I have a vintage 2000 Bell Phi Pro. The helmet shell is in good condition - never crashed, not a mark on it. The retention system is a different story. Some of the webbing has lost its elasticity and it doesn’t fit so snugly anymore. And it smells pretty bad!
I do have a newer helmet, but I always liked this Bell and wondered if they sell the retention systems separately. I’d love to buy one and replace it so I can continue to wear this one.
My guess is that Bell and other helmet companies don’t sell the retention systems separately for liability reasons (you can’t have klutzes like me reconditioning their own bike helmets!).
The foam breaks down over time. If the straps are shot there is a good chance the impact absorbing foam in the helmut is shot as well. Probably best to buy a new helmut.
I still have 3 Specialized Sub 6’s. Its an awesome helmet and still one of the lightest ever made. They are about 12-13 years old. I’ve had them painted to match my cycling outfits and bikes. I had them air brushed by a pro. I’ve replaced a strap or two from other helmets I have and don’t like. I can’t even say that they’ve “never been crashed” since they have!! : (
Polystyrene is a remarkably stable compound. I don’t believe the 5-year rule, it’s just a ruse to get you to buy more helmets. Of course, I stand ready to be persuaded by data. Not PR, not “recommendations,” but actual test data for impact absorption at varying dates after manufacture. Absent that, I’m inclined to think that as long as the polystyrene continues to be polystyrene, the impact absorption is fine.