Helmet Life-span: 1 year?

[ByronH]

Morning all

 

So yesterday, just before my ride I discovered this:

 

 

Now, I ride 3-4 times a week, on trails and to work, so I was quite shocked that this all of a sudden happened, without a fall or an obviously hard drop onto the floor.

 

I popped into the LBS, and they indicated that this can be normal wear and tear, and one should ideally replace a helmet every year, even without impacts. That was an eye-opener to me, who assumed that one can ride a helmet for many years if you don't impact it. (This helmet is three and a bit years old)

 

Anyways, how often do you replace your helmet? And now, I'm looking for another one (obviously), so which brands would you stay away from...

[Christofison]

I have read that a helmet should be replaced every three years, and this is mainly due to damage caused by the sun. So if you ride mostly early mornings/before sunrise then maybe longer. I'll try find the article.

 

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[Eugene]

I queried a similar thing with a bike shop

They told me that it is specifically mentioned in the Bell manual that the helmet must be replaced every three years.

 

What I am saying is that if the manual says 3 years,they cannot tell you that it is wear and tear after only one year.

 

Push them for a replacement and if they refuse use their crash replacement policy to get a new one at a cheaper rate.

[BaGearA]

I have ridden my prevail for 2.5 years now and I just love it no signs of wear or tear but as mentioned above I will also be replacing at the start of next year. Spez make good quality kit and altough I don't ride one I'll ride their kit for many more days

 

 

You could contact Bell , not sure If you qualify for a crash replacement but talk to them and ask for advice maybe just ,maybe you get A nice new one

[dirtypot]

If it was under three years old you could have tried claiming on Bells replacement warranty - You'd get 70% off the value of a new one.

Maybe get your LBS to try anyway?  As long as you have your proof of purchase...

[ByronH]

Haha thanks guys. Ya it seems it had a good run! It's definitely more than three years old... And I bought it through Chain Reaction Cycles. So I'll check in with them...

 

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[dee_biker]

My Catlike helmet going into his 3rd year, and still looks spotless... Also uses about 4 times a week.

 

I would say I will replace after 3 years if I see wear, but if not then 5 years.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

same thing happened to my bell, daily commuting but took 8 years:)

[No Hare]

Paying devils advocate here.

 

External pressure applied to helmet, flat and discolored foam 

Elongated pressure applied 

Numerous pin-like pressure point visible 

Scuff marks visible

Look at the Bell logo- that's hard plastic 

 

No boet, this helmet has been in the wars 

 

 

[dev null]

Looks like the dog got a hold of your helmet there.

[nox1111]

I'm more the kind of guy that buys a helmet when it needs replacement, and look after mine really well as to not have to do it often.

Remember though - even just putting it in your car, and loading your bike, possibly putting its full weight on your lid as you move it in can and will damage the helmet. dropping from your handlebars when you push, or leave it loose in your boot with other things that can smash into it when you're driving - all things that when done will shorten it's life.

 

every year - hells no

every 3 years - still a bit rich for my liking

4 - 5 years is my ideal and you can actuall invest in something a bit nicer and better quality

[PhilipV]

I'm more the kind of guy that buys a helmet when it needs replacement, and look after mine really well as 

 

every year - hells no

every 3 years - still a bit rich for my liking

4 - 5 years is my ideal and you can actuall invest in something a bit nicer and better quality

I'm with Nox.

And I think the LBS are pulling a mickey.

My helmet goes into a helmet bag and nothing put on top of it. 

After about 4 years I'll replace it with a new one and retire the old one to use as a backup, and maybe for night rides if I don't feel like mounting a light onto my main helmet. 

 

After a crash I inspect it thoroughly. The OP's Bell looks rof, defs time for a replacement there.

[ByronH]

Paying devils advocate here.

 

External pressure applied to helmet, flat and discolored foam

Elongated pressure applied

Numerous pin-like pressure point visible

Scuff marks visible

Look at the Bell logo- that's hard plastic

 

No boet, this helmet has been in the wars

 

post-41779-0-94405100-1471846640.jpg

No doubt it was used well! Bearing in mind a typical three year life span, this one did well at just over 3.5 years.

 

Got myself a new Bell helmet today

 

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[ByronH]

Looks like the dog got a hold of your helmet there.

Haha

 

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[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Paying devils advocate here.

 

External pressure applied to helmet, flat and discolored foam 

Elongated pressure applied 

Numerous pin-like pressure point visible 

Scuff marks visible

Look at the Bell logo- that's hard plastic 

 

No boet, this helmet has been in the wars 

 

post-41779-0-94405100-1471846640.jpg

CSI for you

[Breezer]

What bell is that? I had a cheap solar and it did the same at the same place after 2 years. Bought a alchera and after 4 years I had replaced the pads 4 times, but the helmet is still in good shape.