Let me say that I agree in general with Paul Williams about the uncertainties about old helmets. But not in particular. First, the early hard-shell helmets were heavier, but "met threshold," in the sense of offering a lot of protection. I just don't know if the current tests are much better than the old Snell drop test. And that's a topic for another forum.
I have worn early hardshell helmets for vintage rides. I rationalize that it's not everyday, and that we're particularly careful - but the accidents we've had on recent DC area rides are getting me to rethink this.
What I do know is that downstairs there's a slightly shopworn New In Box white Bell V-1 Pro, size S/M (not what you're thinking, you dirty old men). And when I offered it at the Cirque silent auction for $30, no one took it. So, I think it's a great display item (I have a wall with about a dozen older helmets hanging on it), and I'd take $10 + shipping for it. Can't remember if I paid $10 or $15 for this artifact, but I'd have to slice it in quarters to expand it if I wanted to wear it myself.
harvey sachs mcLean va. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Paul Williams wrote: Not to put a damper on this discussion, but surely items like helmets - which are intended to minimize injury - should be as up to date as possible. IMHO modern helmets, in general, are much better constructed these days to absorb the impact of a crash. Moreover, I would have thought that plastics are prone to deterioration and subsequent brittleness over time (as a father with young kids I know only too well that plastic car-seats, for example, have a do-not-use after date on them). I will be the first to admit though that Giro's instructions to replace every three years must also be viewed in terms of marketing and sales.
I would personally draw the line at using a helmet from our on-topic time period. But, then, I also draw the line at using old rubber - tyres, tubes and brake pads - on bikes being used as riders. Similarly, I prefer to use new cables and spokes. For me these are perishable (if that is the right word) items which don't always stand the test of time very well - especially if I don't know how they have been stored or previously used.
I realise that much of what we hang on our frames, as well as the frames themselves, has the potential for failure through metal fatigue, damage, corrosion or stress. I always carefully assess the quality and condition of what I am using. Having said that, I am no expert on issues of fatigue and corrosion and can't always know for sure whether a part or a frame is safe. If I can minimize the possibility of problems by using newer cables, pads, tyres, and spokes I would prefer to start there. And without opening up the thorny issue of helmet-wearing - I would prefer to protect my noggin with an up-to-date helmet (but that is my preference).