The Greatest Mountain Bike Helmets of 2024

How We Examined the Greatest Mountain Bike Helmets

We take biking very severely, and it doesn’t matter what kind of using we’re doing, our security is of the utmost significance. For that cause, a top quality helmet is crucial piece of substances we placed on earlier than each mountain bike journey. We’re at all times searching for essentially the most protecting, snug, and best-looking mountain bike helmets we are able to discover so we are able to have enjoyable on the paths with the peace of thoughts helmet gives.

Our editorial workers has been testing the most recent and biggest mountain bike helmets for over a decade. Positive, we’ve all acquired our favorites, however the market is ever-changing, with new and up to date fashions popping out on a regular basis. Thankfully, we get to strive all of them out, typically earlier than they’re even out there to the general public. This expertise has given us distinctive perception as to what makes an amazing helmet, together with the flexibility to discern the variations in efficiency and performance between the totally different fashions we check. In case you’re a roadie, our crew has additionally completely examined and reviewed the most effective street bike helmets, too.

Overview creator Jeremy Benson has been professionally testing and reviewing mountain bikes and equipment for the previous 8 years. In that point, he has tried over 30 totally different helmets. Whether or not for XC rides, shuttle laps, or adventurous backcountry loops, he has honed in on the particular efficiency attributes that make an amazing helmet. For the needs of this assessment, he examined 10 fashions aspect by aspect to instantly examine issues like match, consolation, air flow, protection, and visors. These findings, mixed with fashions our editors have lately examined, are offered right here to assist inform your vital mountain bike helmet buy resolution. Along with helmets, Jeremy has additionally examined and reviewed the most effective biking sun shades to maintain your eyes protected whilst you journey, clipless mountain bike sneakers, and our favourite mountain bike shorts.

Mountain Bike Helmet Purchaser’s Information

There’s rather a lot to think about when selecting a brand new mountain bike helmet. Right here we break down some vital elements that will assist with discovering the fitting mannequin to fit your wants.

Completely different Forms of Mountain Bike Helmets

As there are a number of kinds of mountain biking, there are simply as many helmets to satisfy the wants of various riders. As the game has advanced, so too has the protecting tools we use, and as of late, helmets are safer than ever. Basically, mountain bike helmets fall into three totally different classes and we clarify the variations under.

Path, All-Mountain, and Enduro Half-Shells

Half-shells for path, all-mountain, and enduro using are the most typical kind of helmets we see out on the paths. These “open-face” fashions cowl the highest of the pinnacle with fashionable shell designs providing prolonged protection on the again and aspect of the pinnacle to higher shield the occipital and temporal lobes. These helmets nearly at all times have a visor (peak), and lots of are designed to work with each sun shades and goggles. The added supplies concerned with prolonged protection, visors, and different options usually lead to helmets which might be barely heavier than their XC-oriented counterparts. Examples of recent path using helmets embody the POC Kortal Race MIPS, the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2.

XC Helmets

Cross-country riders and racers typically prioritize light-weight and aerodynamics, so XC helmets are considerably totally different than their trail-oriented counterparts. The truth is, {most professional} XC racers are utilizing what are technically thought-about street bike helmets. This fashion of helmet is usually glossy, low-profile, and well-ventilated, and so they present a bit much less protection of the pinnacle than the prolonged protection fashions. Additionally they usually don’t include a visor, though some riders will put on a biking cap beneath to behave as a visor in sure circumstances. Examples embody the Giro Aries and the POC Octal MIPS.

Full Face and Convertible Helmets

Full-face helmets present essentially the most head safety, with shells that stretch over the ears and enormous chin bars that present safety for the entrance of the face. Convertible helmets are people who have a detachable chin bar, permitting the consumer to decide on when they need half-shell or full-face protection. This fashion of helmet has historically been worn by these in gravity-oriented disciplines like downhill and enduro racing, though a brand new breed of light-weight and well-ventilated fashions has expanded their enchantment to a broader vary of customers. Full-face fashions now are available in a spread of designs, kinds, supplies, and weights, with fashions geared towards just about each kind of rider or protecting wants.

