Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fifty Plus (50+)
Reload this Page >

13 year old Bike Helmets

Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

13 year old Bike Helmets

Old 07-27-20, 03:13 PM
  #1  
Senior Vagabond
Senior
Thread Starter
 
Senior Vagabond's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 36

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Comp

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
13 year old Bike Helmets

I am still using my 13 year Bell and 12 year-old Giro bike helmet. They still fit and look good. If you read info from the helmet manufacturers and safety standards group I need to replace them with a MIPS helmet. What do there's use and think about the longevity of your lids?
Senior Vagabond is offline  
Old 07-27-20, 04:29 PM
  #2  
davester
Senior Member
 
davester's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,531

Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"

Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 926 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times in 482 Posts
I think that helmet technology has improved dramatically in the last 12 years. If you are doing fast rides, fast descents, or riding in heavy traffic, I suggest that you buy one of the models that is rated most highly by the Virginia Tech testing lab. They are the only unbiased source of helmet safety data that I am aware of. Even just looking at the models they test, there is a huge difference in the injury prevention qualities of helmets.
davester is offline  
Likes For davester:
Old 07-27-20, 05:15 PM
  #3  
bobwysiwyg
Senior Member
 
bobwysiwyg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: 961' 42.28° N, 83.78° W (A2)
Posts: 2,344

Bikes: Mongoose Selous, Trek DS

Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 941 Post(s)
Liked 319 Times in 189 Posts
Originally Posted by davester
I think that helmet technology has improved dramatically in the last 12 years. If you are doing fast rides, fast descents, or riding in heavy traffic, I suggest that you buy one of the models that is rated most highly by the Virginia Tech testing lab. They are the only unbiased source of helmet safety data that I am aware of. Even just looking at the models they test, there is a huge difference in the injury prevention qualities of helmets.
This ^^^
Even if all you do is fall over occasionally. Vintage bikes are one thing.. helmets, not so much.
​​​​​
bobwysiwyg is offline  
Likes For bobwysiwyg:
Old 07-27-20, 05:24 PM
  #4  
Iride01 
I'm good to go!
 
Iride01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,811

Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020

Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times in 3,262 Posts
I crashed in a 10 year old Giro Interceptor helmet last year. Only cracked my skull in three places.

So it worked and saved me. Would I have fared better in a new one? Who knows? But since I now know that I'm not indestructible as I thought for over 60 years, I'm going to replace my helmets every few years.

Hopefully it'll be another 60 years till my next helmet test. <grin>
Iride01 is offline  
Likes For Iride01:
Old 07-27-20, 05:33 PM
  #5  
DiabloScott
It's MY mountain
 
DiabloScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 9,991

Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4311 Post(s)
Liked 2,954 Times in 1,601 Posts
This isn't about Bell Bikers or Skid Lids. Most helmet tech was already around 13 years ago... good adjusting buckles and straps, materials, shapes... not MIPS of course.

Here's me in 2007... I still have that helmet as a loaner, though I also have two newer ones. As long as the foam isn't crumbly it's probably fine.
DiabloScott is offline  
Old 07-27-20, 06:10 PM
  #6  
GlennR
On Your Left
 
GlennR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373

Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303

Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times in 1,187 Posts
My understanding is the foam ages and after 5 or so years its recommended to replace it. UV is increase the aging process.

4 years ago I bought a new Giro Synthe MIPS, it just cam out. 2 weeks later I crashed and cracked the helmet. I compare the impact to getting hit in the head with a basket ball rather than a baseball. I replaced it with the same, since it worked so well and maybe after next year i'll replace it.

As we all know, we don't heal as fast as we used to so for an average of $50/year not to have a helmet over 5 years old, it's cheap insurance for me.
GlennR is offline  
Likes For GlennR:
Old 07-27-20, 11:53 PM
  #7  
canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
 
canklecat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,522

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,798 Times in 1,798 Posts
The most recent testing shows helmets don't really deteriorate much, if at all. Polycarbonate shells and EPS foam are pretty durable and long lasting.

I replaced my 2014 Bell helmet a couple of years ago mostly because the newer Bell was better made overall, more comfortable, better vented and handled sweat better with a nifty drip channel/liner doodad. Last year I added a POC helmet which seems a little overpriced but is even better vented and cooler than the Bell.

The only longevity issue POC mentioned is that some paint will fade because they use the most environmentally friendly paint they can find, which they say may fade in sunlight over time.

I'm more concerned about the straps and plastic buckles. I've found most plastic snap buckles used on bags -- camera bags, luggage, hiking waist packs, etc. -- break after several years, usually at the plastic spring clip. Same problem with every plastic buckle from LowePro to no-name stuff. If that happens I suppose a favorite helmet could be salvaged by switching to old school metal D-rings or similar buckles. Or Velcro could be sewn into the straps after removing the plastic buckles. But I'd probably just buy a new helmet.
canklecat is offline  
Old 07-28-20, 04:31 AM
  #8  
jppe
Let's do a Century
 
jppe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316

Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra

Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times in 408 Posts
Originally Posted by Senior Vagabond
I am still using my 13 year Bell and 12 year-old Giro bike helmet. They still fit and look good. If you read info from the helmet manufacturers and safety standards group I need to replace them with a MIPS helmet. What do there's use and think about the longevity of your lids?
Manufacturers are doing their job of providing adequate warnings. I’ve crashed twice and cracked two helmets using the technology you are currently wearing. Both times the helmet did a marvelous job and I limped away with no head injuries. If your helmet is still structurally sound my opinion is you’re good with what you have. If you have a history of concussions I’d think about replacing it with new the technology. The additional cost of the new helmets is just not a show stopper.

