Wanted to open a discussion on cycling helmets and understanding how to better track your helmets health so it can be best able to help you when you need it too. It is something we get asked a lot and feel this information is good for all riders to review to ride safe and with confidence. 

A bike helmet is never to be considered a one-time investment. Bike helmets indeed have a shelf life and need to be replaced once in a while – even if they’re not involved in a crash. Daily use takes its toll on a helmet – even if you treat it carefully and the outdoor elements also affect the materials used to make your helmet. But how long do helmets last really? Experts agree across a wide range of manufacturers, testing organizations and cycling advocacy groups that bike helmets last for a period of 3-5 years and after that, they should be replaced to maintain proper safety standards for your brain protection. 

Some things to think about with the helmets you currently use.:

• Any impacts from even a small crash can be the cue to replace your helmet.  Even if the protective EPS foam appears to retake its usual shape, you can’t be sure that it can absorb the energy and offer the same level of protection in a second impact. Not replacing your helmet after any crash puts you at further risk in future incidents - one and done is the rule to follow. Inspect the outer shell of your helmet for dents and scraps - signs that the EPS foam layer underneath could be compromised. Also look for dents and cranks in the EPS foam regularly.

• Just like the produce in your refrigerator, bike helmets have an expiration. This is true even if your helmet hasn’t been in a crash. Helmets are made of foam in a plastic outer shell. The foam absorbs the impact forces, which saves your head. But over time the foam dries out and becomes brittle making the helmet less protective. UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and even our sweat and natural oils can effect the foam, resins, plastics, harness systems and glues used in helmet production. Your helmet has a manufactured date (Month/Year) marked on the inside - this date is start of the 3-5 year timer for the helmets useful, safety rated lifespan. 

• Daily use, without dramatic events, wears out a helmet over time. You bump into things and knock your helmet around while carrying it, or maybe accidentally drop it on the floor. No big deal, but in the long run even small things that don’t leave any visible traces can impact the structural integrity of the helmet.

• Upgrading regularly will always ensure that you will be getting the most up to date advancements in helmet safety features and materials. That can never be a bad thing. 

Want to make the relationship with your current helmet last as long as possible? Here are some pro tips:

• Clean Dates: Wipe it down now and then. A deeper clean can be a date night – just you, your helmet, some mild soap, and water.

• Avoid Makeovers: That sticker from the cool brewery might not be helmet-friendly. Some adhesives can mess with helmet materials.

• TLC: Treat it kindly. If you throw it around or pile stuff on it, those tiny cracks might just start appearing

Come on by the shop or message us if you want to talk further on helmet health and maximizing your head safety when riding. This helmet discussion is just as important as talking about upgrading your wheels or getting that great new bikepacking gear bag. We would say it may be the most important thing to consider of all. Lets all ride safe and collect years of amazing cycling memories!

Shimano 11-Speed Hollowtech II Crankset Recall Notice- CLICK HERE

Shimano is issuing a voluntary recall of select bonded11-speed HOLLOWTECH II road cranksets sold from January 2012 through August 2023 for a possible bonding separation issue. Keep reading for a full breakdown of how to do a basic check to see if your Shimano road cranks are affected and what to do next if you are affected.

The recall affects the following Shimano Hollowtech II road crank models ONLY:

• DURA-ACE FC-9000
• DURA-ACE FC-R9100
• DURA-ACE FC-R9100P
• ULTEGRA FC-R8000
• ULTEGRA FC-6800

This recall affects both cranksets spec'd on complete bikes and purchased aftermarket. You can check for your exact Shimano model number by looking at the inside of the drive side crankarm (right hand side) near the bottom just above the pedal threads (the YELLOW box in the image below). If you have Shimano Ultegra or Dure-Ace crankset model that is covered this recallyou now need to confirm if the crankset is directly affected by this recalland that is done by checking the production code against the list of affected codes that Shimano has provided - that list is below. To find the two letter production code, look on the same drive side crank arm for that code that is stamped just below the crank model information (the BLUE box in the image above). If you have a Dura-Ace crankset you will also need to check the production code on the non-drive (LH) crankarm. Affected crank production codes on Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets are: KF, KG, KH, KI, KJ, KK, KL, LA, LB, LC, LD, LE, LF, LG, LH, LI, LJ, LK, LL, MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF, MG, MH, MI, MJ, MK, ML, NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI, NJ, NK, NL, OA, OB, OC, OD, OE, OF, OG, OH, OI, OJ, OK, OL, PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH, PI, PJ, PK, PL, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, QF, QG, QH, QI, QJ, QK, QL, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF.If you have a crankset with a production code that is on this listplease contact us or Mighty Ridersand we will set an appointment to bring your bike in. We will then conduct a full inspection of the crankset and determine the next steps. Those next steps could be either us sending the cranks back to Shimano for further inspection and replacement or that the cranks are ok to ride but will need to be monitored going forward both by the rider and us. If your crankset is ok you will still need to be paying attention for any changes in performance with your crankset - reporting any creaking or other issues to us or Mighty.If your crankset has a non-affected production code then an immediate inspection by a Shimano dealer like us or Mighty Ridersis not neededbut we will continue to check your crankset on future service visits. Going forward you will also be paying attention for any changes in performance with your crankset - reporting any creaking or other issues to us or Mighty -even if your Shimano crankset is not affected by this recall. The scope of this Shimano recall may change, we will be on top of communicating the latest information to our valued customers through all our channels (website, social media, and newsletter). We are here to support our customers and riders and are always available (phone, email, text, in store) to discuss any of this with you. 

Staying visible should be a cyclist’s biggest safety concern when riding - both day and right, rain or shine. A great way to this is with is with purposeful, cycling specific lights. Always ride with a bright front and rear light that offer some side illumination for vehicles and pedestrians, and make sure your bags or other gear don’t block the visibility of your lights.

Running daytime lights is highly recommended as studies have shown that a majority of rear end collisions involving cyclists and vehicles happen during daylight hours. Best protect yourself in daytime with lights that have a daytime focused strobe setting. A brighter flash that catches attention of drivers during the day. Then use the standard light settings for night use.

All these comments on when you want to be seen. At OTR we also offer a selection of lights to see the trail and road. Keep things bright and safe in all your riding adventures!

See our selection of Lights