3-year old helmet with a couple dents. No visible damage to the interior foam. No major crashes, mostly hitting tree branches, and a couple incidents of slipping on the bike and falling on the ground at low speed. The helmet feels a bit loose because the pads (removed in the image) are almost flat. Is it time for a new helmet or only replacing the pads is fine for now?
by pooyanni
18 Comments
Not an item to save money on. Get a new one.
Nahhhhh
I wouldnt
At three years of use with those dings it would be hanging on my trophy wall and I’d be shopping for a new helmet.
I wouldn’t, but I would understand if you did.
absolutely
Yes.
Time for a new helmet.
Get a new one with an adjustable harness, so when the pads settle in, you can still maintain your fit easily.
No. If it hasn’t been in a wreck, then the internals aren’t compromised. If you had said this was from a wreck yes, but the outer shell is allowed to have small dents from branches and rocks and what not. The helmet is as safe now as the day you bought it, but if you want a helmet, get a new one anyway. The tech gets better every few years anyways so you’re not hurting yourself by doing so. But no, you do not “need” a new helmet because this one is ruined or anything.
Definitely get a new helmet!
I just want to say I had this exact helmet and it 100% saved my life last year. I hit boulders head first when I was flying downhill. MIPS did its job and reduced the massive impact and rotational forces, etc… Right below the helmet edge my forehead split open and I needed 12 stitches. I’d either have a TBI or dead if it wasn’t for this helmet. I now wear a full face, knee pads, and Leatt body armor. Stay safe out there.
Grab a new one!
They’re on sale at specialized right now:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/tactic/p/1000208435
If you have to ask…
I imagine all the people who say “I wouldn’t” haven’t had a cycling related traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, subarachnoid brain haemorrhage and cerebral edema.
I have. I somehow survived without brain damage, life changing disability or…fatality, the odds where very high for all three.
Buy a new helmet. I was wearing a good quality helmet. Its crushed at the back, it took the hit and I’m presuming it saved my life. Brain trauma is not to be fucked with.
Nah. Put a sticker on it
it has a dent😬
You only get one brain🤪 if money isn’t an issue here go for it!
I’m a very low stakes rider, so I probably would continue using it until it takes a significant impact. However, the general recommendation would be replace it, especially if you do some risky maneuvers.