How a helmet should fit
Snug, even pressure and no gaps: a simple test you can do in the store or at home.
How long does riding gear last
Helmets, jackets, boots and luggage: rough lifespans, and the signs that it is time to replace them.
Riders often ask how long their gear should last. There is no exact number, because it depends on how much you ride and how you store it, but here is what we see across our customers and our own gear.
Helmets are the one item with a firm rule. Replace a helmet after any fall where it hit the ground, even if it looks fine, because the foam inside crushes once and does not recover. Otherwise, replace it after about five years, when the lining has compressed and the fit has loosened.
Textile jackets last five to six seasons of regular touring. Look for faded, thin fabric at the shoulders and elbows, worn waterproofing and armour that has gone stiff or cracked. Armour can be replaced on its own for about ₹2,500.
Leather jackets and boots last ten years or more with care. Replace boots when the sole wears smooth or the ankle support goes soft. Resoling is possible on some boots; ask us.
Luggage lasts as long as its straps and zips. Both can be replaced at our bench, so a good bag often outlives several bikes.
Gloves wear fastest, often in two seasons, at the palm. When you can feel the bars through a worn patch, it is time.
Bring your gear in once a year before the season and we will check it with you, free.
