Have a lovely Specialized S3 (about 10 years old)... managed to source the very last liner on earth to keep it going a bit longer. I love it because it's very light, tons of ventilation, and the visor actually does something in low sunshine. I used it for most riding until...
...over winter, I got myself a Tactic 4 for MTBing... feels a bit clunky to me, and the visor doesn't help me during late afternoon rides. It's OK.
Thinking I'll keep the Tactic for when it's muddy/minging, but looking for something to replace the S3 with. I like having a visor, and I want to use it for road/gravel/XC.
Any suggestions? Also, what's the advised life of these things (assuming you don't crash)?
Also, what's the advised life of these things
About 5 years but it depends on how much it is exposed to sunlight so that obviously depends on how much you use it.
The ultraviolet light softens the polystyrene and makes the outer plastic shell more brittle. Obviously it will still give you some protection but I don't know how much it is likely to be reduced by - that's an interesting question
This is a good piece on the subject of helmet longevity from the NY Times:
When Was the Last Time You Replaced Your Bike Helmet? | Wirecutter
Dispels a couple of myths and basically says use common sense, I think.
My IXS Trail RS is 13 years old. I'm in NE Scotland though, so not the sunniest place on earth.
I was thinking about replacing it though, but only because I fancy something new.
The "Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute" says a 10 year old helmet is absolutely fine.
https://www.helmets.org/replace.htm
Mine get replaced every couple of years - or sooner if I destroy it in a decent crash (as happened last summer - cracked in a head knock). Not through age, more just they pick up small knocks/bumps in general riding. Often due to me not ducking enough for low-hanging stuff being a lanky git. Probably nothing wrong with a few little bumps etc but when a decent helmet costs <£50 I don't mind the replacement cost to remove any dubiety.
Lazer helmets fit my particular head well, as did a Specialized Tactic (4?). Lazer Coyote (MIPS or KinetiCore), visor reasonably effective although mounts on the KinetiCore variant allows visor to move more easily than on the older MIPS variant - I assume intentional design to aid in a crash.
I'm looking forward to the 30th anniversary of my Met Parrebellum(?) in 2029 🎉.
Doesn't get loads of use as I typically ride without a helmet!
But it seems in pretty good nick. I wear a buff on my head with the helmet as the pads wore out around 15 years ago.