When you purchase a cycling helmet, you might want to know how long it will last. The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think, and it depends on a variety of factors. For starters, it is important to consider how often you use it, and whether you plan on wearing it during the winter months. Also, the material that it is made of is important, so make sure you buy one that is made from durable materials.
Bell Sports
Cycling helmets can last a long time if cared for. They don’t need to be replaced all the time, but if you ride a lot, it’s a good idea to change them every few years.
Some helmet manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet every three to five years. This is a good idea, but the actual timing is hard to predict.
To determine when your helmet is ready for replacement, it helps to look at the materials that are inside. In addition to UV rays, sweat, chemicals and body oils can all degrade the glue that holds the outer shell and inner padding together.
The foam inside of the helmet doesn’t wear out, but it can become brittle over time. This can increase the chance that the helmet will break in a heavy impact.
EPS foam is the same type of expanded polystyrene used in cooler insulation. It is stable and doesn’t degrade very quickly, but it does lose some gas over time.
If you’ve been wearing your helmet for more than a few years, it’s a good idea to remove it for cleaning. It might seem counter-intuitive, but keeping your helmet clean can help prevent fungus, bacteria and other bugs from accumulating inside the liner.
Another indicator of a worn-out helmet is the color of the shell. Colored helmets can fade over time, indicating that too much sun has been exposed.
The CPSC recommends that you take a helmet off regularly for cleaning. You should also store it in a dry, cool place away from pests and rodents.
There are other things you can do to improve the life of your cycling helmet. For example, you can replace the liners. Helmets made with a plastic liner usually have a removable visor, so if you decide to buy a different visor, be sure to buy one that fits correctly.
Getting a new helmet is a small price to pay for saving your life. But be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a comfortable ride for many years to come.
Vista Outdoor
If you are in the market for a new cycling helmet, you will want to keep in mind Vista Outdoor. The company is the parent company of several renowned bicycle brands, including Bell, CamelBak, Blackburn, and Raskullz.
Vista Outdoor is located in Anoka, Minnesota. It has a wide portfolio of outdoor sporting products, including cycling and shooting gear, sporting goods, and other athletic goods.
During the past few months, it has acquired two bike brands. Vista purchased the bike brands to diversify its holdings.
One of the acquisitions is Fox Racing, a brand that has been a leader in the motocross community for more than 50 years. This purchase will expand Vista’s presence in the mountain biking, motocross, and adventure sports space.
Fox Racing has a strong product roadmap, which is aligned with Vista Outdoor’s strategy. The company also has an established consumer following, with a strong retail channel.
During the past two years, Fox’s sales have grown by 20 percent. Aside from motocross gear, Fox produces apparel and other mountain biking equipment.
Fox Racing’s management team has an entrepreneurial mentality. They are focused on a mission to grow the company and provide their consumers with the best possible gear.
Vista Outdoor’s leverage ratio is estimated to be below 1.5 times. The company will use debt to finance the Fox Racing acquisition.
In the past few weeks, a number of bike shops have made tentative commitments to boycott Vista. Some readers are planning to do the same.
Vista Outdoor has been a vocal supporter of the National Rifle Association, and will likely continue to do so. However, after the Parkland Elementary mass shooting, many retailers have decided not to sell Vista products. These actions have created a backlash, with calls for a boycott spreading across social media.
As of January 22, 2018, Vista’s stock price has decreased by 9.6 percent. REI Co-op, the largest outdoor retailer in the United States, has declined to place an order for Vista products.
Despite its popularity, the company has been accused of selling products that are anti-gun. In addition, Vista has dabbled in cycling brands, including QuietKat, a rugged e-bike brand.
Chinstrap failures
Bicycle helmets aren’t as good at keeping your head safe in a crash as you’d think. A recent study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that a whopping 15% of bicycle helmets have chinstrap failures. The best part is that many of these aren’t even reported incidents. That means consumers need to be on the lookout for any bike helmet that fails to live up to its reputation. Thankfully, some manufacturers like Bontrager and Bell Sports have made the conscious decision to stand by their products.
