Mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating and adventurous sports many people love to indulge in. However, riding at high speeds on steep terrains can be dangerous, so it is important to wear a helmet when biking.
This article will examine some of the best mountain bike helmets available today.
What kind of helmet do I need for mountain biking?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right mountain bike helmet. First, it includes fit, comfort, ventilation ports, coverage, and impact protection. You should also consider the features you need most in a helmet, such as visor designs or riding eyewear attachments. Ultimately, choosing a helmet that fits well and offers the level of protection you need for your riding key style and skill level is important.
Today’s best mountain bike helmets include models from leading helmet brands like Fox Racing, Giro, and Bell Sports. These affordable helmets are designed to provide extra protection while still being lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. With a broad range of protective features, such as MIPS technology, adjustable fit systems, and integrated venting, you can easily find a helmet that fits your needs and preferences.
Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Guides
If you’re in the market for a new mountain bike helmet, there are several factors to consider when making your purchase.
Some of the key things to look for are discussed here:
Bicycle Helmet Standards For Safety
The Australian Safety Standards for helmets are one of the key factors to consider when purchasing a helmet. These standards, regulated by the Australian Government’s Transport and Infrastructure portfolio, set strict requirements for impact resistance, stability, and fit. It would be best if you also looked for CPSC-certified bicycle helmets.
Rotational Impact Protection
In addition to safety standards, many mountain bike helmets incorporate Rotational Impact Protection Systems (MIPS). These systems reduce the rotational forces on the head during a fall or accident.
Helmet Fit and Sizing
It’s also important to choose a mountain bike helmet that is the right size and fits correctly. Most modern helmets come with adjustable sizing systems, such as dial-adjustable fit systems or quick-release buckles.
Helmet Materials and Construction
The materials and construction of a helmet can play an important role in safety and comfort. Look for well-constructed helmets with durable, lightweight material coverage that offer good ventilation to keep your head cool and dry while riding.
Helmet Ventilation
Choosing downhill mountain biking helmets with good ventilation is important if you’re biking in hot weather or doing lots of downhill riding. Look for helmets with aero-tuned vents and removable padding to ensure cool, ample airflow and comfortable performance on the trail.
Half-shell vs. Full-face Helmets
Another important consideration is whether you prefer a half-shell or full-face mountain bike helmet. Half-shell helmets are ideal for cross-country and trail riding, while full-face helmets offer more coverage and are designed to protect your face in the event of a crash.
Visor
In addition to other factors such as fit, safety standards, materials, and construction, you may also want to decide if you want to ride with helmet visors on the mountain bike is right for you. Most helmets today come with an adjustable visor that can be angled up or down to protect your eyes against the sun’s glare or on cloudy days. Some riders find that visors help keep dust and debris out of their eyes while riding.
Style
If you’re looking for a mountain bike helmet that looks as good as it performs, consider looking for various style standpoint options and high-performance models in your favourite colour. While performance should always be your priority, many options available today let you choose a helmet that matches your style and personality.
Weight
The lighter a helmet is, the less fatigue you will feel when wearing it, which can make the biggest difference in comfort and performance on the trail. For example, while some mountain bike helmets can weigh more than a pound, you can find lightweight and comfortable models to wear all day long if your weight consciousness makes it difficult for you to wear some heavy helmets.
Convertibility
Another factor to consider when choosing a mountain bike helmet is whether you prefer a convertible helmet model that it can wear with or without goggles. It can be a great option for riders who like to wear sunglasses or goggles when biking and those who want the convenience of switching back and forth between gears.
Best Features of Mountain Bike (MTB) Helmets
Eyewear fit and goggle storage
One of the major features to be noticed is the integration of your eyewear and goggle strap adjustment into the helmet. It is important if you wear glasses or goggles while riding, as it helps to protect your eyewear from getting knocked loose or broken in the event of a crash while managing goggle pressure above your head.
Chin straps and buckles
Quality chin straps and buckles can help improve the performance and comfort of your mountain bike. Look for sturdy and durable ones that are easy to adjust and won’t loosen or come loose while you’re riding. The best mountain bike helmets also incorporate secure and adjustable quick-release cheek pads as added protective layer and chin guards to keep your helmet in place while riding.
Removable chin bar
If you’re looking for more protection, some models feature a removable chin bar that can be quickly and easily fastened or removed when needed. It is a great feature for riders who prefer to ride with or without the chin bar, depending on terrain and weather conditions. Other easy-to-remove features include pads, straps, and vents that can be removed for washing or to improve comfort.
Crash sensor
Some Mountain Bike Racing Helmets also incorporate a crash sensor that automatically alerts emergency contacts in the event of an accident. Many sensors are now integrated with GPS technology to pinpoint your exact location and notify emergency services if needed as the volume of crashes in MTB racing is increasing.
