Helmet life

[keith davies]

How many years before a helmet should be replaced? No accidents but after 6 years or so the colour on mine is very faded from the weather. Should it still be safe?

 

[cawright1375]

You are probably going to get a lot of folks saying if it ain't broke don't replace it.

In my experience I've gone with what the helmet manufacturer's suggest, which I believe is every 3 years. In fact I just got a new Ionos to replace the one I got 3 years ago, after cracking my old Atmos in 3 places during a crash. The foam lining will break down over time and a LBS once told me that the more advanced helmets, which do cost more, will generally last a bit longer than lesser priced ones. That being said, my new Ionos was purchased because of the 3 years of riding I had in it, but also becaue I was tired of the plain white color of the previous one.

I'd recommend checking yours for cracks in the foam lining and ask around at some LBS.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

That's right, general rule of thumb for helmet replacement is 3 years or a crash, whichever comes first. In your case sweat and UV damage can degrade a helmet to where it can be unsafe when you need it to work in an accident.

 

[Hmmmmm]

Helmet life? Check out this site and similar for some suggestions. Also addresses issues such as sweat and sun.

http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm

Cheers!

 

[keith davies]

Helmet life - thanks

Thanks for the advice. In line with the independent website - http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm - I was a little sceptical of the blanket 3-year manufacturers rule, thinking it was obviously in their interests to encourage regular replacement. However, based on the latest advice, my faded 6 year old model is definitely ready for the bin so I can now spend even more on cycling accessories, guilt-free!