Getting the Proper Match

A correctly becoming helmet is essential for it to not solely be snug however to work correctly within the occasion of a crash. Whether it is too free or too tight, its protecting qualities could also be compromised or its protecting options might not perform correctly. Moreover, a correctly becoming helmet is extra snug, permitting you to focus your consideration on the path forward. You will need to notice that match and luxury are subjective, and never each particular person’s head form will work with each helmet. In case your head could be very spherical, very slim, or your brow very pronounced, you’ll in all probability wish to strive a helmet on earlier than shopping for it to make sure that it suits your particular head form.

Sizing

Identical to individuals’s heads, most helmets are available in a number of sizes. Helmet producers nearly at all times have a dimension information on their web site for reference. Every helmet dimension usually suits a small vary of head sizes, and these are often proven as head circumference in centimeter measurements. As a normal rule, the easiest way to find out if a helmet suits is to strive it on before you purchase. It will make sure you get the right match the primary time.

In case you are uncertain of your head’s dimension, all that you must do is measure it. A versatile measuring tape is the most effective software to do that. In any other case, a size of string and a ruler may even do the trick. Measure the circumference of your head in a circle above the eyebrows, ears, and throughout the occipital lobe (again of the cranium). File this measurement in centimeters, and it’s best to have the ability to determine the suitable dimension helmet.

Most grownup helmets are available in a number of sizes to cowl heads starting from 51-63cm in circumference (give or take), with every shell dimension masking a smaller vary. For instance, the Giro Manifest Spherical is available in three shell sizes: S: 51-55cm, M: 55-59cm, and L: 59-63cm. Most individuals will fall inside one in every of these sizes. In case you are on the cusp between sizes, it’s usually higher to dimension up than squeeze into the smaller shell dimension, in our expertise.

In case you get a helmet that’s too tight or too free, attempt to change it for the proper dimension earlier than you put on it and get it sweaty or soiled.

Match Changes

Most high quality helmets have match adjustment techniques that will help you dial them into your precise head form to maintain them secure, safe, and cozy when in use. An adjustable harness is one such characteristic that’s used to comfortable the helmet up towards the occipital lobe/again of the cranium. These harnesses often have a small dial which you can flip to tighten or loosen it, and most have a vertical adjustment contained in the helmet so you possibly can make sure you place the harness correctly beneath the occipital lobe as properly. When tightened correctly, the harness ought to really feel comfortable however not uncomfortable and it ought to maintain your helmet from bouncing round as you journey over tough terrain.

Likewise, the chin strap is one other vital adjustment that helps to maintain your helmet in your head within the occasion of a crash. Too tight, and it may be uncomfortable. Whether it is too free, your helmet can come off your head. Most chin straps will be tightened or loosened to suit your particular wants, and this adjustment is fast and simple to make. A normal rule of thumb is to have the ability to match a finger or two between the strap and your neck in order that it’s tight sufficient whereas nonetheless avoiding irritation. The straps must also break up round the ears, and we desire them to not contact our ears in any respect, if potential. Many strap splitters enable for some adjustment, so you possibly can match them to your ears for consolation.

Put on It Appropriately

Even should you get a helmet that’s the proper dimension, it is very important put on it correctly for it to work as supposed. Trendy helmets are designed to be worn stage on the pinnacle and cushty sufficient in order that they don’t transfer round. Most of your brow and the crown of your head needs to be inside the helmet, versus the helmet sitting up too excessive or off the again.

How Mountain Bike Helmets Work

Mountain bike helmets shield the pinnacle by offering a barrier from direct influence and dissipating the forces from influence. On the most elementary stage, mountain bike helmets are comprised of two elements: an interior foam layer (often EPS foam) and an outer polycarbonate shell. Mixed, these layers present a protecting layer that takes the brunt of an influence. The firmer outer shell performs the vital activity of defending the softer foam beneath and, when impacted, helps to unfold the drive of the influence over a larger space. The softer EPS foam compresses and absorbs these forces and it typically crushes, cracks, or deforms within the course of.

