are bike helmets like car seats?

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2006-08-29 3:55 PM

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Subject: are bike helmets like car seats?

Do I need to replace my bike helmet after a crash? I did hit my head but there are no scratches/dents on the helmet. 



2006-08-29 3:59 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
Absolutely. You should check with the manufacturer, though. Many have a crash-replacement program that will allow you to get a replacement for considerably less than going to your LBS and buying a new one.

Hope everything else is OK after your crash.
2006-08-29 4:00 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Master
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
Yes, replace your helmet. I don't know the details, but I've heard that any impact - especially when you hit your head - can damage a helmet and it won't work so well next time. And we don't want to see a thread about somebody with a cracked skull.
2006-08-29 4:01 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?

No, they go on opposite ends of the body.

Depends on how hard you hit it, certainly if you have any doubts you should replace it. I would think if you didn't hit hard enough to dent the foam it would be OK.

2006-08-29 4:10 PM
in reply to: #526078

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Giver
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
the bear - 2006-08-29 5:01 PM

No, they go on opposite ends of the body.

Depends on how hard you hit it, certainly if you have any doubts you should replace it. I would think if you didn't hit hard enough to dent the foam it would be OK.

I think anytime you hit your head you should replace it. The manufacturers will tell you that there may be microscopic damage that may compomise its integrity in a future crash. Of course, they may just be trying to sell more helmets, but I don't like taking chances with my noggin.

<insert appropriate jokes at my expense here> 

2006-08-29 4:14 PM
in reply to: #526093

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
But many manufacturers also offer "replacement" helmets at a discount cost.

The p.c. answer is yes, replace it after impact. The money-out-of-your-pocket answer is only if you can see a scratch/dent in it.

2006-08-29 4:31 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Champion
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
Replace it!

Helmets are good for one impact (even if it seems pretty slight). The foam is designed to compress at a controlled rate to S-L-O-W-L-Y stop your head during the impact. You might not notice compression where the straps exit the foam, but that extra little space can change the deceleration your brain experiences in the next crash.
2006-08-29 5:10 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Champion
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Subject: Yes.
Once the foam crushes, even a little bit, it's done it's job and needs to be retired. That foam works by slowing the deceleration of your head so that your brain doesn't bounce around in your skull. Once that happens, the foam takes on permanent set, and can't do it again.

How much is your brain worth? Get a new helmet.
2006-08-29 9:50 PM
in reply to: #526072

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Master
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?

Here's another vote for replacement.  If you have to guess whether your helmet is going to work next time, you might as well not wear it.   Get a new one and don't take chances with your brain.

 

 

2006-08-30 12:22 AM
in reply to: #526159

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Coach
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Subject: RE: Yes.
briderdt - 2006-08-29 4:10 PM

How much is your brain worth? Get a new helmet.


best advice ever!
2006-08-30 6:51 AM
in reply to: #526072

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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?

Ok thanks! I agree....head injuries are one of the scariest thing out there. I don't to risk it. I wasn't sure if damage could be done if I didn't see any evidence on the helmet. I didn't know about the foam. Thank you for your input everyone. 



2006-08-30 8:34 AM
in reply to: #526072

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Expert
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Subject: RE: are bike helmets like car seats?
Another vote to replace it
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