Helmet - how often to change?

The above is a summary of http://www.helmets.org/replace.htm which has lots of info.

Loads of impartial advice on that site for those who can be bothered to read and learn instead of making lazy assumptions.

anyone else have problems with the chin strap on their helmet? I have a Lazer Helium and my chin strap *always* comes loose. Forever have to tighten it. Thinking of buying a new one having only bought this recently.

'A helmet that's 10 years old is pointless'..

Er.. Nope, don't get that one.

It will offer more protection than no helmet, and there is no evidence that it will offer less, or limited protection than a brand new one.

It's all scare mongering and speculation until there's some actual proof, to be quite honest.

I think Met recommend 5 years, assuming no big hits. I'm a bit torn on this one- on the one hand the manufacturers would obviously prefer us to buy new helmets fairly frequently rather than keep them for 15 years, but on the other hand it's a fact that plastics degrade over time in the sun and I can easily believe that could have an effect on how a helmet might perform come crunch time. Even in this country my favourite red jersey is several shades lighter on the back than it is on the front after a few years so it's not hard for me to believe my helmet's suffered a bit too.

If a helmet is noticeably more comfortable than your current one then I'd just do it. Might as well enjoy wearing it, and the Boardman helmets aren't particularly expensive.

Hmmm...just been trying to change mine. Have been trying very hard to buy a Giro Atmos in matte black and white, but keep getting sent ones that really shouldn't have made it out of the factory.
Would seem that, in an effort to improve margins, Giro has sacked the Quality Control department...still, there are other manufacturers that still seem to be able to turn out a decently finished product

Not sure where the polystyrene degrading came from I was on about the plastic outer shell which will degrade.

Bashthebox well said.

As I said it's your head you decide.

You don't really know if it's doing the job until you bang your head though, do you? At which point, if it's damaged, you'll suddenly find out in a rather catastrophic way.

I reckon after a big crash but age should be ok. I'm still wearing a '98 MET RoadRunner and it does the job although i have had a comment on it looking "old".

I have a Giro.. So when it comes time to replace I'll smash it up a bit and get a free one? Excellent!

If there was convincing proof of polystyrene in helmets becoming brittle or weaker over time due to the sun, then of course I'd replace regularly..

then again it's a poor material our design if it is not tolerant of the sun!

Not too much of an issue in this country tho!

Brainwave: special suncream for helmets! ©700C

you should change your helmet after an accident or every 2-3 years, it annoys me when i see people with helmets that are 5+ years old.

also worth mentioning bell and giro do a replacement scheme if you have had an accident (you need your receipt of purchase)

The plastic coating ensures the poly lining stays together and cushions your impact, no? If it becomes UV damaged, that plastic covering will be very brittle, meaning your helmet could split open on impact, I imagine. Your noggin is probably worth a hundred quid every few years, just to be on the safe side.

I've never heard this. News to me that you should change it every couple of years. Sounds like a manufacturer ploy to sell more..

I understand if you've had an impact but UV degradation of the plastic? Really?

The top is covered by a thick plastic coating so I don't think there's much sun contact with the polystyrene directly , is there?

UV degradation of plastics is real and it does not need to be sunny for it to happen, you can still tan on a cloudy day. All hard hats on building sites have a date of manufacture on them and, depending on who you work for, the general rule is five years from manufacture, three years of use or one impact/drop; that said one of my friends has to change his every year/impact as company policy. Personally I change mine by those rules but it is your head so you can decide.

I have 5, yes 5 Met Stradivarius in different colours to go with my different kits that I have picked up off ebay, and to provide a bit of rotation. I have never bashed one, touch wood. I don't get that they might be effected by UV as they live indoors for 99.99% of the time and it is never that sunny around here.

Despite the design being about 10 years old it is still better looking than most helmets today. The right helmet in the right size can be very cool. Make sure it fits and the front is right above your eyebrows so you can put your head down and look mean. If you wear a bucket on the back of your head; you might as well not bother.

I'm with bashthebox. I'd replace it after a notable impact OR if it was so old and looking very dated....like my 1992 Spesh lid which I finally replace in 2007!

Any time it gets a significant knock, change it. Other than that, every few years maybe? Varies depending on how much riding you do I suppose, but I think UV can weaken plastics.
If it's a bit sweaty and horrible, you can usually buy new pads for it.