Helmets

Todd M said:

I'm returning to cycling after a really long (15 year) layoff. I'm going through all my equipment and, in looking at my helmet, am wondering if it is still safe after all these years? Can helmets degrade over time? Can it lose its protetive abilties after sitting in a hot garage for years on end? It's an early model Giro that has never been crashed.

the materials used in helmet manufacture suffer from sunlight and heat so i wouldent trust it, especially since helmet prices have droped alot since you last rode. Its your brain were talking about here so you tell me is it worth the risk?

Insaneclimber said:

the materials used in helmet manufacture suffer from sunlight and heat so i wouldent trust it, especially since helmet prices have droped alot since you last rode. Its your brain were talking about here so you tell me is it worth the risk?

Exactly what I was thinking, but thought I double check. I'd hate to have crashed and have the doctor tell my wife that I wouldn't be a vegetable if hadn't been a cheap a$$ and not bought a new helmet.

Thanks!

IIRC, the expectied life of a helmet, not counting crash damage, is only three to five years. The plastic becomes brittle over time.

I agree with RickF, I've even heard that the newer helmets even have an expiration date on them. I would not take a chance on an old helmet. If I were you I would break the old one in a vise of something to be sure no one else tries to use it.

yeah agreed, I read somewhere that helmets should be thrown out after about 3 years. The helmet "components" become hard and stiff therefore ineffective in the case of a crash.

Can't remember where I read it, but I think it was an interview with one of the major helmet manufacturers - they said that this story of the materials suffering from sunlight and environmental damage is way overplayed, and that the major reason you'll want to replace your helmet sooner is due to advances in the design and construction.

In other words a modern helmet should be lighter/ better ventilated/ fit better/ stay attached to your head better/ be more comfortable/ provide better protection/ etc, than an older one.

Yeh and most 3 year old helmets could pretty much stand up and walk out by themsleves. And to think we put them on our heads.

Todd M said:

I'm returning to cycling after a really long (15 year) layoff. I'm going through all my equipment and, in looking at my helmet, am wondering if it is still safe after all these years? Can helmets degrade over time? Can it lose its protetive abilties after sitting in a hot garage for years on end? It's an early model Giro that has never been crashed.

For "most" riders, age of a helmut is not relevant, it' miles. A helmut that sees 1k miles per year and spends the rest of it's time in a bag, hasn't aged as much as a helmut that sees 10k miles per year. Probably the weakest link in a helmut, is the strap when it is always getting soaked with all of the ingredients of sweat and sun block.

lks said:

For "most" riders, age of a helmut is not relevant, it' miles. A helmut that sees 1k miles per year and spends the rest of it's time in a bag, hasn't aged as much as a helmut that sees 10k miles per year. Probably the weakest link in a helmut, is the strap when it is always getting soaked with all of the ingredients of sweat and sun block.

That is not totally accurate. Unless the helmet is sealed in an airtight container when it is not being used, age is every bit as important as mileage. Plasticizers are compounds in plastics that make them pliable and resilient. These plasticizers are somewhat volatile, and evaporate over time, albeit slowly. When enough of the plasticizers have leached out of the plastic, the plastic becomes extremely brittle. It is true that exposure to UV light and heat hastens this process; however, the process continues, even when the helmet is not being used.

Did you ever notice the film that builds up on the inside of your car's windshield? Much of this film is the plasticizer that has leached out of the dashboard and other plastic components in the car. Eventually, vinyl seats and dashboards "dry out" and crack. While it is true that the plastic will crack faster in a car that is parked in the sun all day compared to a car that is parked in the garage, eventually the plastic in both cars will crack. This is the same thing that happens to the helmet. If you leave the helmet in a parked car, it will not last as long as if you leave it in the house, but even in the house, it will fail. That is why in my earlier post, I said 3 to 5 years. If the helmet is in the sunlight or in a hot place most of the time, it might last 3 years. If it is seldom used and is stored in a cool place, it might last 5 years, but even if it is never used, it is not going to be good for much longer than 5 years.

Remember we're talking about a 15 year old helmet. I wouldn't trust it. Even the straps may not hold.

RussB

RickF said:

That is not totally accurate. Unless the helmet is sealed in an airtight container when it is not being used, age is every bit as important as mileage. Plasticizers are compounds in plastics that make them pliable and resilient. These plasticizers are somewhat volatile, and evaporate over time, albeit slowly. When enough of the plasticizers have leached out of the plastic, the plastic becomes extremely brittle. It is true that exposure to UV light and heat hastens this process; however, the process continues, even when the helmet is not being used.

