I crashed in a borrowed cycling helmet. How do I tell its owner it needs replacing when it looks fine?
Sports"Just wipe it down before you bring it back," my friend said. I hadn't yet told him that I'd fallen and the borrowed bicycle helmet had struck the pavement.
I should have mentioned the impact first. I sent a photo instead, and because there was no obvious crack, he assumed I was asking about a scuff. I've stopped using it. The [US Consumer Product Safety Commission's helmet guidance](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/349-WhichHelmetBrochure_1-6-2026_WEB_508.pdf) explains that bicycle helmets are designed for a single fall impact and need replacing afterwards even when damage isn't visible.
My friend had offered the loan because I wasn't ready to buy equipment for a ride I might not repeat. Now I need to own what happened and discuss a replacement. He may want the same expensive model; I can pay, but it would take two paydays.
How do I make the condition of the helmet completely clear and agree on replacement without letting the money conversation turn into "perhaps it's still usable"?
