LOVE is in the air on Good Morning America!
Posted February 12, 2012
FAQs
SAFETY
Q. I want to buy my Nutcase Helmet bicycle overseas when I travel / online / on eBay. Are the safety standards the same?
No. Nutcase Helmets produced for the Americas, Europe, Japan and Korea comply with specific bicycle safety standards for those regions only. The helmets are also a different size and shape for those markets.
In addition, Nutcase has distribution agreements in place to ensure the right helmet is available for customers in each country. We would caution customers from purchasing on eBay or similar auction sites in case the helmet is second-hand and has been involved in a fall or crash.
For Australasia, Nutcase Helmets have been produced to comply with the following safety standards:
-
ASNZS 2063:2008 Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets (Range: Street & Little Nutty)
-
ASTM F2040 Safety Standard for Recreational Snow Sports or CE EN 1077 for Alpine Skiing (Range: Classic Snow)
-
CE EN 1385 Safety Standard for Water Sports (Range: Water)
Q. Can I wear a Nutcase Street helmet for Snow or Water purposes?
Safety standards are devised worldwide for many different products to ensure the product has been designed and manufactured to a standard and function befitting its purpose.Nutcase Street Helmets are designed for bicycle and other street activities such as skate and roller sports and they comply with the safety standard ASNZS 2063:2008 Bicycle Helmet standard.
Some customers choose to add a beanie to their Street helmet for Snow use, however we cannot guarantee the helmet will perform the safety function required on the ski fields.
The Street helmet is not suitable construction for Water sports.
Q. Can I wear a Nutcase Water or Nutcase Snow helmet for Street/Bike purposes?
No. Only helmets which comply with the safety standard ASNZS 2063:2008 for Bicycle Helmets are designed, constructed and made for suitable-use in Street based activities such as bike riding, skating, roller skating or foot-scooters.
In addition, Nutcase Water helmets are made from a different inner lining which is suitable for water sport impact, durability and water drainage via ear cups. They are made to the available European safety standard for Water sport helmets: CE EN 1385.
Nutcase Snow helmets are made to enhance comfort and warmth and have durability suitable in cold climates. They are tested and manufactured to the available European safety standard for Snow sport helmets: CE EN 1077B.
The only Nutcase Helmet able to be used for two sports is the Little Nutty Snow + Bike range (due May 2012 Australia) for toddlers. This is the first dual-compliant helmet for children aged approx. 2 - 5 years (measuring 46-52cm) and is convertible with soft Snow lining and ear muffs or bicycle foam padding.
HELMET CARE
Q. How do I store and maintain my helmet?
- Do not use commercial or domestic cleaning products on your helmet. Rinse the helmet in clean water and use a small amount of PH neutral soap/detergent only.
- Dry off or leave to dry away from direct heat or sun.
- Always store helmets in a dry, cool, dark and chemically-neutral place. Avoid UV rays, sharp corners, sources of humidity. heat or corrosive substances. Do not store when wet.
If you're not online, every Nutcase Helmet also comes complete with a manual outlining the best way to store and maintain your helmet when not in use.
Q. I have a matte-finish helmet which is developing a sticky residue. Why? and what should I do?
Your helmet may have been left in heat or sun and been damaged by UV ray exposure for a prolonged period such as 3 or 6 months. Nutcase warrants against manufacturing defects and cannot cover wear-and-tear caused by individual storage and care situations.
Do not use commercial or domestic cleaning products on your helmet. If the helmet is sticky, trying to clean it may degrade the paint finish further.
Always store helmets in a dry, cool, dark and chemically-neutral place. Avoid UV rays, sharp corners, sources of humidity. heat or corrosive substances. Do not store when wet.
Do not leave outside even if your shed, deck, car port is covered. Do not leave inside cars, boats or other vehicles as warm temperatures are concentrated in these areas.
Q. How often should I replace my helmet?
Helmets have a normal lifespan of 2-3 years and should be replaced approximately every 2-3 years due to normal factors such as growth or wear and tear.
Nutcase Little Nutty, Street, Water and Snow helmets are classed generally as 'single impact'. If you are in a crash, serious fall or accident, the helmet should be replaced immediately. This is because the thick black/grey EPS liner which absorbs impact may be damaged. Watch this video about the science and physics of safety gear.
Some stories from our customers can be found at "Thank You Nutcase"
SIZE & FIT
Q. My child is 1 year old, will the Little Nutty helmet fit?
A. We do not recommend Little Nutty or any helmet for any child aged 1 year old or less. A child must develop neck strength in order to have optimal benefit from a helmet.
Little Nutty is designed for use by toddlers aged approximately 3-5 years with a head circumference measuring 46cm - 52cm. It is adjustable to the maximum size with a Spin Dial.
Q. When is it safe for a baby to use a Nutcase helmet?
A. We receive many questions from parents, with children aged 6 weeks onward, who wish to ride with them in a bike seat, trailer or chariot. No studies we are aware of have ever recommended that it is safe for children this young to ride in bike seats, trailers or chariots - even if they have a helmet fitted. In some cities, such as New York, it is prohibited to ride with a child under 12 months.
Trailers/chariots are close to the road and parents often forget how rough the ride can be. A normal slow ride can present serious jolts to a young baby's neck. Adult riders also need to be competent to avoid the most common crashes (which occur standing still).
