Helmets

Five years from the manufacture date is the standard industry recommendation for an unhit helmet. After any meaningful impact — even one without visible cracks — the EPS foam liner is compressed and the helmet must be replaced. Sweat, UV exposure and heat cycles degrade the foam and adhesives over time even without crashes.

ECE 22.06 is the current European standard and the strictest mainstream certification — it tests rotational impact in addition to direct hits. DOT (USA) is also acceptable. Avoid helmets that only carry novelty ratings. Some race series additionally require Snell M2020 or M2025.

Three reasons: it blocks sun glare on outdoor tracks, it deflects roost away from your goggles, and it provides clearance for goggles at the eye port. Some peaks are designed to break away in a crash to reduce neck strain — check whether yours is fixed or break-away.

Pull out the removable inner liners and cheek pads; hand-wash them in cold soapy water and air-dry. Wipe the shell with a soft damp cloth — never use solvents, petrol-based cleaners or scouring pads as they damage the clear coat. Never put the helmet itself in a washing machine.

MIPS (and equivalents like Mips Brain Protection System, Koroyd, EPP rotational layers) reduces rotational forces in oblique impacts — the kind that cause most concussions. It is not legally required but is increasingly available even on mid-range helmets and is well worth the small upcharge for any rider who hits jumps or rides at speed.

Slightly, yes. The cheek pads compress about 15-20% over the first 15-20 hours of riding. You want it snug enough on day one that you cannot rotate it side-to-side with the strap done up. If it gives you a headache after 20 minutes on the bike, it is too tight — exchange for a larger size.