so I can keep wearing it after an impact (though I'd imagine if it was exceptionally serious I'll likely replace it).

[maryellen]

My first crash with helmet-impact was w a Bell helmet. I vaguely recall that if I mailed back the helmet and sent a report of the incident, Bell would replace the helmet. I was too impatient to wait for a new helmet so I didn't bother--I didn't see the point of two helmets

[Selkie]

That's some list of bicycles Selkie!

Luna Eclipse//Terry B'fly
Luna Orbit//Sella Italia Ldy Gel Flow
Bianchi Eros Donna//Terry Falcon
Seven Alaris//Jett 143
Terry Isis (Titanium)//Terry B'fly
Specialized Dolce Comp (beater bike)//Sella Italia Ldy
Specialized Dolce Elite (trainer bike)//Sella Italia Ldy
Kona Lisa FS//stock saddle

Wow!

I know--the stable is over-crowded. Several of them were good deals (close out sales), which I couldn't pass by. I need to downsize and maybe give away the beater bike, sell the MTB. I am an endurance rider and when the weather cooperates, I've been known to log more than 10K miles annually. Therefore, the bikes all see road time (except the trainer bike, of course, which gets plenty of pedaling when the weather is bad).

[makbike]

I had a bad crash last month and landed on my head. Without the helmet I most likely would not be here today so I thank my lucky stars. Sadly, I totaled my new Diva . The good news I had it insured for a 100% on my homeowners policy and will be placing an order for a replacement Diva tomorrow! I did not know about helmet replacement policies so looks like it is time to check into this. Glad I went back and searched TE for helmet info.

[colorisnt]

When I fell into a big ditch last weekend, I hit my head. I had to replace the helmet. I am flat broke right now, but seeing as I ride my bike for transport more than I drive my car, the $40.00 I spent to get a new helmet seems pretty fair. I fell and 2 hours later I was at the bike store after I got home replacing it. No excuses.

When I showed horses, I had a couple nasty falls. These helmets were about $200.00-$300.00 a piece pretty easily. When I killed one, I bought a new one immediately. So, $40.00 to replace my helmets (I don't spend a lot because I don't need a really spiff one. I know some people have preferences, which is fine, but I really don't).

I would rather spend more money on jerseys because of my stuff on my back and icky elastic fear lol.

[Aggie_Ama]

Marcie that stinks! You waited so long for that bike. I am glad you are still here though.

[makbike]

Thanks Aggie Ama! I ordered my new Diva today and am keeping my fingers crossed previous issues will not rear their ugly head.

[pll]

I know--the stable is over-crowded.

Each time I read someone's post talking about the stable... I can't avoid thinking "at least that stable does not need hay".

I crashed and broke a (Louis Garneau) helmet the first year I was cycling and got a replacement at my LBS. I was told they scrapped the crashed helmets -- no report about the fall required. I wish they did.

Find a helmet that fits and screw fashion

Words to live by, Marni! I'd wear that phrase on a jersey...