HOW often should you replace a bicycle helmet???

Question

never had any fall impact, but just want to make sure its in good shape if i do. does the foam degrade over time? whats the good rule of thumb for how often you should replace one?

thank you!!!

Answer 1

if you've fallen on it or dropped it, replace it. otherwise, replace every 3 years.

Answer 2

You're right about the foam. It's supposed to degrade over time. They're supposed to last for 5 years from the date they were built (the built date is inside the helmet). Some people say that it's 3 years since you bought it, or whatever comes first.

Also, they're designed for only one impact, so if you really bang your head on something, probably you would need a new helmet.

Answer 3

I do not know how often an undamaged helmet must be changed. I am not an expert on this. But I have heard that if you take a fall and give a testimony on how the helmet saved you (your head) from getting badly hurt, the makers of the brand of your helmet will replace it for free. And also if you accidentally drop your helmet hard, it is not recommended to use it as the integrity of its structure might have been compromised.

Answer 4

Decent helmets can be bought cheaply, so trying to save money on them is foolish. Not buying a new $50 helmet and ending up with a damaged $500,000 brain is not a good bargain.

I buy a new helmet at least once per year. And if it takes a serious knock (eg. falling more than 1 or 2 metres onto a hard surface), I replace it as well.

Trying to save money by using an old helmet is like reusing condoms.

Answer 5

Replace your helmet every year, or every fall no matter how slight, or every time the styles change....whichever comes first.

Bargains are available, look for new helmets at bike-specific swap meets, and they go on sale when the new models come out...

Also keep your helmet out of direct sunlight when not in use, that degrades the plastic.

Answer 6

The usual rules are replace it if you fall on it very hard or every other year. That is at least our rule in the bmx world. I use motocross helmets instead of the ones designed for our sport because I feel the visability is better. They also tend to have thicker padding. I have fallen on mine plenty of times now and havent replaced it yet and it is still good. So it really depends on the wear and if you cracked it when you wrecked. Hope this helps

Answer 7

If it fits properly and hasn't been impacted ( like you said ) then it's fine.

But, if you're really concerned, you might want to get a newer one with a better rating than your old one. Bicycle helmets don't offer much protection as a rule, and a knock to the head even with one on can be devastating.

Unless it's one designed for stunting, it's probably a one crash disposable helmet. They can look good after a crash, but there are stress fractures inside and it's strength is compromised.

It's a shame that standards are so low on helmets.

Answer 8

If you at any time fall and your helmet hits, replace it even if it looks fine.

If ok, you may still want to replace every 5-6 years if you use it regularly. There were some studies that showed degradation over time of its protective abilities caused by various factors like UV rays, sweat, temperature, cleaning chemicals, etc.

If it doesn't get any use, replace every 10 years.

It's your noggin so protect it.

Answer 9

If you see small hairline cracks in the shell or the foam is hardening and not squishy anymore, replace it.

As long as it still fits properly and straps look good, keep it.

The key is it's never been crashed, never trust a helmet that's been in a crash.

Answer 10

If it still fits well (and if the foam had degraded it wouldn't), it should be okay. But I'm not an expert; make a call to a bike shop.

Answer 11

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