Shelf life of Cycle Helmets?

[nigelb]

Hi

Just noticed a sticker which says :-

"EOL 2005"

I'm aware that foam ages, but it had never occurred to me that a helmet should be replaced periodically even if it hasn't been banged?

Nige

 

[rich p]

If it reputedly takes 12.4 trillion years for polystyrene to degrade then you're probably okay

 

[Norm]

5 years, tops.

 

[rich p]

Somewhere between the two?

 

[nigelb]

Somewhere between the two?

Lol, I take it that routine helmet replacement isn't something most people do then?

Just this one is a good fit, so don't want to change it "just for fun".

Nige

 

[BigSteev]

I remember from my motorbike test that the foam/polystyrene used in them hardens over time and that they reckon that after about 5 years it's energy absorbing capacity has reduced to the extent that the helmet should be replaced. I'd imagine the same would be true for bike helmets but as I don't wear one I've not looked into it.

 

[Norm]

I remember from my motorbike test that the foam/polystyrene used in them hardens over time and that they reckon that after about 5 years it's energy absorbing capacity has reduced to the extent that the helmet should be replaced. I'd imagine the same would be true for bike helmets but as I don't wear one I've not looked into it.

That was the basis for my post but I've also talked it through with one of my LBSs (who, it must be said, may have a vested interest) and they said 3 years.

 

[nigelb]

Well, seeing as I've probably had this one for ~10 years, guess I need to go shopping.

Thanks for the input.

Nige

 

[Scoosh]

Lol, I take it that routine helmet replacement isn't something most people do then?

Just this one is a good fit, so don't want to change it "just for fun".

Nige

Not a matter of "for fun" - it's probably last season's colour/style/team .....

 

[mr Mag00]

on a recent course, 3 years due to UV degradtaion was recommended

 

[ChrisKH]

Well that's my helmet out then. It's 21 years old.

 

[Norm]

I bought mine in 1994, and, even though I knew that they had a shelf life, I didn't buy it's replacement until June this year.

 

[rich p]

What's 12.4 trillion minus 5? That's how far out I was.

 

[redjedi]

Not a matter of "for fun" - it's probably last season's colour/style/team .....

Is the correct answer.

New outfit needs a matching helmet

 

[mr_cellophane]

My helmet is still in good working order.