Helmet Inspection

[Nanci]

On my ride Sunday, we were at a stop at the convenience store, and we all had our helmets off, and the VP of the cycling club points out to the President that his helmet has a crack, and he needs to replace it. "Oh," he says, "And I just gave the speech on safety at the annual meeting last night..." _then_ I notice the VP's helmet has a crack also! Ok, so these guys have not crashed- this is just deterioration over the years. I guess we all need to inspect our helmets regularly!

Nanci

[MomOnBike]

This brings up the question that's been bugging me for a while.

If you are a fumble fingers like me and drop things a lot, including your helmet, at what point do you replace it? Mine has hit the pavement a few times (solo, my head wasn't in it), and I've been wondering.

Also, I guess they age too, what are the signs/symptoms that they really need replaced?

How do I know?

[Lise]

A few years ago I dropped my helmet--same thing, just fumbled it--and about a week later noticed there was a puncture-like hole and crack in it. I didn't drop it onto a bed of nails, just the sidewalk, but that was enough! I'm not perfect with this, but I try to remember to look over my helmet every time I wear it.

[DeniseGoldberg]

As with everything else, there appears to be some controversy over replacement time for helmets.

The Snell Foundation recommends replacement every 5 years: http://www.smf.org/faqs.html.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute disagrees with that recommendation as noted in their FAQ at http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm saying that the visible condition of the helmet can be used as a gauge.

Wouldn't it be nice it there was one recommendation? I choose to follow the Snell Foundation recommendation and I do replace my (non-crashed) helmet every 5 years. Obviously a helmet that hit the ground in a crash needs an immediate replacement - but we all knew that already!

--- Denise

[Running Mommy]

Our channel 12 news out here has a thing called "buddy check 12". On the 12th of every month they remind you to do a breast self exam. Maybe we need a monthly bike check? Check over all the gear, bike etc.. My friend was riding last week and realized his stem was cracked- badly.. Had never noticed and had no idea how long it had been that way. Kinda scary for sure.
Maybe the end of every month? Call it "gear check 30" or something??
Hey, it couldn't hurt???
On the subject of helmets though.. I'm such a vain person that I seem to replace mine every few years anyway, cause I find a "cute" one that I just HAVE to have... As cute as helmets can be! lol

[bcipam]

Helmets are made for one good thump.... so if yours are been dropped hard it's probably best to get a new one. No sense taking a chance next time your head is in the helmet. I usually watch for sales and buy 2 or 3 at a time so I can retire the one that's been "thumped" and still have a helmet to wear.

Also, very good idea to replace helmets every few years or so. They aren't that expensive and boy when you need the protection, you'll want as much as possible. Take it from one whose thumped her head hard more than once!!!!

[SadieKate]

This would be a good thread to show all the people I've seen just drop their helmets after a ride. All Giro helmets have the season and year marked inside (just like your PI clothing) which will help you keep track of the helmet's age.