Cleaning your Bicycle Helmet:
The Plastic outer shell can be damaged by both abrasive and chemically
aggressive cleaners like paint thinners and other petroleum based
products. For the best end result use mild cream cleaners or dish
soap. Straps can be soaked and scrubbed with a brush for effective
cleaning.
Storing your bike helmet:
Heat (anything over 110 degrees) can damage the outer plastic
skin so it is best not to leave your helmet on the dash of your
car, or for that matter anywhere that is hot…. Think of what happened
the last time you left your cooler too close to the camp fire…
remember the blisters? Your cycling helmet will react the same
way.
After every ride let it air out. If it has a removable liner,
remove the liner and rinse with clean water and a mild soap. When
you're sure it is dry replace the liner and store your helmet
in a breathable container or a dedicated bicycle helmet cover,
and place in a cool dry place.
Chin Buckle and Retention System:
If you notice wear on the straps of your helmet then it is time
to throw them out. If the buckle is broken, replace it or it might
skewer you on a crash or let the helmet fly off. Remember our
earlier discussion. The helmet is only of value if it stays on
your head. If the straps break on impact your helmet will do little
to save your head.
Head Lice:
In the rare case your child picks up lice, do not use a spray
of any type. Put their helmet into an airtight plastic bag for
48 hours, until you have basically smothered the little things.
Then discard the pads and the bag, and use a soft cloth or sponge,
warm water and mild soap to clean the surface. Order new replacement
pads.
Bike Helmet Inspection:
Bicycle helmet inspection really only is designed to identify
two things: heat damage and strap wear. As suggested earlier if
you have left it in a very hot location the foam will deteriorate
and lose its ability to crush on impact. If the strap is frayed
it will not keep the helmet on your head, so in either case buy
a new helmet.
What's important to understand is that you can't always see the
damage to a helmet after a crash. The outer skin can disguise
the fractures in the inner casing, thus a bicycle helmet inspection
should not be used as a method to determine the viability of your
helmet. If you know that the helmet has undergone significant
impact don't depend on it to save you a second time.
How long do bicycle helmets last? If you never crash then the
structure of the bicycle helmet has never been breached, and if
visual inspection shows no sign of wear or deterioration of the
foam or attachment straps then it could last for the length of
your cycling career.
More Information:
Bell Bicycle Helmets
Giro Bicycle Helmets
Features of the Best Bicycle Helmet:
