First "off" - now need new helmet...

luv2ride

So, had my first proper "off" today turning at speed on a wet junction on the closing part of my local loop round the lanes. Was quite a shock as never come off before in 4 years of riding and blimey was it sudden! :shock:

Bike seems ok, as do the new bib longs and jersey I was wearing (although quite a bit of road rash on my right arm, thigh and hip). It was the helmet that took the full force though, as I came down heavily on my head.

On getting home had a closer look at my S-works helmet and, sure enough, there's a nice big crack around the right "temple" area so I now need a new lid. Given that I was very happy with the helmet re: comfort, looks and ventilation and it clearly saved my from a potentially nasty injury I'd ike to stick to Spesh.

Anyone know if they do a crash replacement policy and, if so, how does it work - 50% off and you choose from a range of helmets or something else? Would also like to know if anyone has gone down this route to replace a damaged helmet and how long it took - don't fancy staying off the bike too long as it did hit my confidence a little and I'm defo not riding without a helmet in future! cheers

milleman

I wrecked a Specialized helmet a couple of years ago, cannot recall exactly the right procedure (check their website), but I returned the lid to the main UK office with a covering letter and got a replacement model for a considerable discount.

I thought that was pretty fair TBH, I was also impressed with how the lid stood up to the accident as well.

pilot_pete

Page 2 http://cdn.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/WarrantyConditionsEwww.com.pdf

But there again, no mention of discount amount here http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/why/

PP

ajb72

Glad to hear you are ok, on the whole! Good also to hear the Spesh S-Works stood up to the impact, I've been using them for years but thankfully never had to put them to a crash test. Let us know how you get on with the replacement process, it would be good to know how it works and what kind of discount you get.

luv2ride

Thanks guys. The links sent by PP certainly sound hopeful. I bought from Evans and they have suggested emailing their warranty returns dept (who don't work weekends). I might try calling the Concept store in Bristol to see if they can help, as its not clear whether it is Specilaized who pick this up, or whether it has to go to the dealer who originally sold it, and it would be great to something sorted this weekend...

THe good news was the helmet did a great job (it was actually a big impact - still have the headache!)

ermintrude

Can't speak for Specialized but I have just had similar crash wearing a Giro helmet. Procedure is I have to send it back to Giro and they send me a credit note towards another one, I'm told its about 45% of original cost

rozzer32

Again I can't speak for Specialized but have had a couple of crashes with Giro and in there case I had to send the helmet back to Madison (UK importer for Giro) with a cover letter and a cheque for the price of a new helmet. Can't remember the exact price but it was a discount on the shop prices. Think they even let you upgrade to higher in the range helmet if you pay the cost for that helmet.

Ands

I had my helmet replaced under the Specialized crash replacement. I can't remember the cost but I think I paid about £50 for the top of the range s-works as replacement. I just had to send the damaged one back to them.

bristolpete

Send the helmet to Specialized UK Hq with a covering letter. They send you info about getting a half price helmet. They look at the cracked helmet to see/inspect the impact damage. Call customer services to confirm del address.

luv2ride

Said I'd update once I knew more. Spesh UK have confirmed what Bristol Pete and others have said, although they advised also sending them a cheque for £60 and they'd send out a brand new SL3 helmet (new version of the 2D S-works with a rotary cradle adjuster). So it goes off tomorrow and hopefully I get a new lid by the weekend. Discount works out @ 45% off

ajb72

Thanks for the update, glad it worked out well for you in the end

bristolpete

Luv2ride wrote:

Said I'd update once I knew more. Spesh UK have confirmed what Bristol Pete and others have said, although they advised also sending them a cheque for £60 and they'd send out a brand new SL3 helmet (new version of the 2D S-works with a rotary cradle adjuster). So it goes off tomorrow and hopefully I get a new lid by the weekend. Discount works out @ 45% off

Smart, I have the new S3 helmet in white. Now my favourite lid - I have the Sworks 2d in black but the cradle is better and it has the strap set up as per the prevail which is superb and does not twist like the older lids.

luv2ride

Good news! Sent the damaged S-works lid back to Specialized UK on Tuesday, and a brand new SL3 version turned up today. Had to send cheque for £60 but that's £50 off the RRP so I think that's reasonable Also cheekily suggested a first and second choice of colour way and they sent out my preferred colour (black) 8)

As BristolPete said, the SL3 seems to have exactly the same moulding as the old 2D S-works but with an improved Mindset cradle. Let's hope this one stays in one piece for a bit longer than the first!

Very happy with the customer service from Spesh. If anyone needs their crash damaged helmet replacing the address is:

Specialized UK Ltd
29 Barwell Business park
Leatherhead Road
Chessington
Surrey
KT9 2NY
Tel: 020 8391 3500

topcattim

Does anyone know if you have to include proof of original purchase to show the age of the helmet? I had an off a couple of weekends ago, and now have a hairline crack (in my Spesh helmet, not my head, thank goodness). But I think my helmet is at least a couple of years old. According to the warranty the offer only (reasonably, I know) seems to apply for two years but then when you look at the information elsewhere on their website it implies that there is an offer to replace an older helmet at reduced cost?

Ands

I didn't have to provide proof of purchase, and I wasn't asked how old it was. (And yes, it was over 2 years old....). I just contacted them on email, they emailed back with a list of options/colours/prices and asked me to post them the helmet, along with a cheque. There wasn't actually any visible damage on my helmet (although there were blood stains all down the straps!).

topcattim

Ands wrote:

I didn't have to provide proof of purchase, and I wasn't asked how old it was. (And yes, it was over 2 years old....). I just contacted them on email, they emailed back with a list of options/colours/prices and asked me to post them the helmet, along with a cheque. There wasn't actually any visible damage on my helmet (although there were blood stains all down the straps!).

Thanks Ands - I've sent them an email and will now await their reply.

topcattim

topcattim wrote:

Ands wrote:

I didn't have to provide proof of purchase, and I wasn't asked how old it was. (And yes, it was over 2 years old....). I just contacted them on email, they emailed back with a list of options/colours/prices and asked me to post them the helmet, along with a cheque. There wasn't actually any visible damage on my helmet (although there were blood stains all down the straps!).

Thanks Ands - I've sent them an email and will now await their reply.

And I now have a new helmet, at half cost price. Top piece of customer service