MX helmet road use question
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Hi guys, i have acquired another dt, a 92 model with some mot left, i want to take my cbt in next week or so and get some riding in before its stripped down when mot runs out, i have had a cbt 20 years ago and just getting back into bikes, finally, i am 36 now and still have my old acu gold stickered lazer mx helmet that i bought new 20 years ago too, im wondering is this legal to use on the road with my DT and more so, can i use it on my cbt test instead of renting a helmet? I will obviously buy a better helmet in the near future but bit strapped for cash at moment and want to save where i can. Many thanks.
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@89dt125nick Hi there,
Helmets in general should be replaced ~3 years or so.
The reason being is the helmet itself is just a polycarbonate shell around polystyrene core and it's the polystyrene that protects your head.
As the helmet ages the polystyrene hardens and its usefulness deminishes.
Polystyrene of around ~20 years in age is probably well beyond its effectiveness and therefore will not protect you in the event of a crash.
Therefore the helmet would not be fit for road use and therefore probably illegal.
The nice thing about the modern era are the certifications around helmets these days. Ideally you'll looking for something with the gold badge certification from a reputable seller. Nitro Helmets all comply with this certification (AFAIK) and can be had DIRT cheap (~Ā£30).
To get you to your CBT one of those helmets will be fine. But obviously with the price comes compromise but it would be better than the 20 year old helmet you have.
With all that being said, I ride with an MX Helmet that strictly says "Not for Road Use" and took my test with that helmet and that helmet is like 13 years old....so don't listen to me
It desperately needs to go into the bin and I keep telling myself I'll get a cheap Nitro helmet for the interim as I am putting myself at risk.
Problem being I very rarely ride these days...
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@89dt125nick Hi there,
Helmets in general should be replaced ~3 years or so.
The reason being is the helmet itself is just a polycarbonate shell around polystyrene core and it's the polystyrene that protects your head.
As the helmet ages the polystyrene hardens and its usefulness deminishes.
Polystyrene of around ~20 years in age is probably well beyond its effectiveness and therefore will not protect you in the event of a crash.
Therefore the helmet would not be fit for road use and therefore probably illegal.
The nice thing about the modern era are the certifications around helmets these days. Ideally you'll looking for something with the gold badge certification from a reputable seller. Nitro Helmets all comply with this certification (AFAIK) and can be had DIRT cheap (~Ā£30).
To get you to your CBT one of those helmets will be fine. But obviously with the price comes compromise but it would be better than the 20 year old helmet you have.
With all that being said, I ride with an MX Helmet that strictly says "Not for Road Use" and took my test with that helmet and that helmet is like 13 years old....so don't listen to me
It desperately needs to go into the bin and I keep telling myself I'll get a cheap Nitro helmet for the interim as I am putting myself at risk.
Problem being I very rarely ride these days...
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Thanks guys, i think i will try get a road helmet for my cbt and use my old lazer for the dt until i buy a new one, didnt realise you could get them, as cheap as 30 new. many thanks.
