Hey cycling friends! Witnessing a bike crash on the trails the other day got me thinking: how long does a helmet REALLY last? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good excuse to visit my friendly local bike shop (this is not a secret), but when is too old for something that is designed to safe your life?
As a systems auditor, I’m all about security assessments. So, let’s give our trusty helmets a good once-over! Think of it like a safety audit – is this trusty companion still keeping us as safe as possible?
Time for an upgrade? Check these signs:
1
Damage: Look for cracks, especially in the foam liner. Dings and scratches on the outer shell are cosmetic, but major cracks are a red flag. Did your helmet take a tumble, even if you didn’t? Be honest!
2
Material Breakdown: Helmets are made of foam that can degrade over time, even without a crash. Give it a good inspection – is anything brittle or cracked?
3
Comfort & Fit: Helmets should fit snugly but comfortably. Feeling loose or wobbly? Time for a new one!
The Verdict:
If your helmet is five years old (like mine!), hasn’t been in a major crash, and still looks good, it might be okay for a little while longer. But, this is a great reminder to schedule a regular “helmet check-up” and consider replacing it every 4-5 years.
After all, shouldn’t we make sure it is in top condition?
New Tech on the Horizon?
There have been some cool advancements in helmet technology since I bought mine. The Biker Auditor is putting the research engine on overdrive (okay, maybe I just like overthinking my gear purchases a bit!). Stay tuned for a future post where we delve into the latest and greatest helmets!
The hunt for the perfect new helmet is on! To navigate the sea of options, I’ll be using the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab site (https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/). They provide us with independent helmet ratings, helping us choose the lid that offers the best protection.
What’s your helmet retirement strategy? Share your wisdom (and maybe your favorite new helmets) in the comments!
Posts in the oven: Buying Guide – Choosing the Right Helmet and Upgrade Your Ride – Must-Haves for Your New Cycling Helmet.