At all times Substitute Your Helmet After a Crash

As a consequence of the truth that helmets are designed to partially destruct when absorbing the forces of an influence, they’re meant to get replaced after a crash. Typically, cracks or different indicators of harm might be apparent, however not at all times. Even low-speed impacts can lead to harm that may compromise the integrity and protecting qualities of a mountain bike helmet. In your security, it’s endorsed that you just at all times change your helmet after a crash. Fortunately, many manufacturers provide reductions for crash-replacement helmets.

Rotational Impression Safety

For the reason that introduction of MIPS (Multi-Directional Impression Safety System) a number of years in the past, rotational influence safety has grow to be commonplace in mountain bike helmets. MIPS was the originator and remains to be the most typical, though it has developed through the years into quite a few iterations, akin to MIPS SL, MIPS Evolve, MIPS Spherical, and MIPS Integra, to call a number of.

The essential thought, nonetheless, stays the identical. MIPS and comparable applied sciences attempt to reinforce head safety by decreasing the rotational forces that attain the mind throughout sure impacts. They do that by making a slip-plane that permits the helmet to shift across the head and soak up a few of these forces earlier than they attain the mind.

Many different manufacturers have additionally developed their very own rotational influence safety techniques which might be supposed to work a lot the identical as MIPS. 100%’s SmartShock system, used within the 100% Altis, depends on small rubber elastomers constructed into the shell which might be supposed to soak up each rotational and direct influence, and Leatt’s Turbine 360 works equally. Bontrager’s WaveCel design has a zig-zag honeycomb-like construction that’s supposed to crumple and shear on influence, and KinetiCore was developed by Lazer to work in a lot the identical means, with remoted columns of EPS foam.

Which one in every of these applied sciences works the most effective is difficult to say, however we’re glad that helmet producers are attempting to enhance helmet security. We don’t have our personal influence testing tools, so we seek advice from Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Scores for extra perception.

For years, Virginia Tech has been a pacesetter in helmet influence testing, and so they do it independently and supply their findings free to the general public. They check every helmet for its potential to scale back linear acceleration and rotational velocity with 24 totally different exams. In fact, they haven’t examined each mannequin in the marketplace, however they do have 190 fashions of biking helmets presently examined and rated on their web site.

Protection

As mountain bike helmets have advanced over time, the quantity of head protection has elevated. For half-shell fashions like these reviewed right here, that is most noticeable on the perimeters and again of the pinnacle, the place the shells drop down additional to higher shield the delicate temporal and occipital lobes. That is significantly obvious in path, all-mountain, and enduro-oriented fashions which might be also known as “prolonged protection” half-shell helmets.

Not like old-school helmets that sat excessive atop the pinnacle, fashionable helmets now encompass way more of the cranium. Fashions just like the Abus Cliffhanger, POC Kortal Race MIPS, Smith Payroll MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2 are nice examples of this pattern. Basically, we usually equate extra head protection with higher head safety, and we really feel it is a welcome development.

Air flow

Relying on the local weather the place you reside and journey and the way a lot you sweat, air flow might or might not be a excessive precedence. For many who stay in heat climates, journey within the warmth of the day, or just perspire rather a lot, how properly a helmet permits air to go via to chill the pinnacle could also be of the utmost significance. Not solely does good air flow cut back the quantity of sweat working down your face or dripping onto your lenses, nevertheless it helps to maintain you from overheating. Thankfully, most helmet producers do their finest to make their helmets well-ventilated, although they don’t seem to be created equal.

Whereas vital, the variety of vents will not be the one issue relating to air flow. As a substitute, a well-executed design that includes ample air consumption vents on the entrance of the pinnacle, inner channels that transfer air over the pinnacle, and exhaust vents in the back of the pinnacle for air to flee is mostly the best.