Did you ever notice the film that builds up on the inside of your car's windshield? Much of this film is the plasticizer that has leached out of the dashboard and other plastic components in the car. Eventually, vinyl seats and dashboards "dry out" and crack. While it is true that the plastic will crack faster in a car that is parked in the sun all day compared to a car that is parked in the garage, eventually the plastic in both cars will crack. This is the same thing that happens to the helmet. If you leave the helmet in a parked car, it will not last as long as if you leave it in the house, but even in the house, it will fail. That is why in my earlier post, I said 3 to 5 years. If the helmet is in the sunlight or in a hot place most of the time, it might last 3 years. If it is seldom used and is stored in a cool place, it might last 5 years, but even if it is never used, it is not going to be good for much longer than 5 years.

Well, the best solution may be a spec. for each helmut that say's replace at ? years or? miles, whichever comes first. Giro's position is, when in doubt, send it back for inspection. I asked Giro why they were not more specific about life and they said that's the way their insurer's lawyers want it. In fact, it's their insurer's lawyers that will not let them sell replacement helmut straps, because of the liability of one being installed wrong. They must not be concerned about the strap buckle being installed wrong, because they will sell you a replacement. Ideally, would be a small spot of material applied to the helmut, that would change color based on the amount of helmut material degradation.

Todd, what helmet are you going to buy?

Most of us seem to aggree that 3 years is the maximum life for the helmet.

What about distance? after how many k should we replace the helmet?

mikesbytes said:

Todd, what helmet are you going to buy?

Most of us seem to aggree that 3 years is the maximum life for the helmet.

What about distance? after how many k should we replace the helmet?

I have no idea what kind I am going to get. My initial thought is a Giro, but I will probably go to a shop or two this weekend and try on a bunch.

Change your helmet, throw out the old one.

And do not be swayed by advertising on the first helmet you buy in a long time. Go to a shop, try a bunch on, and make sure you get one with a good fit. Even if it means paying a bit more than ordering on line.

Todd M said:

I have no idea what kind I am going to get. My initial thought is a Giro, but I will probably go to a shop or two this weekend and try on a bunch.

Trying on a bunch is the only way. Giro and Bell are made by the same company. The prices and quality are identical; however, the fit is entirely different. Some people love Giro, and others love Bell. Usually those who like one cannot stand the other. It all has to do with the shape of the individual head.

Todd M said:

I'm returning to cycling after a really long (15 year) layoff. I'm going through all my equipment and, in looking at my helmet, am wondering if it is still safe after all these years? Can helmets degrade over time? Can it lose its protetive abilties after sitting in a hot garage for years on end? It's an early model Giro that has never been crashed.

I like the Giro with the Roc Loc 4 adjustment feature. This allows you to adjust the fore to aft tension, with 2 fingers while you are riding. As the temperature changes, your head size can swell or shrink and this lets you fine tune the helmut pressure. I don't know if Bell has this.

I thought also -- helmets are only good for 1 crash.

if its hit the pavement, through it out even if it is brand new.

Todd M said:

I'm returning to cycling after a really long (15 year) layoff. I'm going through all my equipment and, in looking at my helmet, am wondering if it is still safe after all these years? Can helmets degrade over time? Can it lose its protetive abilties after sitting in a hot garage for years on end? It's an early model Giro that has never been crashed.

li rider said:

I thought also -- helmets are only good for 1 crash.

if its hit the pavement, through it out even if it is brand new.

Was looking around for info on how long a helmet should last and found this thread from last year....
I have a 2 year old helmet which I was wearing when I had a minor crash. I was going about 15kph near a feeding area when I guy literally jumped out in front of me. I tried to stop, the bike hit the kerb and with me locked into the pedal I fell awkwardly hitting my helmet-encased head off the footpath. It was a decent enough thump without being too scary. I'd say if I hadn't been wearing a helmet I'd have had a nasty bump on the side of my head and not much more. So, is there some way of telling if the helmet has been compromised by this, seemingly minor impact?

Tonto said:

Was looking around for info on how long a helmet should last and found this thread from last year....
I have a 2 year old helmet which I was wearing when I had a minor crash. I was going about 15kph near a feeding area when I guy literally jumped out in front of me. I tried to stop, the bike hit the kerb and with me locked into the pedal I fell awkwardly hitting my helmet-encased head off the footpath. It was a decent enough thump without being too scary. I'd say if I hadn't been wearing a helmet I'd have had a nasty bump on the side of my head and not much more. So, is there some way of telling if the helmet has been compromised by this, seemingly minor impact?

Yes,

Did the helmet hit the ground?

Yes, replace it.