Mountain biking is a sport that requires helmets. It is important to ask: Which mountain bike helmet is the best You want it to be affordable, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. I have all the gear you need, whether you are looking for downhill helmets or XC trails.
There’s a sure way to find the one that suits your needs.
Quick Look – Our Favorite Helmets For Mountain Bikers
Budget Selection
Giro Fixture
The Best Safety Features
Troy Lee Designs A1
Full Face
Status 100%
MTB Helmets: Buying Guide and Tips
This section can help you choose the best mountain bikes helmet.
Let’s look deeper at what you should consider when purchasing a mountain bike helmet.
1. Different types of mountain bike helmets
The needs of each type of mountain biking are similar.
Trail
Trail riding is the easiest type of mountain biking. This makes it easier to wear a helmet. Pre-marked trails are a great way to start mountain biking. However, it’s also a favorite of both veterans and beginners.
Light, comfortable, half-shells are the best helmets for trail riding.
Cross-country (XC)
Cross-country riding is best for those who have more energy and less patience for trails. You can ride in loops or on fixed routes over different terrain types.
XC can bring you some surprises so make sure you have a helmet that is strong, has a lot of visibility and incorporates safety features that are durable. A half-shell such as the Oakley DRT5 and Smith Optics Forefront2 is a great option.
Downhill/Enduro
Anyone who has ever tried to slide down a slope knows it isn’t getting down that’s the problem. It’s getting down in control and in one piece. This is downhill biking’s challenge, as well as the reason it’s so popular. Downhill biking usually involves jumps and ramps. You need the best protection.
Enduro riding is a mix of downhill and uphill. However, it can include many of the same jumps as downhill. Enduro is one of the most dangerous forms of mountain biking. You shouldn’t skimp on protection if this is something you are willing to do.
You’ll need an aggressive, durable, full-face helmet for downhill and even enduro. However, if you prefer something a little more gentle, the Bell Super 3R or 100% Status are good choices for enduro.
2. Fit and Comfort
This is the most important aspect to consider when purchasing a helmet. You want your helmet to feel comfortable and provide great protection.
Manufacturers include capstans and adjustable straps to fit every head. These enable helmets to be perfectly fitted so that heavy riders of all sizes can enjoy the best safety features.
You don’t have to stuff your helmet to keep it steady or grind your teeth to wear a helmet that pinches. Helmets are now available in many sizes.
3. Ventilation
Mountain biking is hard, sweaty work. It’s also distracting to have sweat constantly dripping into your eyes and ears.
You will save money by having your helmet odorless and less prone to bacterial growth.
The Smith Venture or Giro Montaro are two examples of helmets that have good ventilation. They have 20 and 16 air vents, respectively.
4. Safety Features
Safety is the most important feature of all helmets.
In recent years, safety features and technologies have improved with the introduction of MIPS and SPIN. Wavecel and Koroyd.
Let’s have a closer look at each safety feature.
MIPS
The multi-directional Impact Protection System was the first protection system to be introduced. It is made up of a slip-plane liner between the foam and pads of the helmet that slips and rotates to redirect impact forces away from the brain.
MIPS is the most widely used safety technology because of its reliability and familiarity. It can be found in helmets like the Giro Fixture and Specialized Ambush, Bontrager Solstice, and Bell Super 3R.
5. Safety Standards
Before being sold, all helmets made by reputable brands have to pass a safety standards test. The safety standards may vary depending on where you live.
The safety standard sticker can be found on the inner of the helmet.
These are the three most frequently used safety stands for helmets.
CE
The safety standard for products sold or manufactured in the European Economic Area is CE (or Conformite Europeenne). This mark is used to identify helmets that have passed rigorous European testing.
CPSC
The U.S. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), tests helmets to make sure they don’t impair sight, fit comfortably on the head, and don’t stretch too much.
AS/NZS
The Australian/New Zealand standard calls for helmets that can absorb energy and distribute the load. A retention system is also required to ensure that helmets are properly secured to your head.
6. Helmet Weight
In cycling equipment, the rule of thumb is that the lighter the bike, the better.
It is not recommended to use lightweight helmets for downhill riding such as the Octal X or Smith Forefront II.
Cross-country and trail riding helmets weigh between 255g and 370g. A downhill helmet can weigh from 708g to 1135g.
7. Crash Replacement
Although opinions vary on how to replace a helmet, most manufacturers agree that you should have a new one if there is any more serious impact than a single drop.
Many helmet manufacturers, such as Bontrager, will replace your helmet at a lower cost.
MTB helmets on a budget
Giro Fixture MIPS
This is a great choice for budget-minded people
- MIPS equipped
- There are many ventilation vents
- One size fits all
Giro, a trusted brand among cyclists, was the first company to use MIPS technology in 2001.
For those who are just starting out in mountain biking, the Giro Fixture is a great budget option. You will find safety features like MIPS in this helmet that you would expect to see on top-end mountain bike helmets.
The one-size-fits-all design features an adjustable rear dial and fully adjustable retention system. It also has a fixed visor that protects the eyes from sunlight and debris.
Smith Venture MIPS
One of the Coolest Mountain Bike Helmets Available
- Design that is beautiful
- Maximum Ventilation: 20 Air Vents
- Visor that is not removable
The Smith Venture is the perfect bike for you if cool looks are your top priority while riding. There are six colors available, with matte white and matte dark being the most popular among mountain bikers.
The Vaporfit Adjustable fit System allows for adjustment from the back and fine-tuning at the front. This allows it to accommodate head sizes that may be slightly out of the manufacturer’s standard range.
You will also find 20 air vents in the helmet, which provide ventilation during hot summer days.
Bontrager Solstice MIPS
MIPS-equipped, Value for Money Mountain Bike Helmet
- Value for money
- MIPS equipped
- Heavy at 375g
Bontrager Solstice is a great choice for features, safety, affordability, and value.
MIPS technology is a magnetic adjustment system that can be adjusted to any size or shape of your head. A removable visor allows you maximum flexibility for a very low price.
This helmet is also unique among budget helmets because it uses in-mold construction. It is made from one piece and not glued or taped together.
It has a great airflow system to keep your head dry and cool. You can even get a crash replacement guarantee if it is damaged within the first year.
Conclusion
Mountain biking can be very dangerous. Protecting your head is one of the most important things you can do. It can be difficult to find a helmet that will not only protect you from the inevitable fall but is durable enough to last and light enough that you don’t feel like you are riding for hours. Each model was tested by our testers so that you have the most accurate information before you buy your next helmet. We hope this review has helped you to make an informed decision.