cycle helmet keep or replace?

[tom73]

Out on the bike this morning at a set of light's car in front set off a bit too slow (can't rule out on purpose) and I lost balance and came off. One driver did stop to see if i was ok so thank you for that. I'm ok not too bad a few minor grazers. My head did hit the pavement but not with any great force. The question is my helmet has a few marks on it but nothing too bad should I replace it or be ok to carry on ?

As for the big question yes my bike btw is ok other than a some minor damage to the left lever.

 

[Venod]

I would keep it if the marks are minor, I have several makes on both my helmets but they are both sound.

I should add I sometimes ride without an helmet so my attitude to helmets may not be yours.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Replace.

The function of the encased polystyrene is to compress, reducing the speed of deceleration of the head. It's impossible for you to determine to what extent the material has compressed so you cannot rely on it. Do not mistake a lack of damage externally to be any indication of internal damage.

https://helmets.org/replace.htm

 

[tom73]

Replace.

The function of the encased polystyrene is to compress, reducing the speed of deceleration of the head. It's impossible for you to determine to what extent the material has compressed so you cannot rely on it. Do not mistake a lack of damage externally to be any indication of internal damage.

https://helmets.org/replace.htm

That's what I was thinking just looking for extra help and advice as unsure

 

[Drago]

Replace. If you believe in helmets as a safety aid, then believe in full - don't just cherry pick the bits you like because it saves you a few quid at replacement time.

If you believe they work, then get the best, most undamaged one you can find.

 

[midlife]

Don't the manufacturer's recommend changing it every three years as well?

 

[Drago]

Between 3 and 7 in most cases. Specialized 5, for example.

 

[tom73]

Replace. If you believe in helmets as a safety aid, then believe in full - don't just cherry pick the bits you like because it saves you a few quid at replacement time.

If you believe they work, then get the best, most undamaged one you can find.

hehe I've form enough PPE over the years to know none is a replacement for going things safely in the1st place. But think i'm better off with buying a helmet than having to get a new head.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

Between 3 and 7 in most cases. Specialized 5, for example.

Oh no. I have only worn it about 5 times since I got it five years ago!

 

[midlife]

Just checked on my 7 (ish) year old Bell helmet.......should have changed it at 3 years old!

 

[tom73]

Looking like a trip to the LBS later. Last time we went just for a look Mrs 73 came away with order for a bike. I am currently looking for n+1 mmmm want can go wrong

 

[raleighnut]

 

[vickster]

Looking like a trip to the LBS later. Last time we went just for a look Mrs 73 came away with order for a bike. I am currently looking for n+1 mmmm want can go wrong

Planet X seem to offer good value lids. Obviously you need to try them on

 

[OneArmedBandit]

If you needed to replace a helmet after a slight knock why don't they come in padded boxes? They must get knocked around a great deal in transit.

Even if there was a small amount of deformation then as far as I know there are no published standards on the density of EPS in cycle helmets, beyond them needing to meet minimum safety specifications. So conceivably you could go out and buy a helmet with less dense EPS which ends up providing less protection than your "damaged" previous helmet.

Not saying that I'm right, I just don't really see how something designed to crush if you have a proper bonk to the head can be damaged by a glancing impact. Of course the only way to be certain is to buy a new helmet, but I don't have much belief that helmets really are "disposable" one use affairs.

 

[classic33]

If you needed to replace a helmet after a slight knock why don't they come in padded boxes? They must get knocked around a great deal in transit.

Even if there was a small amount of deformation then as far as I know there are no published standards on the density of EPS in cycle helmets, beyond them needing to meet minimum safety specifications. So conceivably you could go out and buy a helmet with less dense EPS which ends up providing less protection than your "damaged" previous helmet.

Not saying that I'm right, I just don't really see how something designed to crush if you have a proper bonk to the head can be damaged by a glancing impact. Of course the only way to be certain is to buy a new helmet, but I don't have much belief that helmets really are "disposable" one use affairs.

Simple rule on sites where hard hats are worn was one sharp impact, three blunt impacts, replace.

Climbing helmets were replaced after any hard impact, similar with canoeing helmets.

Never saw any delivered in extra padding in the boxes. But any with marks were rejected/returned.