How often do you get new gear?

[Bend-it]

How often should you change helmets? I've just bought a new bike, so kinda feels like time to get a new helmet and gear as well!

However, I can't just go off spending a grand willy nilly... there has to be some sort of justification to offer the wife (especially if you've seen the pic of her I put up ages ago)...

So, how long can you ave a helmet before the foam's compressed enough so that you need a new one? And my Nortech cordura gear (budget, I know... it was my 1st ever set of gear) now lets water through like a sieve. Nothing wrong with it per se, just... errr... you know what I mean...

I've had this set since my 1st proper bike in early 2006. So, do you think I have a case to get new helmet, leather jacket and pants?

[bert_is_evil]

I've been told by several bike shop employee's that 4 years is the expiry date of a helmet (which sucks if it's been on the shelf in the shop for 2...)

[Jantar]

I've been told by several bike shop employee's that 4 years is the expiry date of a helmet (which sucks if it's been on the shelf in the shop for 2...)

4 to 5 years normal use without being dropped. But if its been stored out of direct sunlight and kept clean and dry, then there is no shelf life. It can last forever.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I originally bought a good Spidi jacket - it lasted 7 years! Leathers last forever providing you stay the same weight lol. When wet I just put overtrou on.
Just bought some cordura trou so will see how long they last!!

[awayatc]

Until you see something you need, or
until you see something you want

[AllanB]

Ha my leathers are around 25 years old - zips get replaced, leathers get adjusted (due for another). I oil them twice a year and they are in great condition.

Arai offers a 5 year warranty I understand - presumably they consider 5 years of ownership acceptable.

[aahsv]

Trade Me is your salvation - there's always someone selling something they bought new that somehow later doesnt fit (wtf?) - new stuff for half price - just gotta think like the wife

[Bend-it]

But if its been stored out of direct sunlight and kept clean and dry, then there is no shelf life. It can last forever.

Shut up... that doesn't help my case at all!!

I originally bought a good Spidi jacket - it lasted 7 years!

What do you mean by "last"? What has to fall off it or stop working before you consider it gone?

Until you see something you need, or
until you see something you want

[sinfull]

But will your wife see that as justification ?

[Okey Dokey]

I replaced my helmet after maybe 10 years as the inner padding was shrinking and the fit was no longer correct.

As others have said, I expect my leathers to last my lifetime. Do need to get a new rain oversuit, however.

Hope that helps you.

[skidMark]

Now you see, if you didnt have a wife, you dont need permission, and you could afford to throw a grand around all willy nilly, mimbly bimbly, meow.

[Bend-it]

But will your wife see that as justification ?

Me turning into a yellow glob and dancing around... yeah, I think she'd buy a set of leathers just to see that! But you make a good point...

"Scientific data" anyone??

I replaced my helmet after maybe 10 years as the inner padding was shrinking and the fit was no longer correct.

As others have said, I expect my leathers to last my lifetime. Do need to get a new rain oversuit, however.

Hope that helps you.

10 years!?!?!? That's 7 more for me!

Yes... maybe she could be sold on the face that good leathers will last a lifetime... and I already have an overcoat which my useless blardy cordura "touring" jacket needs!!

[Okey Dokey]

I wouldn't recommend 10 years. The fact that the inner liner was shrinking noticably means that perhaps the actual protective stuff in the shell was also past it's use-by. I was just commenting on what I had personally done.

[Okey Dokey]

Also, helmets are getting better all the time. Lighter and with more/safer features...

[bull]

and I already have an overcoat which my useless blardy cordura "touring" jacket needs!!

It could be time to treat your cordura with Nikwax TekWash, i do mine every 6 months and the pants and jacket still work like new. TSS in Lower Hutt have it in two piece pack, one washes the other is the weather proofing, cost me $40 last time i was there.