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What should I look for in a mountain bike helmet?

Author

Penelope Carter

Updated on March 06, 2026

What should I look for in a mountain bike helmet?

Choices in Bike Helmet Features
Visor: Many riders like having a sun-shielding visor—they're common on mountain bike helmets. Full face protection: Some mountain bike helmets have a wraparound chin bar to provide face protection for downhill mountain biking or racing.

Thereof, do mountain bikes need a specific helmet?

Some say it's for appearance, others say it adds protection which are both true. Because mountain bikers are exposed to a lot more obstacles on trails, every bit of coverage the helmet can provide is crucial. For those riding mainly downhill, you will wear a full face helmet.

Also, how do I know if my bike helmet is too small? Your helmet is too small if you feel pressure on your head, especially at the wider extremities or where the inner liner snap buttons are. Wearing a helmet that's too small will give you a headache (from the pressure on the skin/skull) within minutes.

Beside above, what is the best helmet for mountain biking?

Mountain Bike Helmet Comparison Table

HelmetPriceCategory
Leatt DBX 3.0 All-Mountain$170All-mountain/XC
Specialized Ambush w/ ANGi$200All-mountain/XC
Giro Switchblade MIPS$270All-mountain/downhill
POC Tectal Race SPIN$220All-mountain/XC

How tight should a helmet fit?

A properly fitting helmet should be a little tough to slide on but feel comfortably snug once it's in place. By way of the chin bar, yank the helmet up and down, side to side, and if it pulls your head around with it securely, that's a proper fit. To compare, look at this helmet that is one size too large.

Do more expensive bike helmets protect better?

6 Answers. No, usually expensive helmets are lighter and more comfortable because have more ventilation. So, if you plan to ride for long hours it's better to buy the more expensive helmet that you can afford, otherwise - for short rides - a cheap helmet will do the job.

Can you use a mountain bike helmet for road biking?

Plenty of cyclists use a road bike helmet on their mountain bike. While this is perfectly fine, we do recommend using a cycling cap to keep at least some of the dirt out. Alternatively, the visor on mountain bike helmets is often removable. A road bike helmet on a mountain bike is not uncommon.

Should I get a full face helmet for mountain biking?

When to get a Full-faced MTB Helmet. Full faced are for hardcore mountain bikers who ride difficult trails, downhill and like to go fast. If you're into downhill, always get a full-faced helmet. Enduro rider should also consider getting a full-faced as there is lots of speed and downhill riding involved.

Can I use a road helmet for mountain biking?

Plenty of cyclists use a road bike helmet on their mountain bike. While this is perfectly fine, we do recommend using a cycling cap to keep at least some of the dirt out. Alternatively, the visor on mountain bike helmets is often removable. A road bike helmet on a mountain bike is not uncommon.

What is the safest bicycle helmet?

The safest road and mountain bike helmets as rated by Virginia Tech
  • Virginia Tech rated the Bontrager Rally MIPS as the safest MTB helmet out there.
  • Virginina Tech reckons the Lazer Century MIPS is the best performing road helmet.
  • Helmets with a MIPS liner rule the roost.

Is there a difference between road and mountain bike helmets?

There is a general rule, among cyclists, that road helmets do not have a visor while mountain bike helmets do. Most road cyclists wear sunglasses and/or a cycling cap to protect their eyes from the sun's glare. In comparison, mountain bike helmets usually have greater coverage and more restricted airflow.

Are Trek or Giant bikes better?

Yes, as the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles, Giant bikes are good. Whether they are better than Trek, depends on your budget, riding style and personal preference. Giant is also known for giving a comfortable ride. Trek Bicycles state that they are “the world's best bikes” on their website.

How much should you spend on a bike helmet?

Helmets Between $70 and $150
In the middle price range, helmets become more specific to a rider category, like road, Mountain Bike, BMX and commuter, according to Colton, Helmet Category Manager at Specialized. “You might get a visor on a mountain bike helmet, a sleek, more aerodynamic shape for road helmets,” he says.

What type of bike helmet is best?

How We Evaluated These Helmets
  • Best for Safety. Bontrager Specter Wavecel Road Helmet.
  • Best for Serious Cyclists. Giro Aether MIPS.
  • Most Stylish. Nutcase Metroride MIPS.
  • Best for Mountain Biking. Giro Montaro MIPS.
  • Best for City Riders. Bern Allston.
  • Best Connected.
  • Best for Comfort.
  • Best on a Budget.

Can I wear a skate helmet for cycling?

You can wear a bike helmet for skateboarding, but not any helmet. A helmet should cover the back of the head when you're riding a skateboard. Bike helmets often provide back head cover but less so than skateboard helmets. Consider buying a dual certified helmet, ASTI approved and CPSC certified.

Are all helmets created equal?

Not all helmets are created equal; they are merely designed to meet minimum standards. If you crash, you are to destroy the crashed helmet and get a new one. This is true for most helmets.

Are all bike helmets created equal?

NOT ALL BIKE HELMETS CREATED EQUAL. Bicycle helmets are essential safety equipment. But tests recently conducted by Consumer Reports reveal that some bike helmets may not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident -- even though helmet makers say they meet current voluntary industry safety standards.

Do you wear a bike helmet?

– Bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 48% and the risk of serious head injury by a full 60%. – Bicycle helmet reduces the risk of face injury by 23% without increasing the risk of cervical spine injury.

Why do MTB helmets have visors?

Also, MTB helmets usually have a built-in visor. The visor helps to keep the sun out of a mountain bike rider's eyes and as the rider's position on the bike is more upright, it won't obstruct his or her vision as can be the case on a road bike.

What is the point of a cycling cap?

The cycling cap is an essential piece of kit. It serves both form and function. It keeps the sweat or rain out of your eyes, it shields you from the low sun in the Spring and Autumn, it keeps your head warm, and last but not least, it's part of the cyclist's quirky look.

Are mountain bike helmets safer?

The Bontrager Rally MIPS scored the highest for safety among all the helmets tested. This makes the Rally not only the best mountain bike helmet in test but the over winner for the best helmet you can put on your head. With great looks, multiple colors and top notch safety ratings you simply cannot go wrong.

What is the safest mountain bike helmet?

The safest road and mountain bike helmets as rated by Virginia Tech
  • Virginia Tech rated the Bontrager Rally MIPS as the safest MTB helmet out there.
  • Virginina Tech reckons the Lazer Century MIPS is the best performing road helmet.
  • Helmets with a MIPS liner rule the roost.

What is MIPS MTB helmet?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. MIPS uses a slip-plane system that moves inside the helmet, mimicking the brain's own protection system.

What should I wear for mountain biking?

In warm weather, go for a breathable, moisture-wicking short-sleeved t-shirt or biking jersey up top, and stretchy, durable bottoms. Many riders like padding in their shorts, and some mountain biking shorts come with low-profile chamois. You can also layer unpadded shorts over a pair of padded liner shorts.

Are MIPS helmets worth it?

MIPS helmets provide an extra degree of safety for all bike riders. So if you're ready to replace your old helmet, the extra $20 or so to upgrade from a non-MIPS to MIPS-equipped model is well-worth the price.

Are Giro helmets good?

Final verdict: This is an excellent lightweight Giro helmet which will fit your head perfectly and will keep you safe at all times. The multiple air tunnel vents will keep your head cool and sweat free. The Aeon is definitely one of the lightest and most comfortable bicycle helmets you can buy!

How do you measure a mountain bike helmet?

Place the tape measure slightly above the ear and bring it across the mid forehead completely circling the head about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Take several measurements to make sure you have the largest size. If you do not have a tape measure, use a string and measure it against a ruler.

What are the best bicycle helmets?

Here are the best bike helmets you can buy:
  • Best bike helmet overall: POC Octal X SPIN.
  • Best budget bike helmet: Bern FL1 Trail.
  • Best high-end bike helmet: Giro Aether MIPS.
  • Best portable bike helmet for bikeshare: Priority Bicycles Stack.
  • Best bike helmet for commuters: Lumos Kickstart.

What color bike helmet should I get?

Black helmets are cool and stylish, but if you're mostly road biking, you might want to opt for a white or brightly colored helmet that's visible to oncoming traffic.

Do bike helmets expire?

The quick and easy answer is that a bike helmet does not have an expiration date, but should be replaced every 5 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation is a group that have been testing and setting safety standards for all types of protective gear.

What are the safest bike helmets?

Ten safest road cycling helmets as rated by Virginia Tech
  • Lazer Century MIPS.
  • Bontrager Specter WaveCel.
  • Bontrager Ballista MIPS.
  • Bell Z20 MIPS.
  • Bontrager XXX WaveCel.
  • Lazer Z1 MIPS.
  • Specialized Echelon II MIPS.
  • Rudy Project Racemaster MIPS.

What is the best bike helmet?

Here are the best bike helmets you can buy:
  • Best bike helmet overall: POC Octal X SPIN.
  • Best budget bike helmet: Bern FL1 Trail.
  • Best high-end bike helmet: Giro Aether MIPS.
  • Best portable bike helmet for bikeshare: Priority Bicycles Stack.
  • Best bike helmet for commuters: Lumos Kickstart.

What size helmet do I need for a 22 inch head?

Helmet Size Chart for HJC, Bell & KLIM
Helmet SizeHat SizeHead Circumference - Inches
S6 7/8 - 721 5/8 - 22
M7 1/8 - 7 1/422 1/2 - 22 7/8
L7 3/8 - 7 1/223 1/4 - 23 5/8
XL7 5/8 - 7 3/424 - 24 3/8

Are black bicycle helmets hotter?

absolutely. but because the foam under it is not a conductor of heat the only effect will be the exterior of the darker one will be hotter to the touch. it will in no way affect the temperature inside the helmet. in looking for a helmet to keep your head cool, look for venting irrespective of color.

What is the safest cycling helmet?

The safest road and mountain bike helmets as rated by Virginia Tech
  • Virginia Tech rated the Bontrager Rally MIPS as the safest MTB helmet out there.
  • Virginina Tech reckons the Lazer Century MIPS is the best performing road helmet.
  • Helmets with a MIPS liner rule the roost.

What size cycle helmet do I need?

You'll need a flexible tape measure or string and a tape measure. The distance is the circumference of your head at the widest point, usually about 1 to 2cm above your eyebrows. Most helmets will detail the size in centimetres for the right fit (and are often sized Small – Medium – Large or S/M and L/XL).

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