Posts: 8,845
7/22/10 10:41 A

Thanks for the article. Good stuff, and it makes me feel better about my helmet.

Posts: 1,246
7/21/10 2:42 P

That was a great article and some good information to have.

Thanks for posting.

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7/21/10 12:16 P

Here's an article from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute that suggests you can go quite a bit longer than eight years on a helmet as long as you haven't been in a crash with it:

www.bhsi.org/replace.htm

I have to say I hate the idea of putting all the styrofoam into a landfill before its time, so I'm glad to see they think helmets don't need to be replaced as often.

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Posts: 80
7/21/10 8:44 A

I am doing ok. Thank you. Just still a little sore with scrapes and bruises. Healing seems slow but I know I have to give it time. Right now the hardest thing is not working out. Hopefully by the weekend I will be able to. Thank you!

Posts: 8,845
7/20/10 2:59 P

Sounds like $65 well spent! Hope you are doing ok as well.

Posts: 80
7/20/10 1:01 P

I crashed my bicycle over the weekend. My helmet shattered but saved me from any serious injuries. That was a Bell - I think about $65.00. Now I need a new one.

Posts: 5,005
6/15/10 11:06 A

We have a number that a lady gave us that helmets from $10 & up. She has reduced ones b/c the government requires them & gives her a discount.

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Posts: 1,153
6/13/10 12:19 P

I never thought about the experation on my bike helmet, even though I have one on my motorcycle helmet. Thanks for the info.
Sheryl

Posts: 313
6/11/10 9:57 P

Interesting comment about expirations on helmets. A good helmet is worth every penny. Both my husband and I have been in accidents where the outcome would not have been so good had we not had them.

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Posts: 8,845
6/11/10 1:51 P

CDNTRIGIRL, I never thought that was your intention! I just wish I could do it anyway.

And because of the nature of the ride, and the fact that it was some of the special olympians who weren't wearing their helmets correctly, there was very little I could do.

Posts: 1,246
6/11/10 10:49 A

Hi, CDNTRIGIRL. I wish it were that easy but it's been my experience that people can be very defensive, regardless of how genuine your efforts are.

I did weight training for about 16 years and I was constantly amazed at the horrific form people had. At first, as you suggest, I was more than willing to very kindly talk to them and try to explain why their form was bad and how they could improve it. A vast majority of the time, I met with vehement resistance - apparently teenagers aren't the only people who know everything. Finally, after a guy I tried to help, after watching him do inclines by lifting himself up, off the bench, and basically putting his body in the flat bench position (in mid-air), lifted some very heavy weight (about 365 I think it was) and just about jumped down my throat for first offering to spot him, then some advice, I figured maybe I shouldn't offer my help unless it was asked for.

Too bad people have to be so defensive over someone offering to sincerely and genuinely help. I'm always up for constructive input from anyone. I may not like what I hear but, chances are, it needs to be heard.

Posts: 136
6/11/10 10:39 A

I certainly can't force anyone to spend money on a helmet so please don't think that was my intention.

That said, if you see someone wearing their helmet improperly, take a moment and show them. I think most riders just don't know. They buy it, throw it on and go. Take just a few minutes to show them. Your random act of kindness will generate another one for another ride and might save an injury or a life.

Just a thought... where I work we are big on safety being part of our culture and this means helping others to be safe as well.

Posts: 8,845
6/11/10 9:56 A

I know it's time to replace my helmet, but I just can't bring myself to spend the $$. It's only been about 3-4 years, no crashes. I have a Giro Atmos, and liked the way Giro fit me better than the Bell.

I was at a group fundraising ride on Wednesday and was cringing at the way some of the people were wearing their helmets!

Posts: 1,246
6/9/10 7:40 P

What?! Not that I doubt you, but that's ridiculous to make a helmet from material that is basically ineffective and requires replacement after just 2 years! Who makes these things? Microsoft?!

As for the pricier helmets, I actually ride with a Giro Ionos and, while I paid nowhere close to the retail price of $230 (actually I paid about $150), the airflow of this helmet is so, SO much better than the Giro Atmos I had before. Yes, it was quite a bit more than the Bel's and the like but, each time I hit the road and it's 90*+ out, and the humidity is in the 90%+ range, that wind feels so amazing on my shaven coconut. Incidentally, Giro recommends replacing any of their helmets every 3 years so I'm sure the 2 year window is a conservative estimate.

The only qualm I have with people who actually do wear helmets is seeing so many people who IMPROPERLY wear helmets, so I'm glad to see that you included proper fit, and fitting technique, in your post. I pass person after person in the Battlefield whose helmet is tilted so far back, their entire frontal lobe is exposed. I guess they'd rather be able to see, in the event of an accident, than to remember things...assuming they survive.

Edited by: SCRUFYNERFHERDR at: 6/9/2010 (20:00)

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6/9/10 6:27 P

Yup, it is time to replace mine. Thankfully it has expired, no crashes yet.

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6/9/10 3:42 P

This is terrific advice and I agree with it all. I am a primary care provider and nag an awful lot of patients about this.

I wear a Rudy Project helmet..love it
pricey...but it matches my club's jersey!

Stephanie

Posts: 136
6/9/10 3:31 P

I just attended a very informative CAN Bike seminar and learned some very interesting things about bike helmets (and other stuff too!).

First, in Ontario they are mandatory for anyone under 16 but really, if you are riding on the road, WEAR ONE. Be a good example for your children and other cyclists.

Second, they expire after 2 years or 1 crash, whichever comes first.... hopefully it expires. Perhaps you are wondering why they expire...the material that they use to create most helmets hardens as it ages eventually rendering the helmet ineffective after a few years. I was wearing a 10 year old helmet (there is a manufacturer sticker inside the helmet with the date)and I didn't even know! This evening, I will be proudly sporting my new Red/White LG helmet to match my gear! Woo Hoo!

Third, there is not alot of difference between a $50 helmet and a $300 helmet. Most of the comfort comes from the air vents to keep your head cool.

Lastly, proper fit technique...helmet should be two fingers above your eyebrows, the straps should meet right under your earlobes and the one or two fingers below your chin when buckled. Use the back tensioner to tighten the helmet so that when grabbed and wiggled it shakes your whole head and not just the helmet.

And...I'm not sure where you all shop but I found some fantastic deals on bikenashbar and got my regular priced $110 helmet for $49. They have lots of styles, colours and price ranges to suit every budget.

So no excuses people, if you are going to ride get yourself a good brain bucket and WEAR IT.

Let me know what you wear...