do you need a new bike helmet every 3 years?

flight sim

Answer
Hi

The short answer is no, PROVIDED THAT:

1. you buy a reasonable quality helmet in the first place (any helmet in the range from one of the major manufacturers such as Giro, Bell, Met, Limar, Lazer, Catlike etc);

AND

2. you are not involved in an accident with the helmet, or do not damage the helmet in some significant way (the latter would be difficult without some reasonable amount of force).

Cycle helmets are designed to essentially be single use (i.e. only be involved in one accident before they are replaced). On a really heavy impact, they will absorb as much of the force as possible primarily by breaking up. If the impact is less heavy, the helmet may be less damaged (and it may be that the damage is not discernable - but the helmet will be weakened nevertheless). However, in all cases, I believe that the helmet should be replaced.

I think it's ok if a helmet gets the odd scratch on it ('wear and tear') but any impact should trigger a trip down to the shops to replace it. You might argue that this is an over-cautious approach - particularly if the helmet is not significantly damaged (at least on visual inspection) - but why risk having SAFETY equipment that is not 100% functioning??

So my view is that a quality helmet that has not been involved in an accident should last you a long time (certainly more than 3 years).

Cyclists help me with Road bike helmet!!!?

Yahoo

I have found 2 helmets that I like and are in my price range and I need some help choosing one! I understand it's all about fit but assuming they both fit which one is better in quality/functionality/appearance. I'll be using this for city riding on my fixed gear bike and I think my head is more oblong then round if that helps at all. Also, I'm also open to other recommendations!

thanks in advance and leave me an answer if I need to ad more info and I'll add details.
Thanks!
sorry don't know why it came up twice...
here is the 2 links -

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=RUKON

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=LIF11
here is the 2 links -

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=RUKON

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=LIF11

Answer
Of the two you have selected, I would go with the Kontact helmet.

However, I personally prefer Giro. It's what I have been riding with for many, many years.

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