A common misnomer is that, as long as your helmet looks okay, then it is okay. Not true. Over time, the materials in your helmet will begin to break down. This includes the outer shell, the shock absorbing material in the shell as well as the strapping material. UV exposure, perspiration and body oils all contribute to this progressive decline. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every 5 years. However, some manufacturers, like Bell and Giro, recommend that you replace your helmet every 3 years. This is especially important to understand with helmets for our children. I think of when my kids were younger and growing so quickly. Much of their bicycle gear consisted of hand-me-downs. A great option for clothing, but not always so great with helmets. Be sure to learn the purchase date of a hand-me-down helmet and replace it after 5 years.
Is your helmet beyond the 5 year mark, perhaps 10 years or older (think hard shell Bell Biker)? Helmet technology has improved dramatically over the past decade, with newer helmets being considerably lighter, better ventilated and with better fitting systems. So stay safe and be sure your helmet will protect you.
And of course, if you should take a spill and land on your head, no matter how light the impact, you should always replace your helmet. Just because there are no visible cracks or damage to the outer shell, that is no guarantee that there is no damage to the all important absorbing material on the inside. This is one rule of thumb which should never be ignored. If in doubt, contact your helmet manufacturer, who may offer inspection or a crash replacement program.
Giro, Bell, Trek and Catlike are among the Bike Helmet Indianapolis which you can find Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood)
If you are going to commute, do it with a flare. Arriving for his shift at Bicycle Garage Indy North, Victor rides a fixed gear Masi track bike , finished with clear coat over bare steel. "Riding the fixed gear is just great for your cycling form." says Victor. To top it off, he has the new Catlike Whisper Plus helmet, (just in stock at BGi). "Coolest and lightest helmet I have ever owned. You don't know it is there."
Tri’s are different than other competitions, in that you have a lot of different pieces of gear that are essential to your competition day. Should you forget anything on race day (e.g. helmet, running shoes), then you literally cannot race. All that time, preparation, money and emotional energy is wasted.
Miscellaneous:
There are a lot of bicyclists who can put their complete riding needs for a day in a couple of jersey pockets. I am not one of them. It is not that I am a totally 
Loading 4 bikes and gear may appear challenging, so here are some tips from our many summers of practice. We are a typical family of four, and we sometimes leave town for a ride, or to explore a new locale. We started our family outings when our boys were infants, so we have LOTS of practice.
When loading bikes on the Big Horn, each bike alternates front to back, and it may take a couple of tryw to find the combination for your families bikes. The bike holders can slide (tip, a quick shot of Formula 409 or similar cleaner eases sliding them). We also run a security cable through all the wheels to secure the bikes onto the rack.
Finally comes your apres ride extras. Fresh clothing is nice, especially on hot days. A a cooler of of drinks is also a good idea. If showers aren't available, we throw in some baby wipes, for quick clean for the drive home.
Here are a collection of tips based on my 10+ years with a 3 mile, one-way, commute, and 4 years of a 16-18 mile one-way commute. 
The weekend riding season is upon us! We check the calendar, get dressed, load up the car, drive to the start of the ride, unload the bikes, get ready to roll and then have that Doh! moment we we realize our helmet, bike shoes or sunglasses are still at home! I see this happen at almost every ride I attend, from local weekend 
The original cyclometers were mechanical counters, belt or gear driven, and attached to the front hub. The basic designs were unchanged for almost 100 years. Then, in the mid `70, from a number of different companies, mechanical devices were replaced with electronics. Magnets mounted on the wheel (and crank arms, for cadence) were positioned to trigger a sensitive reed switch mounted on the bike. Simple integrated circuits counted the revolutions and calculated speed and distance.
Typical for this middle range (and my personal favorite) are Pearl Izumi Slice Therma Fleece Tights. Thermal Fleece is a non-piling fleece bonded to stretch fabric, and will insulate when wet. The Slice tight feature an anatomic, 8 panel design and 8" ankle zippers. The Slice model does not include a chamois; you wear them over your cycling shorts. 
For the below 35 degrees, you will need more wind protection. The Gore Vista Tight relies on Gore breathable Windstopper Soft Shell, a breathable, water resistant fabric that moves with your body. It is available with or without padding. Peal Izumi offers a tight with its own AmFIB windproof and waterproof fabric. From Sugoi, the Subzero Zap tights offer wind resistant fabric and 3M Reflective accents additional visibility.
The quiet of a bicycle is part of the attraction. Once away from the urban din of Indianapolis, we only expect the sounds of tires on pavement or trail, the mechanical buzz-purr of the chain, and our own exertion. But sometime there will be another noise, a tick, or click or rub. It may be continuous, only occur in certain gears, or have an infrequent mystery source. 
My first extended tour was 11 days and 900 miles, riding from Toledo, Ohio to St. Ignace, Michigan, and back. It rained 7 of those 11 days; not rain showers, but all day, record breaking, cats and dogs cloud burst rain. That was over 500 soaking wet miles. At the end of the trip, everything with bearings on my one year old bike needed to re-packed, and the headset and bottom bracket had to be replaced. Ever since I have never toured without fenders, and they stay year round on my touring/wet weather bike. I also keep fenders on the bike I ride for bicycle commuting in Indianapolis.
For the ultimate in reliability and performance, many riders and bicycle mechanics like Gore Ride-on Cable System Kits, also available at BGI.
Since the program began in August 2006, more than 2000 bikes have been donated back out to the community, fulfilling the Shifting Gears mission: "Every Kid Deserves a Bike"
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