WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR HELMET

Unfortunately, a bike helmet cannot be used indefinitely. Manufacturers usually specify a certain time frame that you should not exceed when it comes to the service life of your helmet. How often and under what conditions you use your bicycle helmet also plays a decisive role. 

As a rule of thumb, a bike helmet should be replaced approximately every three to five years, no matter how much you have worn it. This is due to the natural wear and tear of the material, which is of course less of an issue with higher quality helmets, even if they are subjected to greater stress.

While helmet pads are less affected by time, the inner and outer shells of your helmet can certainly be. Water (e. g. rain) and UV radiation can cause them to lose their protective function over time, and their shock-absorbing effect also diminishes. 

It of course depends on various factors when exactly you should replace your bike helmet. The more often you use it, the sooner you should replace it. Also, if you tend to ride off-road rather than in urban areas, your helmet is exposed to more wear and tear and should be replaced with a new model more frequently.

There is a European directive for bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets and roller skate helmets (EN 1078) which sets general standards, primarily for their design. This means that this directive defines guidelines for impact protection but also the necessary field of vision of a helmet and its fastening. 

This is one of the reasons why the price of a helmet does not necessarily indicate that it is of high quality, particularly safe or durable. As a rule, the surcharge can be attributed to the brand or a special feature of the bicycle helmet, e. g. special aerodynamics for specific purposes. 

The choice of the right helmet for you therefore depends on your plans on the one hand and your desire for additional features on the helmet on the other. The XLC BH-C33 helmet, for example, has all the features that make a good bike helmet and that you should definitely consider when choosing a helmet:

It is common knowledge that a helmet can prevent serious internal and external injuries to the head. Due to the extreme strain in such a case, your helmet should be replaced after an accident. 

Even if it looks like your helmet has not been damaged at first glance, the inner shell loses its protective function after an impact. Damage is not always visible to the naked eye. 

The right storage can be the first step to do something good for your helmet. Keep it in a dry and cool place as high temperatures, UV rays and moisture can damage the material over time. How about a dedicated spot in your garage?  

Although a bag or case for your bike helmet is practical, it is not a suitable place to store it for long periods of time. During use, the inner padding absorbs sweat which evaporates. This moisture can damage the material of your helmet. After cycling, you should therefore air out your helmet and allow it to dry before storing it to prolong its durability. 

In addition to sweat, other dirt can also affect the service life of your helmet.  For this reason, regular cleaning is essential. A damp cloth is usually sufficient, as cleaning agents can attack the material of your bicycle helmet. 

You should never immerse your bike helmet in water. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a mild detergent, but the same applies here: Less is more. 

To find the right helmet for your needs, there are a few things to take into consideration. After all, there is a huge range of models, sizes and special materials that make your bike helmet the perfect companion. 

The first thing you should look out for is the right helmet size and fit. Your helmet fits correctly if you place it straight on your head from above and it is not too tight, but also does not wobble. The Y straps should be adjusted so that your ears are free.

There should be a system at the back of the helmet that allows you to adjust the helmet to your head size. It should be easy to operate with one hand.

Another important thing is the air supply of your helmet. Make sure you have air vents or a similar system so that you keep a cool head during every ride, and do not overheat. 

If you wear glasses, it is important to bring them with you and put them on when choosing a new bicycle helmet. Otherwise, the temples can become uncomfortable and impair your riding experience. 

There are special glasses designed for cycling. TThese can be worn without prescription lenses if you are comfortable wearing contact lenses. 

Another option is a bike helmet with a visor. It serves to protect you from insects and small objects which could that fly towards you while riding. It also keeps away unpleasant wind from your face. 

All in all, there are a few things to take into consideration when it comes to the durability of your bicycle helmet. Events like accidents or extreme environmental influences on your helmet should definitely lead you to buy a new one. If you take good care of it, however, you should be able to extend its service life. And if you happen to replace your bike helmet, we have given you a few tips and tricks for finding the right fit.