I've heard of the "too old" rule, but from other posts on TriFuel, not first-hand experience. Yes, helmets do age, with sweat breaking down the straps and adhesives that hold the compression-molded foam to the plastic shell; the UV lights wrecks havoc on the shell too; and the occasional drop deteriorates it. I don't know of a rule of thumb for replacing, I'm sure someone here does though. I'd imagine every other season, or at at least as often as you replace your bike.

Granted, I'm a cynic and am very suspicious of RDs and think they take advantage of how new the sport is (relative to running, for example) and exploit the noob's willingness to abide by any rule because they don't know better. I bet you your entry fee that this race will also conveniently have a sponor shop selling helmets on site. "Oh, sorry Mr. SG001, your Giro is an '06. But you can get a new one . . . right over there." And what do you know? They have plenty of full-price, top-of-the-line Giros, but shockingly no entry-level Bells you could buy and ride in for one day. Hmmm, interesting. I also think it is an inherent conflict of interest to require racers to go through an equipment check at a [u]sponsoring[/u] LBS. A similar situation could ensue where they (the LBS) won't approve your equipment right before the race (which you already paid for) but they conveniently have 'approved' equipment on hand.

First, I wouldn't race this yahoo's race just on principle. But if you already signed up, you may have to deal with his rules. But I'd still try to use the '06 helmet. I'd go with pulling the sticker off. How different can an '07 and '06 helmet [i]look[i]? And they can't seriously expect someone to keep track of an [i]adhesive-based[/i] sticket inside a sweaty, hot helmet?

I have heard this rule, and actually saw it on the website of one of my A races this year (Augusta 70.3). I think what I heard about it was USAT was considering it as a rule change, but it didn't make the book...however, some RD's still have it listed.

I really don't see any way of enforcing it w/o severe backlash. Someone who owns a 3+ year old aero helmet and has taken good care of it probably hasn't put a lot of miles on it, so it would be in safe condition...then you have people buying NEW, old model helmets that have been in a stockroom somewhere. I think if you're helmet is of modern design and in good shape you're not likely to get investigated, but we'll see.

Does the helmet not have a molded stamp on the inside that shows the year and an arrow pointing to the month in which it was manufactured? I know all mine do. And I usually keep a helmet until it does its job and cracks instead of my skull. Then replace as needed... Depending on how much you ride, where you ride (think sunny AZ compared to Seattle) and how you take care of it, they can last anywhere from a year to 5+. Mine usually don't make it more than 2, and realistically it's closer to 6 months if I'm riding trails.

[quote=xc800runner]And I usually keep a helmet until it does its job and cracks instead of my skull. Then replace as needed... [/quote]

+1

Ive only replaced mine once, because a crash destroyed the old one. I know the foam breaks down and all, but 3 years is a little unrealistic if youre not abusing it. Its accepted fact that you SHOULD replace your motorcycle helmet every few years for the same reason, but i dont think even that is actually law. Just seems ridiculous on a bike to me.

-Alan

Giro says you could use your helmet for 5 years if you do not let it SIT in sunshine or a inside a closed car all day long. If the manufacturer tells you this it means they are good unless abused. And by abused, I mean dropped or left to rot in the sun.

Daniel

I can't imagine any race checking every single helmet. I think it would be more of an issue if:
1) You are on the podium (in which case you are probably sponsored and get a free helmet every year, so who cares), or
2) Are wearing something so incredibly outdated there is no possible way it could be safe. Think of those 1980's skid-lids made from styrofoam with cloth covers.

Realistically, no RD is going to notice the difference between a 2006 helmet and a 2007. (Besides, isn't 2006 less than 3 years ago? And what if you bought it new in 2007 from a LBS?)