But how do you know when you need to swap your helmet?
Bike helmets are commonly made from expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) which is the soft padding and a polycarbonate shell. The hard shell is designed to spread the force of any impact while the soft liner absorbs the energy.
There is no hard and fast rule, but it is recommended on average your helmet should be replaced at least every 3-5 years.
Regular use will certainly expose your helmet to oil from your hair, sweat and sunblock plus environmental exposure which can cause the helmet to degrade.
If you don’t use it often, you may still have to replace it because innovations are making the world safer. As such, a bike helmet that you bought five years ago but have never worn will not be as safe as one that was produced yesterday.
Of course, you should also change your helmet if you have even a small tumble because even a small amount of impact could compromise the helmets performance, even if no damage is visible. We also recommend if you have dropped your helmet on a hard surface, it should be replaced.
There are many things you can do to maximise the lifespan of your helmet, storing it in a safe dry place out of direct sunlight, keeping it clean, only washing with mild soap and water, plus making sure it doesn’t get too hot or cold when not in use.
It’s recommended to inspect your helmet for damage regularly, some significant signs to look out for are the EPS looking chipped or worn, parts missing from the edges, checking inside for hidden damage, any cracks in the vents, or the EPS separating.
The best helmet isn't necessarily the one that looks cool; it's the one you're most likely to wear. If it looks brilliant but feels uncomfortable or gets too hot, you're less likely to keep it on your head.
The most important things to think about when you buy a helmet are:
If you are choosing a helmet in store our experienced team will help you find the perfect helmet for you.
If you're looking for a helmet with maximum protection, look out for the MIPS range (Multi-directional Impact Protection) this system offers safety against rotational forces. MIPS is engineered to add at least 10% extra safety to the standard construction of helmets in case of specific impacts.
Now you know, hop on your bike and ride safe
