Do helmets degrade over time?

[ebrandel]

So, I've had the same helmet for about 13 years now. No major crashes, but it's gotten knocked around from time to time (all the while protecting my melon). It's pretty f'en rad (a 1993 Bell featuring the Reebok Pump :eyeroll:) so I _obviously_ don't want to have to replace it.

Actually, I'd love to replace it, but I don't feel like spending money on a new one right now. Anyways. Is there any problems with degradation of helmets over time? Sweat reacting with the foam or something? It's spent most of its life in a garage, out of the sun, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[Paul Swenson]

I think the claim is that the UV rays break the helmet down over time. I would be more concerned about the helmet getting banged around though. They're designed to take one good impact. I would just replace the thing because if it failed it would be when you needed it most. Like when your head hits a tree. I noticed Nashbar is having a helmet blow out. I didn't check it out but you might find a good deal there:

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?storetype=estore&estoreid=664&browse=all

Go ahead Soupboy call me a spammer.

[BKocka]

coming from working at a bike shop, they say that a helmet is good for 3 to 4 years without any crashes. once you hit your noggin hard with it on, you are to replace it. the foam does break down over time, and I think 13 years is long enough for you to now get a new one.

don't worry too much about the money factor. A cheaper helmet is almost just as good as an expensive- the only real difference is a bit higher tech foam and more vents for air curculation. if you set aside 30 to 50 bucks you should be fine, and the helmet wont look too shabby, either.