Now if you’re constantly racing down Caesars Head, Paris Mountain, Callahan Mtn Road etc. you probably want to get all the additional protection you can get!!!
__________________
Ride your Ride!!

Last edited by jppe; 07-28-20 at 08:28 PM.
jppe is offline  
Old 07-28-20, 05:07 AM
  #9  
jwalther
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Lexington KY
Posts: 385

Bikes: Litespeed T3, Felt Breed 30, Co-Motion Supremo Tandem

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 62 Times in 29 Posts
Good discussion on the changes in helmet technology here: https://cyclingtips.com/2020/04/nerd...nd-chain-lube/
jwalther is offline  
Old 07-28-20, 02:07 PM
  #10  
pdlamb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,847

Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee

Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2577 Post(s)
Liked 1,900 Times in 1,192 Posts
OP, you need to ride more.

I wear out the pads, suspension, and/or attach points on my helmets in 6-8 years. Or they start stinking. But the polystyrene foam is shielded by the outer shell, so it'll last approximately forever or until the helmet is in a crash, whichever comes first.
pdlamb is offline  
Old 07-28-20, 09:57 PM
  #11  
OldBrokeReCycle
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Olympic Peninsula WA / Seal Beach CA
Posts: 15

Bikes: 1980 Trek 510 owned since '81 BLINGED; 20?? Speicialized Secteur; 201? Trek Excalibre Bafung coverted; 20?? Surly Cross-Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Helmets.org seems to have a lot and up to date info on bike helmets. It seems almost unintentionally ironic (and I stress that it is not their intent; they are very serious and thorough) because the "known and unknown unknowns" of helmet science are so vast. Apparently, there is a shortage of experimental volunteers.
But it does seem to be the case that most modern helmet foams have a very long life.
YMMV.
For example, I decided my wife deserved a new helmet for our new ebike when I saw that the mfg date on her old one was 2000. She is kinda special to me, even though she hasn't ridden much in the last 10 years or so.
OldBrokeReCycle is offline  
Old 07-31-20, 08:14 AM
  #12  
3Roch
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: far western MD
Posts: 99
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 39 Times in 24 Posts
Go to the Va Tech site, buy one of the top rated ones. You have gotten your money's worth out of what you have. There is little question current helmets with MIPS etc are safer and you don't need to be going 60 mph to destroy your brain.

Why the lecture ? I've gotten wacked in the head hard enough to be knocked out 3 times: once soccer (no helmet) once motocross ( helmet), once skiing (helmet) . The last left me with a concussion that lasted for months...it was really scary (ski helmets are mostly garbage) Helmets are not a fashion statement. It won't look cool at all when you can no longer think
3Roch is offline  
Old 08-01-20, 07:46 AM
  #13  
Classtime 
Senior Member
 
Classtime's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672

Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times in 1,086 Posts
I was in the middle of a crash replacement process 12 or so years ago and a large helmet manufacturing company rep informed me that their 10 year old helmets pass their tests. I haven't hit my head in a crash since and I'm wearing that replacement helmet.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Classtime is offline  
Old 08-01-20, 10:14 AM
  #14  
mpath
Recusant Iconoclast
 
mpath's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
Posts: 2,560

Bikes: Look 695, Wilier Izoard

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 247 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times in 29 Posts
Relative to other parts of the bike that need replacement, helmets are cheap. If the age of your current helmet is a concern - whether or not they appear worn or new - buy a new one.
mpath is offline  
Old 08-01-20, 11:56 AM
  #15  
Tomm Willians
Senior Member
 
Tomm Willians's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Nevada County, California
Posts: 781

Bikes: Subject to change at any given moment but currently is...... Colnago Mapei, Colnago C40, Wilier Triestina Carbon, Wilier Triestina Ramato, Follis 472, Peugeot PX60, Razesa, Orbea Terra, Soma Pescadero and 1/2 owner of a Santana tandem.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 322 Post(s)
Liked 775 Times in 261 Posts
With the money most of us seem very willing to spend on bikes, I can’t see an issue spending a sliver of that on replacing your helmet ? A set of GP5000’s cost more than many helmets and folks change tires pretty frequently from what I can see here.
Tomm Willians is offline  
Old 08-05-20, 02:40 PM
  #16  
bikebikebike
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 518

Bikes: Downtube IX NS&FS, Dahon Speed8Pro/Matrix/Curve, Brom S2L,Montague Para, ICE-XL w/Rollie/Schlumpf, Trident Spike, ebikes, BFSatRDay

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 172 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times in 80 Posts
Lemme see
over 50
prolly on aspirin or maybe blood thinner, statisticly as a group.
Helmet with impaired shock absorption from age
Gee, what could possibly go wrong?

it's not like TBI, CTE, or SDH ever happens to older riders.
or drivers never fail to see you.

Last edited by bikebikebike; 08-05-20 at 02:53 PM.
bikebikebike is offline  
Old 08-06-20, 10:02 AM
  #17  
OldsCOOL
Senior Member
 
OldsCOOL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317

Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times in 313 Posts
I still use a 10yr old Trek helmet.
OldsCOOL is offline  
Old 08-07-20, 04:46 PM
  #18  
spelger
Senior Member
 
spelger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: reno, nv
Posts: 2,275

Bikes: yes, i have one

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1124 Post(s)
Liked 1,171 Times in 682 Posts
Mine's 13 yrs old. I have no plans to replace.
spelger is offline  
Old 08-07-20, 08:29 PM
  #19  
Classtime 
Senior Member
 
Classtime's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672

Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times in 1,086 Posts
GP 5000s are top of the line clinchers. The equivalent in helmets is $300+. I think my Giro Attack remains fashionable--so there is that. When I first got it, I was the guy in the skater helmet.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Classtime is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.