GRIME TIME
Your questions answered
When to get a new lid, indexing your gears & frame materials demysti ied
BEST BEFORE DATE
I’m the proud owner of a Giro Xar helmet, which I bought at the tail end of 2011. Now, I’m quite a careful rider, preferring to log miles on the trail rather than in the air. I also take great care of my kit, so despite its age, it’s got very little damage, aside from some light scuffs. My question is, just how long can a helmet last if it’s not been crashed in? Will the liner deteriorate over time or am I OK to keep wearing my lovely Xar for years to come? Pete Stevens, via email Good question! While you need to replace your lid after any kind of impact (get in touch with your local bike shop or helmet manufacturer to find out about their crash replacement policy – most are quite good), regular use can take its toll too. “Riders should get a good few years of solid riding out of a helmet, but replace it after crashing or when it begins to show signs of wear,” says Peter Nicholson, on behalf of Giro. This can include a chipped EPS liner, dents in the shell, etc. MET and Giro both suggest renewing your lid every three years, even if you only use it once a week and take care of it. We also contacted Specialized, who said their helmets don’t have a ‘set in stone’ expiry date but made the point that a 10-year-old lid that’s been worn regularly and subjected to everyday wear and tear won’t protect your head as well as a box-fresh one. Also, don’t forget that helmet technology is constantly improving. While there may not be anything wrong with your perfectly preserved five-year-old lid, advancements like in-moulded liners and MIPS technology mean a more modern replacement might keep your head safer.
WHAT TO DROP ON A DROPPER?
I’ve finally saved enough to invest in my first dropper post, but which one should I get? Should I spend the lot – just over £300 – on one from a better-known brand or get something a little cheaper and use the rest for my next upgrade? Tom Parker, Cheltenham
Picking a dropper is never easy, with reliability being the main issue after price. There are a few that seem to be relatively problem free though. The Specialized Command Post IRcc comes in well under budget at £250, in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, and uses one of our favourite remotes, the SLR under-bar paddle lever. It’s limited to a 125mm max drop though. Another good option is the Fox Transfer Performance. For £335 you get a 30.9 or 31.6mm post with up to 150mm of drop and a choice of lever. We’ve only had minor issues with one post so far and Fox sorted those quickly. Since then, performance has been impressive. While the popular RockShox Reverb costs more than most, at £375 for the longest 170mm offering, you can normally find it for under £300. It’s still proving reasonably reliable, and it’s easy to service, despite its hydraulic actuation.
Sweating buckets
I get too hot riding in my waterproof jacket. What do you guys wear? Pat Sharp, Fun House Even the best jackets get sweaty after a while if you’re doing high-intensity exercise. If you can afford them, we’ve found the most effective fabrics to be Polartec NeoShell and Gore-Tex Active. Alternatively, a thin, lightweight jacket such as Endura’s MTR Shell can make it easier to manage your temperature if you’re smart with your layering. A lot of us tend to forgo full-on waterproofs and wear a decent windshell instead. They’re generally cheaper, less sweaty and will still keep light rain and splashes at bay.