Getting your hands on a helmet that meets federal safety standards is not easy, and manufacturers have been known to alter their designs from year to year. If you are in the market for a new helmet, you should do your research and find out if the manufacturer is a standby. After all, you don’t want to find out that it wasn’t a good fit when you need it most.
For a more detailed list of chinstrap failures and what brands to avoid, check out the CPSC’s website. Also, take a moment to ask your local bike shop about any recalls they may have. Some will replace your helmet free of charge while others might offer you a store gift card in exchange. Lastly, make sure to keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Remember to check the price tag before making a purchase.
Chinstrap failures are all too common. Even the most durable brands can have their issues, and it pays to be on the lookout for any bike headgear that doesn’t measure up. You should also know that the CPSC is working on a new helmet safety standard that will make all brands more accountable. This will help you avoid buying a shoddy product that could cause more harm than good.
It’s time to stop the cycle of mediocre performance. A helmet with a faulty chinstrap is a waste of money. To that end, check out the Bell Exodus full face helmet. With a visor, angled visor, and removable sticker, this model has been around for over a decade.
Expiration dates
Cycling helmets are designed to protect your head in case of a crash. However, the outer shell material can degrade over time. Therefore, it is important to know the expiration dates of cycling helmets.
There is no definite date to which bike helmets should be replaced, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends replacing them every five to ten years. This depends on the quality of the helmet and the amount of use it has received.
It is also important to replace them when they begin to show signs of damage. The material that is used to build these helmets can degrade, and the foam pads can absorb body oils. These components will break down over time, causing the helmet to become unfit for use.
The expiration dates of bicycle helmets vary by manufacturer and use. Some recommend that the helmet be replaced after three or four years. Others say that it should be replaced after five to eight years.
Cycling helmets can be expensive. But if you have to spend a lot on one, it is a good idea to check the expiration dates. You can do this online. If you are unsure, you can get an expert to help.
There is no sticker that states an expiration date on a helmet. However, most molded plastic products have a raised stamp with a date of manufacture. That number should be visible on the inside of the helmet.
Most helmets have a shelf life of about five years. This does not mean that the helmet is not useful. It just means that it should be replaced before it becomes unsafe to wear.
Bike helmets are made with thermo-plastic and polycarbonate, and the materials degrade at different rates. When they are exposed to ultraviolet rays, chemicals and heat, they can begin to break down.
The average lifespan of a bike helmet is about five years. Even then, it is still possible to use the helmet for a longer period of time, if the helmet is in good condition.
Do helmets degrade over time?
Yes, helmets do degrade over time. This is due to a variety of factors, such as age, wear and tear, and environmental conditions. The most obvious way that helmets degrade over time is due to age. As a helmet ages, its materials begin to break down and its protective capabilities are reduced. This is especially true of helmets made of plastic or other synthetic materials. These materials become brittle and less able to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of an impact.
Additionally, the internal foam padding of a helmet can break down and become less effective over time. Wear and tear can also cause helmets to degrade over time. Constant use of a helmet can cause it to become worn out and less effective. This is especially true of helmets used in a sport or activity that involves a lot of movement, such as biking or skiing.
The external shell of a helmet can become scratched, dented, or cracked, which can reduce its protective capabilities. Additionally, the internal padding can become compressed or displaced, which can reduce its effectiveness in absorbing and dissipating energy. Finally, environmental conditions can cause helmets to degrade over time. Excessive heat or cold can cause the materials of a helmet to break down, while exposure to water can cause the materials to degrade.
Additionally, certain chemicals or substances can cause the materials of a helmet to break down or become brittle, reducing its protective capabilities. In summary, helmets do degrade over time due to age, wear and tear, and environmental conditions. As a helmet ages, its materials break down and its protective capabilities are reduced. Wear and tear can cause the materials of a helmet to become worn out and its internal padding to become compressed or displaced.
Finally, environmental conditions such as heat, cold, water, and certain chemicals can cause the materials of a helmet to break down, reducing its protective capabilities. It is important to replace helmets periodically to ensure that they are still providing the necessary protection.