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I think I probably know the answer ...
I have a very nice Giro full face helmet - and I plan to do Bike Park Wales - if the human race lasts long enough.
The helmet has been worn once - to come down a mountain in Switzerland. But it was 9 or 10 years ago. I take it should be regarded as FUBARed even though it looks brand new?
Should be fine. There isn't really anything to degrade. Only issue might be UV related if it has been left in the sun for a big chunk of its life.
I’d use it without worrying.
You’re probably not supposed to according to the manufacturers.
I’m sure the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Standard official life is 3 years IIRC, a few manufacturers say 4.
... yet they will happily sell you one that was built 3 or 4 years ago and sat in the factory/warehouse/shop
Long has its not been in the sun for long periods be fine its a bit like motorbike helmets you are hardly going to bin your £500 Rossi replica after 3 years in less you have been down the road on it.
There is no evidence that UV degrades bike helmets, not that I've found.
Who'd have thought that manufacturers would suggest replacement every 3 years, without any justification?
I think MET have said they reckon it’s nonsense and unless it’s been crashed it’s good.
The guidance tends to be 3-5 years of normal, careful use, or one big stack.
The former is more about the way it'll degrade gradually with the odd little bump and bag, the latter is fairly obvious!
If yours has been used, then safely stored away, I'd say it would be fine.
Unless you need an excuse to buy a new one...
Actually 07 that is pushing it ...
But carbon - or part carbon, in a bag, in the dark ( so no UV exposure at all).
I've got a 26 year old Specialized Sub Six that I'd be happy to wear...
on the basis of how often it gets used, and the cost, I ma happy to stay as is ....
And I don't want a smelly rental one ...