Replacing your helmet

[Shebeen]

I know the deal with helmets is supposed to be that:

a)you should replace them after a big crash (and claim from manufacturer for 30%)

b)over time (ie. every 3 years)

 

I also know that the sales dudes give you the "it's not worth skimping on a helmet" line, whilst holding a R2k featherweight punter. I tend to half agree, but think anything above R500 is not adding safety but comfort features.

 

Now I'm quite happy with my black bell ukon, which has done about 5 years of service and still fits fine. I've had a few tumbles, but nothing to the head.

 

questions I have:

*Is there any non marketing bs science to the point in (B), ie. the polystyrene degrades with uv/time?

*Can I claim a non crashed helmet for the warranty discount? - do they really want me to get out the baseball bat?

[AndreZA]

I replace my helmet when the crash replacement warrantee has expired. That is normally 3-5 years depending on make.

[RodTi]

I'm watching this thread with interest - am in the same boat, Shebeen!

[SeaBee]

Yeah...? And to throw a spanner in the spokes for all the "replace it after x years"/"poly fatigue" punters: what about the time it's just been lying on the shelf since manufacturing?

[RodTi]

Yeah...? And to throw a spanner in the spokes for all the "replace it after x years"/"poly fatigue" punters: what about the time it's just been lying on the shelf since manufacturing?

 

And so the plot thickens...

[duringd]

Just to get you guys to worry a bit more.... I had a rather nasty fall this last weekend and destroyed of my beautiful Uvex! Now, no more supplier in SA, overseas guys don't come back to me, so what am I to do? After a lot of research I have gone to CWC and Chris (Jnr) has sold me a new Rudy! Not to cheap, but a good price considering all the options. After what I have just gone through my advice would be, replace when you should and spend the extra coupe of rands, just in case.....

[covie]

if your a MTB boykie ride it till you brake it, if your a roadie your now 4.5 years out of style and should have upgraded 2 months after purchase to be in with the cool okes.

[linnega]

If it still passes as a helmet as far as race organisers go, no reason to replace it. So what if the polystyrene degrades a little over time - reduces effectiveness from miniscule to slightly less than miniscule.

[AndreZA]

Just to get you guys to worry a bit more.... I had a rather nasty fall this last weekend and destroyed of my beautiful Uvex! Now, no more supplier in SA, overseas guys don't come back to me, so what am I to do? After a lot of research I have gone to CWC and Chris (Jnr) has sold me a new Rudy! Not to cheap, but a good price considering all the options. After what I have just gone through my advice would be, replace when you should and spend the extra coupe of rands, just in case.....

 

Cycle Lab sells Uvex helmets. But I doubt they will do the leg work as you did not buy it from them.

[Minion]

*Can I claim a non crashed helmet for the warranty discount?

No. The Bell policy is for three years from date of purchase.

 

Yeah...? And to throw a spanner in the spokes for all the "replace it after x years"/"poly fatigue" punters: what about the time it's just been lying on the shelf since manufacturing?

The degradation is supposed to be due to the UV from sunlight breaking down the plastic and many small knocks and bumps from everyday use reducing its ability to absorb impacts.

 

On a shelf it shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight or much UV and the packaging should protect it from small knocks and drops and will also make it pretty obvious when larger bumps have occured.