For Nutcase customers, we suggest approximately ages 3 and older when starting with the Little Nutty range. We recommend seeking advice from a medical professional such as your Paediatrician or Baby Health Nurse.
Q. My toddler measures 51cm already. I want to save some money, will he/she fit into the Adult Street S-M size?
If you regularly buy your children school shoes a size too large and stuff paper in the toes, only to see them slip/trip over, then large helmets may make sense. We don't recommend it. Helmets, bicycles or any piece of equipment which does not fit the rider properly can be dangerous.
As a guide, children do the most amount of growth in their entire lives between the short time of birth to 12 months old. They grow approximately 25 cm on average in just 1 year! After that, growth is incremental. The next growth spurt is puberty (8-13 years for girls, 10-15 years for boys). Then its onto adulthood between ages 17-21.
For any helmet to be used optimally, it must be fitted properly.
The Nutcase Street helmet measures 52cm - 57cm. Even with the thickest padding inserted in the S-M to bring it down to 52cm, your toddler will be wearing a pretty big helmet shell for a long time.
Strap adjustments may not prevent the oversized helmet from slipping backwards on a toddler. If the toddler experiences a fall and the helmet has slippage, it may not protect their temples and frontal lobe adequately.
See the size charts and always measure your child. Or, ideally, fit the helmet at one of our Nutcase Dealer stores if your child is on the size threshold and you are unsure.
All kids are different, but in general those over the age of about 6 are better suited to the size range of the S-M helmet. Adults aged approximately 16 and over are most often sizes L-XL but please check you measurements using our Size Guide.
Q. How do I create a custom fit for Street and Little Nutty helmets?
Little Nutty is fitted with a Spin Dial system, see instructions in the box and below.
Street helmets come with a foam padding set in the box. Remove the default pads, and use the below guidelines for customising fit.
These just velcro straight onto the inside. For complete fitting guidelines see our Size Charts Page
Q. I'm an adult but I'm in-between the two size ranges for your helmets, what should I do?
Our Street Helmets are S-M (52-57cm) and L-XL (58-62cm). If you are 57cm, 57.5cm or 58cm you should generally choose the L-XL helmet because it will allow for width for thick hair, and depth - that is, for the helmet to sit deep enough to cover your frontal lobe and temples.
Sometimes customers measuring 57cm (just) will find the Street S-M too narrow and hence, the helmet will sit too high on the head.
Important: When you receive your helmet always remove the default padding from inside the helmet and use the foam pads in the box to create a custom fit back and front for your head.
For Snow helmets, if you are in between sizes - we suggest going up a size for better fit due to extra winter lining.
For Water helmets, if you are in between sizes - we suggest going down a size for better fit.
ONLINE ORDERING AND DELIVERY (AUSTRALIA)
Q. Can I have my order sent to my home if I am not there?
eParcel and AAE deliveries can take place for any home, PO Box and work address. If you or someone else is not available to receive the items, a card will be left so you can pick it up at the local Post Office.
The general time required for east coast Australia deliveries is 2-3 days and west coast Australia is 4-6 days.
Our warehouse dispatches from Sydney. If you're waiting for your order (for what seems to be too long for your location), please contact us at chief@nutcasehelmets.com.au so we can track down your parcel.
See full shipping/delivery info at: http://www.nutcasehelmets.com.au/pages/delivery-returns
EXCHANGES & RETURNS
Q. I think I've chosen the wrong size / colour / changed my mind / received a gift I want to change...help!
We encourage you to visit a Certified Nutcase Dealer when purchasing a Nutcase Helmet for yourself or as a gift. This is especially good if you're unsure about size, colours or styles. Our dealers are great stores ready to help you out. Many of them can advise you by phone and have websites with online shopping to boot!
A limited quantity of stock for each style is available online from Nutcase Australasia if you cannot reach a Dealer store. In the unusual event that your purchase with us results in a problem with size, colour or choice - contact us at chief@nutcasehelmets.com.au with details of your receipt and problem. Faults should be reported within 7 days of purchase so we can help as soon as possible.
Although the law does not obligate returns for 'change of mind', wrong sizes or alternative preferences, we try to help wherever we can! You may exchange for another item if it is available in the online store.
We reserve the right to refuse returns for any request to return/change Clearance helmets unless the item is faulty or meets the criteria as detailed at: http://www.nutcasehelmets.com.au/pages/returns
Q. Can I exchange my online-bought helmet at a Dealer store?
You will not be able to exchange at a Dealer Store unless your purchase was from that Dealer store.
Q. I bought my helmet from a Dealer store and want to change or return it but the store won't let me. Can you help?
Nutcase Dealers abide by the same laws and regulations as all Australian businesses with regards to returns and exchanges. The Australian Consumer Law outlines your rights here: http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/content/fact_sheets/_downloads/consumer_shopping_20120111.PDF
If your request falls outside of the conditions stated in the Australian Consumer Law, it is at the Dealer/Retailer's discretion as to whether they are able to grant a refund or exchange based on change of mind, abnormal use (such as wear/tear caused by poor helmet care), or other circumstances. Sometimes retailers may be unable to help if the product you wish to exchange for is no longer available.
In most cases, Dealers will try to help. Please work with your retailer to come to a suitable alternative solution.