Replacing a cycle helmet

[The jiffle king]

First post in this forum and I did look to see if this topic had come up recently, but could not find it.

I have a Giro cycle helmet which is about 8-9 years old and has never been in a crash. It's been used a lot in the sunshine (30C+) as I lived in Spain and now in the US.

It still feels ok, but I have read that some people/manufacturers recommend changing every 3-5 years. I'm happy to invest in a good helmet, but wondered if the PH cyclists could:
1) Tell me if I should replace the helmet I have?
2) Recommend me some good options as this will be used as a cycle to work helmet and occasionally for downhill mountain biking?

Many Thanks

[neilbauer]

I was in my local Giant store and they had some cut up segments of old polystyrene innards of old helmets. The polystyrene hardens as it get old and these pieces were like solid plastic, offering no absorbsion in a crash. So yes replace your lid! As for what to get, get down your LBS and try some on I have a specialised and it's very comfy but there are road helmets and off-road so you need to get them on your head, you'll know when you've picked a winner because you won't look stupid and it will feel nice on

[dreamer75]

Depending what sort of downhill you mean, perhaps get a full face for that. I felt a bit of a plank at BPW in mine (doing Blues and Reds) until the guy in front of me face planted right at the top of a run and broke his nose, put his teeth through his lip, and generally smashed himself up.....