Likes Likes:  19
Page 5 of 5 FirstFirst ... 345
Results 41 to 47 of 47

Thread: Mountain bike time

  1. #41
    Newer helmets from the late 1980's and the 90's may or may not need replacement. First look to see what standards sticker is inside. If it's ASTM or Snell, the helmet was designed to meet today's standards for impact protection, and you may even find that Consumer Reports tested it in one of their articles. Most manufacturers now recommend that helmets be replaced after five years, but some of that may be just marketing. (Bell now recommends every three years, which seems to us too short. They base it partially on updating your helmet technology, but they have not been improving their helmets that much over three year periods, and we consider some of their helmets since the late 1990's to be a step backwards, so we would take that with a grain of salt.) Deterioration depends on usage, care, and abuse. But if you ride thousands of miles every year, five years may be a realistic estimate of helmet life. And helmets have actually been improving enough over time to make it a reasonable bet that you can find a better one than you did five years ago. It may fit better, look better, and in some cases may even be more protective. For an alternate view that agrees with the manufacturers, check out the helmet FAQ of the Snell Foundation. Snell knows a lot about helmets and their views on this subject should not be dismissed lightly, even though we disagree with them.

    Occasionally somebody spreads rumors that sweat and ultraviolet (UV) exposure will cause your helmet to degrade. Sweat will not do that. The standards do not permit manufacturers to make a helmet that degrades from sweat, and the EPS, EPP or EPU foam is remarkably unaffected by salt water. Your helmet will get a terminal case of grunge before it dies of sweat. UV can affect the strength of the shell material, though. Since helmets spend a lot of time in the sun, manufacturers usually put UV inhibitors in the plastic for their shells that control UV degradation. If your helmet is fading, maybe the UV inhibitors are failing, so you probably should replace it. Chances are it has seen an awful lot of sun to have that happen. Otherwise, try another brand next time and let us know what brand faded on you.

    At least one shop told a customer that the EPS in his three year old helmet was now "dried out." That is highly unlikely, unless the EPS is placed in an oven for some period of time and baked. The interior of your car, for example, will not do that, based on helmets we have seen and at least one lab crash test of a helmet always kept in a car in Virginia over many summers. EPS is a long-lived material little affected by normal environmental factors. Unless you mistreat it we would not expect it to "dry out" enough to alter its performance for many years.

    In sum, we don't find the case for replacing a helmet that meets the ASTM or Snell standards that compelling if the helmet is still in good shape and fits you well
    .
    Watches for SALE:
    <PRICE REDUCED> Nivrel 322 Black Dial: http://www.intlwatchleague.com/showt...869#post447869

  2. Likes geoffbot liked this post
  3. #42
    Moderator gnuyork's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Marietta, GA
    Posts
    7,255
    The new helmet matches the bike. Definitely get a pump. Enjoy the bike, It's a lot of fun.

  4. #43
    El bot. geoffbot's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    West Sussex, UK
    Posts
    25,084
    Turns out shock pumps aren't great for doing wheels... from flat. Bought a foot pump, setup my suspension, went for a ride. Was fun! Exhausting, mind. Great cardio. Need some gloves.
    Follow IWL on instagram! https://instagram.com/iwatchleague

  5. Likes Henry Krinkle, gnuyork liked this post
  6. #44
    How’s the bike riding going Geoff ?........>.....

    I expect you’ve put a fair number of miles onto it now ...............

    Watches for SALE:
    <PRICE REDUCED> Nivrel 322 Black Dial: http://www.intlwatchleague.com/showt...869#post447869

  7. #45
    El bot. geoffbot's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    West Sussex, UK
    Posts
    25,084
    Quote Originally Posted by Seriously View Post
    How’s the bike riding going Geoff ?........>.....

    I expect you’ve put a fair number of miles onto it now ...............

    You know what Mike actually I haven't managed to make time for all that many rides. I will definitely make time in future though - thanks so much for the reminder.
    Follow IWL on instagram! https://instagram.com/iwatchleague

  8. Likes Seriously liked this post
  9. #46
    When you actually jump up and get out there it's a great feeling once you've done and got back and flopped on the sofa with a refreshing beer ..... I look forward to some nice autumn days actually going exploring on mine.... summer's ok ... obviously not this one cos of the extreme heatwave we've had.
    But gimme a nice autumn day ...... or spring
    Watches for SALE:
    <PRICE REDUCED> Nivrel 322 Black Dial: http://www.intlwatchleague.com/showt...869#post447869

  10. Likes geoffbot liked this post
  11. #47
    El bot. geoffbot's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    West Sussex, UK
    Posts
    25,084
    Just went out, with the missus! She's not usually very sporty or daring... Today, was no exception! But good to get out with her.
    Follow IWL on instagram! https://instagram.com/iwatchleague

  12. Likes Seriously liked this post

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About Us
We are an independent and wide-ranging forum for watch enthusiasts. From mainspring to microchip, from Europe to Asia, from micro-brand to boutique - we cover it all. Novice or expert, we want you to feel at home. Whether it's asking a simple question or contributing to the fund of horological knowledge, it's all the same hobby. Or, if you like, you can just show us a picture of your new watch. We'll provide the welcoming and courteous environment, the rest is up to you!
Join us