OT, but I figured as good a place as any to ask..

Tara · Sep 4, 2006

Bike helmet expiration?
You'd think, since car seats are good for 6 yrs or so (depending on the manufacturer and all that...had to include a disclaimer LOL Tiff is good at catching those

) because the materials degrade with time...the same would apply to bike helmets, correct?

Sounds logical enough, right?
Well, *is* there an expiration period for bike helmets? Anyone know? It's not mentioned on the helmet or package. I did a quick look online the other day but only found for motorcycle helmets, which was 5 yrs btw, but nothing specifically for bicycle helmets. Just in case there would be a difference.

I'm interested in the full face gear BMX racing helmets to be more specific, again, if that makes a difference.
My son has recently taken up BMX racing so we got him a helmet. I'd like to know how many years of use we can expect out of it (provided no major crashes/abuse). They're not exactly cheap, ya know

Victorious4 · Sep 4, 2006

Lol!

I've had the same thought & I'm not really sure because ours are just EPS foam, not the plastic of carseats.... Still, once the EPS looks dented & it's gone through a few kids I consider it expired anyway

shellebelle · Sep 4, 2006

I found that it depends on the manufacturer. Bell says something like 3 years and Giro says 5-6 years. Of course, if the helmet has been subjected to any impacts or has visible damage, replace it.

I recently got back into mountain biking and figured I should replace my 11 year old helmet

I still haven't brought myself to trash it.

Bummer that there aren't as many full helmets as there are "brain buckets". I got my helmet for $30 on sale! Other helmets are totally not cheap

skaterbabs · Sep 4, 2006

I remember when we bought our helmets YEARS ago they said to replace them after 3 years. We tossed the old ones but haven't gotten new ones - as a result the kids have outgrown brand new bikes because they didn't have helmets so couldn't ride.

Tara · Sep 4, 2006

3 years eh? Oh boy...hubby's gonna *love* hearing that one LOL

I'm off to see what I can find out about those pricier ones. Oh boy do I ever hope they'll get more than 3 yrs *eek* This one was $40, just a Bell, full face from WalMart. I'll look at the FLY fancy, schmancy ones, see if I can find anything out. I'm on a BMX surfing frenzy anywho hehe
I wanna race too *Pout sniff* (ok, well, I probably won't once I take a lap around the track at a good pace, but anyway LOL)

skaterbabs · Sep 4, 2006

Try http://www.prorider.com/outlet/index.php they have all sorts of bike helmets and booster seats.

Lys · Sep 4, 2006

skaterbabscpst said:
Try http://www.prorider.com/outlet/index.php they have all sorts of bike helmets and booster seats.

I found this FAQ in the link above about replacing bike helmets.
HTH
You must replace the helmet after any crash where your head hit. The foam part is made for one time use, and after crushing once it is no longer as protective as it was, even if it still looks intact. Plastic shells can hide the foam damage. A few helmets made of EPP foam do recover. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer for an inspection. If your helmet is more than 10 years old or has a cloth cover, we recommend that you replace it. Many manufacturers recommend replacement every five years, but some of that is just marketing. Deterioration depends on usage, care, and abuse. If you ride thousands of miles every year, five years may be right

Tara · Sep 4, 2006

ooo thanks
for the link and the already spotted info on it

flipper68 · Sep 5, 2006

ALSO, Now is the time to shop for bike stuff. Summer is over, so the stores are clearing out their inventory.

I was thinking 3 years too, so it's good to know I've got another couple, since I've finally found a lid that's comfortable. [I crashed on inline skates - literally hit the wall. . .and it took 3 tries to get my present one] I think 10 is WAY to long. The way I sweat, the thing would have grown legs to pedal the bike in 10 years. I've been able to wring out the strap after a couple of rides this summer.

OT, but I figured as good a place as any to ask..

Tara

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Victorious4

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shellebelle

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skaterbabs

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Tara

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skaterbabs

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Lys

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Tara

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flipper68

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