Visors

Visors, generally known as “peaks”, are a typical characteristic on most mountain bike helmets and so they serve a number of functions. Many visors are adjustable, permitting the rider to place them at varied angles. This makes it potential to drop them down low to assist maintain the solar out of the eyes at low solar angles or transfer them up and out of the sphere of view at excessive solar angles. Additionally they serve to deflect trailside branches and may also help maintain mild rain from reaching the eyes whereas using.

Adjustable visors and people positioned increased on the helmet usually additionally accommodate a pair of goggles or sun shades stashed beneath them when not in use. Some visors are additionally designed to interrupt away within the occasion of a crash to scale back the prospect of damage.

Eyewear Compatibility

Since most of us put on biking sun shades to guard our eyes whereas we journey, many helmet producers are designing and advertising and marketing their helmets with built-in sunglass storage and goggle compatibility. It has lengthy been the case that you would put on goggles with many helmets and stash sun shades within the entrance vents, however now, these options are sometimes part of the design.

The spacing of the entrance vents is fairly essential for stowing sun shades, and a few producers have taken to including rubber grips or different supplies to higher maintain sunglass arms. On the rear of the helmet, many now characteristic a rubber strip or pad of some sort so as to add grip for a goggle strap. As talked about above, visor adjustability or placement can be an element when stowing both sun shades or goggles when not in use.

Extra Security Options

The entire level of constructing helmets for cyclists is to assist forestall damage, and producers are searching for extra methods to guard the individuals who purchase their merchandise. They do that in a wide range of methods, together with the implementation of recent applied sciences. Manufacturers like Specialised and ABUS make small crash detection sensors, known as ANGi and QUIN, respectively, that may be connected to the helmet. These small items can sense the forces related to a crash and ship a notification to your contacts in an emergency scenario.

Likewise, Smith has partnered with Aleck and features a crash sensor on a number of of their helmets, together with the brand new Payroll MIPS. POC features a twICEme NFC medical ID chip in sure helmets, which will be learn by first responders to seek out vital private, medical, and get in touch with data if the person is unresponsive or unable to speak successfully.

As talked about within the visors part above, some fashions have visors which might be designed to interrupt away within the occasion of a crash, which can assist cut back the prospect of damage. Different manufacturers use structural reinforcement of their designs, akin to aramid bridges or ActiCage built-in into the EPS foam so as to add energy.

The froth itself will be diversified, with some firms utilizing dual-density foams like EPS and EPP, which soak up the vitality from excessive and low-speed impacts in another way. Koroyd is one other fascinating materials utilized by manufacturers like Smith and Endura. This honeycomb-like construction is meant to crush and crumple on influence whereas remaining porous and permitting air to go via and warmth and moisture to flee.

Sturdiness

Until you crash typically or are careless together with your gear, helmets are inclined to have a reasonably good lifespan. High quality helmets have in-mold constructions with the interior foam properly bonded to the outer shell, and most now have full shell protection over the decrease fringe of the froth. Uncovered foam is extra vulnerable to wreck, so the extra it’s lined, the higher. The sturdiness of the outer shells of helmets can range, nonetheless, with some being fairly resilient and others being extra liable to denting if struck by a department or dropped in a truck mattress with an excessive amount of drive, for instance. Keep in mind, your helmet might forestall critical damage and even save your life, so deal with it with care.

In case you don’t journey that always, most helmets will final for a number of years with out challenge. In case you journey each day, you’ll in all probability wish to change your helmet extra steadily, each couple of seasons or so. At all times keep in mind, should you crash and influence the helmet, it needs to be changed.

Worth

Mountain bike helmets range wildly by way of worth, with the fashions we examined ranging between $75 and $300. Positive, most of the dearer fashions characteristic the most recent and biggest expertise, lighter weights, and flashier designs. The fact is that any of those helmets will shield you higher than none in any respect, and even the least costly mannequin we examined, the Specialised Camber, beats most of the costlier fashions in Virginia Tech’s influence testing and appears fairly darn good doing it. So, you don’t need to spend rather a lot for high quality head safety, nevertheless it’s your head and mind we’re speaking about right here, so that you make the decision.

Often Requested Questions About Mountain Bike Helmets