How long does a helmet last?

[kajero]

I crashed my bicycle two weeks ago. Wound up on the ground with 8 broken ribs, broken shoulder bone and collar bone. I was wearing a helmet and had a a small concussion. There was a small traumatic brain injury because I don't remember anything until I was in the hospital room. (And that was after the ambulance pickup) THANK GOD FOR HELMETS!!!!!!

Anyway, the helmet which was fours years old is being replaced. In fact, I hadn't picked up my new bike at the LBS yet and when I returned from therapy there was a new better quality helmet on my bed. I figure it was from the LBS as it it matches the new bike perfectly. I don't know if it was the LBS who actually bought the helmet, but you can be sure I will wear it! And I think I will replace it every other year.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, WEAR A HELMET. YOU CAN ALWAYS REGRET WEARING IT.

[Owlie]

Mine's 3 years old, given the manufacturer's date sticker on the inside. I'm hoping to replace it this summer, partly because it's getting there, partly because I've lost the replacement pads (and it's getting funky) and partly because I've determined it to be the cause of my headaches--apparently I don't have a "Bell head."

[pll]

I crashed my bicycle two weeks ago. Wound up on the ground with 8 broken ribs, broken shoulder bone and collar bone. I was wearing a helmet and had a a small concussion. There was a small traumatic brain injury because I don't remember anything until I was in the hospital room. (And that was after the ambulance pickup) THANK GOD FOR HELMETS!!!!!!

Anyway, the helmet which was fours years old is being replaced. In fact, I hadn't picked up my new bike at the LBS yet and when I returned from therapy there was a new better quality helmet on my bed. I figure it was from the LBS as it it matches the new bike perfectly. I don't know if it was the LBS who actually bought the helmet, but you can be sure I will wear it! And I think I will replace it every other year.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, WEAR A HELMET. YOU CAN ALWAYS REGRET WEARING IT.

Wow, kajero! I hope you recover fast. 8 broken ribs, shoulder and collarbone!! Ouch, ouch, ouch.

[Owlie]

I crashed my bicycle two weeks ago. Wound up on the ground with 8 broken ribs, broken shoulder bone and collar bone. I was wearing a helmet and had a a small concussion. There was a small traumatic brain injury because I don't remember anything until I was in the hospital room. (And that was after the ambulance pickup) THANK GOD FOR HELMETS!!!!!!

Anyway, the helmet which was fours years old is being replaced. In fact, I hadn't picked up my new bike at the LBS yet and when I returned from therapy there was a new better quality helmet on my bed. I figure it was from the LBS as it it matches the new bike perfectly. I don't know if it was the LBS who actually bought the helmet, but you can be sure I will wear it! And I think I will replace it every other year.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT, WEAR A HELMET. YOU CAN ALWAYS REGRET WEARING IT.

Wow. Ouchy. Heal up quick.