Fechten

I'm starting up biking again after many years and found that, while my parent's have long since ditched the bike I used to have, they did hold on to my helmet. I know that helmets should be replaced if they've been involved in a crash, but do they have a lifespan just in terms of time? Mine is probably 11 years old and adult sized, so fit wouldn't be a problem although I figure I may need to replace some of the padding. I don't know if helmet technology has really changed that much (at least as far as a commuter would be concerned) to warrant getting a new helmet if my old one is still effective.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

ccd rider

Me waits for sarcasm from someone in this forum about how it shouldn't matter because helmets don't protect you anyway.

mikeybikes

Trying to stir the pot?

Fechten

Yeeeahh.... I'll go ahead and say I am fully aware that a helmet isn't going to keep a car from hitting me. But I have a few minor acquaintances that I need to play example for (we've got mandatory helmet wearing for minors here) and if I have to do that, I want to at least do it correctly.

choteau

Generally replace at 5-6 years or after cracking up. lol

nycbianchi

The helmet companies say replace every couple of years, but of course you have to discount because, you know, they're trying to sell more helmets. But I do think 11 years is pretty old. Decent helmets are not expensive. Treat yourself. (performance bike has some cheap ones these days with their house Scattante brand)

Fechten

Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks!

JMallez

i'd get a new one also, technology has changed since then and your head might have grown

i would also look up proper fit for a helmet and ask a bike store employee if it looks like it fits properly. i've been told a road bike helmet shouldn't sit on top of your head but should come down at least half way on your forehead, but at the same time it shouldn't be so big/wide that it rocks from side to side especially with the inside "harness" system tightened (the wheel on the back). i would check the millimeters listed inside the helmet instead of going off L,M,S even if it is "universal" the sizes & fit differ by brand

my helmet (i take off the visor tho)
https://www.amazon.com/Bell-Slant-Bik.../dp/B000BPATV4

electrik

In the real world they last longer than 6 years. The new ones are fairly uv and sweat resistance. Styles do change though and old helmets can get rank.

desconhecido 

If it's not damaged, doesn't smell, and still fits, the only reason you need to replace it is because you want a new one, as far as I am aware. I don't see any reason to replace a perfectly good helmet just because it's old -- it's not made of milk. But if you want a new one, then you should get one.

gpsblake

Check the straps to make sure they haven't dry-rotted out along with other parts of the helmet. Any doubt, just replace, if for anything your peace of mind.

ghettocruiser

I'm still wearing my '01 pneumo, and will be for the foreseeable future.

Replaced pads and straps a few times.

Fits so well I got another '08 model before they went out of production.

dynodonn 

I just replaced a helmet, the velcro padding inside helmet started to separate, plus the plastic inner head band kept coming unsnapped from it's mounting button. It was about 3 yrs old, (apples to oranges) the same time frame as we were allowed to run racing seat belts from their date of manufacture, and I'll probably replace a helmet in that same amount of time frame. I happen to still have a 35 year old motorcycle helmet in which it's inner cloth lining and foam had deteriorated 15 to 20 years earlier.