Colours and graphics
Another consideration is the design and style of a mountain bike helmet. While many riders prefer to wear helmets in solid colours, like those of Troy Lee Designs, you can also find models with fun graphics and designs to help match your style.
MIPS, SPIN, and More
If you want the most protection possible, helmet For Impact Absorption technology for helmets helps reduce injury in the event of a crash. MIPS, or Multi-directional basic Impact Protection System, is a leading safety feature in many high-performance mountain bike helmets. This protection technology utilises an inner liner with low friction to reduce rotational impacts and brain protection against forces that may occur in certain accidents.
Shell
Another innovative safety feature in some mountain bike helmets is an in-moulded shell, which adds strength and stability to help reduce injury during a crash. Some models also include venting systems and breathable materials, which help keep your head cool and comfortable when riding in hot, along with various types of impact protection.
Light compatibility
Not only do many mountain bike helmets look great, but they are also compatible with lights to increase your safety on the trails. These lights can be securely attached to the helmet and often offer a bright, dependable beam of light to help you stay visible in dim or dark conditions.
Aftermarket mounts
If you frequently ride your mountain bike at night or want to camera-record your rides, look for helmets with built-in mounts to hold lights or action cameras. These mounts can be attached to any part of your helmet and adjusted for optimal positioning.
How much should I spend on a mountain bike helmet?
The price of a mountain bike helmet can vary widely, depending on the features you want and need. Basic models start at around $50, while high-end premium helmets can cost up to $300 or more. When choosing a helmet, look for something that offers great protection and comfort while also fitting within your budget.
If you are purchasing a helmet for regular use, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality model that will provide more protection and comfort over time. However, if you only use the helmet occasionally or your budget is tight, it is still possible to find models at lower price points that offer adequate protection and value.
When shopping, it is important to consider your individual needs and compare features, costs, and reviews to find the best helmet.
How are mountain bike helmets designed and tested?
Mountain bike helmets are typically designed and tested using a combination of advanced computer modelling, physical crash testing, and analysis of real-world accident data. Many helmet manufacturers have in-house testing facilities that test prototypes using computer simulations, followed by rigorous impact testing on actual human subjects.
In addition to the materials used and the helmet’s design, how a helmet is tested can vary greatly by manufacturer and country. For example, in Europe, helmets are often subjected to drop testing from various heights and on different impact surfaces. For example, the United States has no standardised test for mountain bike helmets. In Australia, helmets must undergo extensive impact testing, including dropping from up to 5 meters onto various surfaces.
Overall, a mountain bike helmet aims to provide maximum protection while being comfortable and lightweight enough for long rides. Considering the above factors, you can find the right helmet that offers safety and style on your next ride.
FAQs
There is no hard and fast rule about which type of helmet is best for mountain biking. Some riders prefer road bike helmets, as they offer greater ventilation and lighter weight, while others may prefer the increased coverage and protection provided by a mountain bike-specific model. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you feel most comfortable riding.
MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a helmet technology designed to reduce the forces transmitted to the brain during an impact. Most modern mountain bike helmets are equipped with MIPS liners, which help absorb and redirect impact forces away from the wearer’s head.
Yes, we can use climbing helmets for mountain biking. Many models are designed with both climbers and bikers in mind, offering excellent protection while being lightweight and ventilated. For example, if you are looking for a versatile helmet, a climbing helmet may be the right choice for your mountain biking needs.
The level of protection offered by different comfortable helmets can vary greatly depending on many factors. Generally, more expensive helmets will offer increased features and better safety testing, but this is only sometimes the case. But ultimately, it comes down to finding a helmet that provides the level of protection and comfort you need at a price you can afford.
MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a type of helmet liner designed to reduce the forces transmitted to the brain during an impact. Many modern mountain bike helmets are equipped with MIPS liners to help absorb and redirect impact forces away from the wearer’s head.
Different helmets will fit and feel differently on each individual’s head. The best way to determine if your helmet fits properly is to try it on and test the fit while riding. Some key things to look for include good coverage over the brow and ears, a tight fit with minimal movement on your entire head size, and snug straps. It may not be the right fit if you notice any pressure points or gaps in your helmet.
While all e-bike helmets provide some level of safety, they vary greatly in design and safety features. For example, some models of bike helmets may offer stronger materials or more extensive impact testing to help protect you better. Therefore, it is important to consider your riding style and needs when choosing an e-bike helmet to ensure it provides the right level of protection.
Brad is co-founder of Green Speed, and he is the hand and mind behind the site’s compelling content. Brad is an avid cyclist passionate about environmental and pollution management and promotes cycling for a healthy and sustainable livelihood. He loves to try and review new gears and cycling accessories. He will most likely be in the gym or cleaning up the beach with this beach group when he is not working.