Mountain biking is a great way to get your cardio workout, and it’s also a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. But like any outdoor activity, mountain biking can be dangerous if not done safely. That’s why it’s important to protect your head with a helmet for mountain biking. Here are some of the best mountain biking helmets on the market today.
Smith Convoy MIPS
It’s great to see a high-quality, reasonably priced choice like Smith’s Convoy for mountain biking helmets appear as costs for these items continue to rise. For under $100, you receive plenty of ventilation lids with 20 huge vents that make your head cool and a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) liner that absorbs rotational impact well.
It is suitable for leisure riding thanks to its adjustability (you can move the fit up and down and front and back).
The Convoy is a good choice for individuals who don’t go on long rides or into the roughest terrain, but the design isn’t flashy, and you don’t get luxury features like soft and highly absorbent cushioning.
With four sizes to choose from, the Smith makes it simpler to get a good fit than the Bontrager’s two. It also provides more protection to the back of the head and neck than the Solstice.
Pros
- There are a variety of sizes available at a good price for Smith products.
Cons
- It’s not relaxing to wear.
Giro Manifest Spherical
Giro quietly launched Manifest about a year ago, but we believe it was great. It has served as our main cover for the last nine months, and we have not found any significant flaws.
The roomy, well-cushioned interior is a comfortable fit and provides good head protection in all directions. The emphasis on bicycle helmet standards is also notable.
Giro’s Spherical Technology splits the shell in two, allowing the upper half to move independently from the bottom after a collision (minimizing rotational forces on the brain).
You get great airflow since this is integrated into the shell rather than being a separate liner, as is the case with other MIPS helmets. As a whole, the Giro Manifest is the finest trail helmet on the market, in our opinion.
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Those innovative features, which also include luxuries like a magnetic clasp and a highly adjustable fit system, come at a hefty price. It’s not for riders who don’t ride often or who don’t mind a slightly warmer helmet.
The Manifest’s design is rather divisive, especially in hues that draw attention to the shoe’s unconventional two-part construction, although this is a matter of taste. Nevertheless, we believe the Manifest is the best option available if you can afford the high price.
Pros
- We like how well the level of protection is, how well it breathes, how comfortable, and how well equipped it is.
Cons
- We don’t like the polarizing design, expensive helmets
Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS
Among mountain bikers, Troy Lee Designs is well-known for its comfy helmets. As a result, it shouldn’t come as a huge shock that their initial attempt at creating a lightweight full-face helmet was rather successful.
The Stage MIPS is one of the lightest full-face helmets approved for downhill riding. This downhill helmet weighs in at only 1 pound, 8 ounces. Furthermore, it doesn’t skimp on conveniences:
- The MIPS lining provides protection;
- The magnetic Fidlock technology speeds up the process of buckling;
- And the 25 strategically positioned vents for excellent ventilation.
We suggest the TLD to anyone who wants to move up from a regular half-shell or take part in enduro racing.
While the Troy Lee Stage is a well-designed helmet with many useful features, it is not the best option in terms of price. However, it’s another high-quality offering from TLD, and the comfort level is excellent.
The Stage MIPS’s price tag is partly due to the adjustable fit pads included on the helmet’s inside. However, there are sturdier choices (such as TLD’s own D4) for riders who want to use their bikes exclusively in the park or on really rugged downhill terrain.
In the end, we think the Stage strikes a great balance between being durable, safe, and comfortable to wear.
Pros
- Low weight, enough airflow, and robust safety features.
Cons
- It is more expensive and less solid than certain full-face styles.
Troy Lee Designs A3
Our testing panel has agreed that all three versions of Troy Lee’s A series trail helmets are the best helmet purchase we might have made. It’s optimized for usage on rocky trail riding, with extra protection where it counts (the temples and the back of the head).
Yet, the designers were smart enough to provide adequate room for glasses and goggles. Lastly, EPP and EPS foam are mixed together and molded into the shell to absorb angular impact.
Compared to the Giro Manifest, the A3 has several drawbacks regarding air circulation and weight. However, in comparison to the Giro, the A3’s sweat management system performs a better job of preventing drips from landing straight on your glasses due to the highly comfortable interior and smaller vent apertures.
When comparing the A3 to the A2 bicycle helmet design, you can feel the difference in the weight and size of the latter while wearing them side by side. But these are small problems, and the fact is that Troy Lee Designs has made another great trail product.
Pros
- The roomy, deep design and thick cushioning are superbly relaxing.
Cons
- Poor air circulation and a heavy frame
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POC Octal X SPIN
A helmet that is both lightweight and has enough vents is essential for long days spent pedaling. And among the many available choices, POC’s Octal X SPIN stands out as a top pick.
The fact that it just weighs 9.4 ounces, has 21 vents, and has a handy location to stash your glasses while they’re not in use are all major pluses. In addition, the high-end Octal has safety features that set it apart from other lightweight helmets.
It includes POC’s proprietary SPIN safety technology for additional protection. It’s good if you’re looking for an alternative to XC without emptying your bank account.
- Pros: it has great air circulation, is lightweight, and is surprisingly durable.
- Cons: No adjustable visor and a high price tag are both things we do not like.
FAQ
What are the different types of Mountain Bike Helmets?
There are a lot of different types of mountain bike helmets, and it can be hard to decide which one is the best for you. However, here are some of the most common types and what they do:
- Full-face Helmets: These are the most common type and are usually the safest option to avoid severe brain injuries. They have extended coverage that covers your entire head and protects your eyes, nose, and mouth. They’re also generally comfortable to wear.
- Half-face Helmets: These helmets only cover the front part of your skull. This makes them more comfortable to wear. Sometimes, it has a breakaway visor, but they don’t provide as much protection against cycling-related head injuries.
- Biker Baseball Caps: These helmets are similar to full-face helmets but have a narrower opening that covers only the top of your head with a chin strap. They’re not as protective as full-face helmets, but they’re less expensive and easier to wear when you’re not riding.
- Open-Face Helmets: These helmets don’t have any protection except for a small screen on the front that may help protect your eyes in case of an emergency. They’re not recommended for long rides because they can get hot and sweaty. Some convertible helmets are included in this category.
Read also: 15 Best Accessories for Mountain Biking
How to Choose the Right Helmet for You?
Finding the right mountain bike helmet is important for safety. However, many types of helmets can accommodate your riding styles available on the market, so it can be hard to find the perfect one. Here are some tips on how to choose the right one:
- First, decide what type of mountain bike you plan to ride. There are off-road mountain bikes designed for dirt trails and mountain biking paths, as well as mountain bikes designed for racing. Each type of bike has its own specific requirements for a helmet.
- Off-road helmets typically have a wider range of adjustability, so they can fit a wide range of head sizes. They also tend to be more padded than racing helmets, which makes them more comfortable in hot weather conditions.
- Racing helmets are designed to provide maximum protection in crashes. Nonetheless, they usually have a tighter fit and are less likely to fit well on smaller heads. Racing helmets are also heavier and require more strength to wear them effectively.
Next, decide what activities you plan to do while riding your mountain bike. A standard bicycle helmet will work fine if you only plan to ride on paved roads or around town.
If you plan to ride on rough terrain or off-road, you better buy the one with high safety standards.
Final thoughts
When it comes to mountain biking, a good helmet is essential for safety. There are several different types and styles of helmets available on the market. Once you’ve chosen a helmet, get a good quality sealant to ensure that it stays put and doesn’t come off during falls. And finally, always wear a crash helmet when mountain biking – even if you’re just riding around the neighborhood!
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