For warm summer riding, even on lift-assisted days, this can lead to a sauna-like effect. At the front, you get a standard trail helmet look with large vent openings, but theres additional coverage around the ears (with cutouts to allow you to hear) and back of the helmet. The system on Bell's Sixer MIPS is stable and designed to break away in a crash. Category: TrailWeight: 15.5 oz.Vents: 14What we like: Big claims of increased safety and overall head protection.What we dont: Very expensive; rather bulky and heavy. If youll be riding rough and rowdy trails with rocks and roots, its best to upgrade to an all-mountain-ready model. Another way to attach a bike light is feeding the straps that come with most lighting systems through the vents of your helmet. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. And their Kortal Race lid puts it all on display: You get MIPS minimalist Integra technology, a breakaway visor, an NFC medical ID chip, and e-bike crash certificationall in a sleek-looking and well-made package.
For starters, it has fantastic coverage for trail riding, a low-profile MIPS liner, and plenty of padding and decent ventilation for long days over variable terrain. Plus, the padding along the interior is pretty sparse, which means you can feel the somewhat rough WaveCel material along the top of your head. How often MIPS technology is a safety benefit is difficult to quantify, and we havent found any solid evidence-based research, but indications point to it being an extra safety measure to protect your head (how much thats worth is up to you). And for pedal-heavy days in the middle of summer, its quite a bit worse in terms of ventilation, weight, and overall bulk compared with the excellent half-shell models that top our rankings. Category: TrailWeight: 14.5 oz.Vents: 17What we like: Well-integrated safety features and extended coverage at the sides and back.What we dont: Added protection has an impact on glasses compatibility; somewhat narrow fit. The Dropframe aims to be your be-all and end-all helmet, but the hybrid concept inevitably comes with concessions. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. In all seriousness, its not worth making excuses to avoid replacing a helmet.
Most of the helmets we have listed above are considered unisex and are intended for both men and women. Our mountain bike experts bought and tested the top 22 mountain bike helmets available today and put them through a rigorous side-by-side comparison to find the very best. The Manifest also has fairly polarizing stylingparticularly in colorways that highlight that two-piece setupbut thats mostly a matter of personal preference.
What do you give up with the more affordable Rally WaveCel lid? And by building this into the shells designrather than using a separate liner like most MIPS lidsyou also get fantastic ventilation. Regarding the latter, a large visor is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and offers extra protection from rain and even low-hanging branches. Note: its best not to assume a trail helmet will have these features as some popular models like the Troy Lee Designs A2 doesnt have a very adjustable visor. And safety is a real hallmark of the design: Featuring Giros innovative Spherical Technology (developed alongside MIPS), the shell is essentially made up of two pieces, which allows the top portion of the shell to move independently of the lower in a crash (minimizing rotational forces on the brain). Taking this a step further, some high-end helmets have a built-in action camera mount. Overall, the Source delivers what the majority of riders need at a great price. Giros current Roc Loc and the ubiquitous Boa dial are standouts in terms of ease of use, with small but glove-friendly dials, as well as security.
Another issue is its weight: Compared to the more affordable POC Kortal Race MIPS (14.5 oz.) Fit is the single most important factor in a helmet purchase. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Keeping you from and early grave since 99', Demon Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bikes with Tool Pocket for Mechanic Tools/Tailgate Cover with Secure Bike Frame Straps. Trail
Its unfair to simply compare helmets by weightold XC styles will win out just about every timebut when they offer similar protection, its a useful spec. 10.5 oz.Vents: 24What we like: Massive vents and full-face protection.What we dont: Non-adjustable visor and bulky looks. But the science is continuing to mature, and were happy to see more companies investing in this important safety research.
Read more about us. MIPS put slip-plane technology on the map, but a growing number of alternatives have emerged over the past couple years. Like the Blaze, this model incorporates Bontragers impact-absorbing WaveCel tech, which is touted to help limit rotational forces on the brain in certain types of crashes.
How does the Smith stack up to Bontragers popular Solstice below? Its feathery 9.4-ounce weight, generously sized 21 vents, and nice touches like a place to store your glasses when not in use check off all the right boxes. As mentioned above, current safety standards just tell us whether or not a helmet passes their tests (every helmet on our list does), but they dont go beyond that. Category: Trail/downhillWeight: 2 lbs. You also dont want it to be so loose that its flopping around when trail roots and rocks make for a rough ride. Are there any signs of deterioration on the outer shell or inner lining? ), both the listed weight and feel are the same, but the similarly lightweight Bontrager Solstice can feel a bit more ungainly and heavier. Category: Trail/downhillWeight: 1 lb. Bontrager swapped out the Blazes easy-to-use magnetic Fidlock buckle for a traditional pinch-release design, and you miss out on the built-in mounting point for lights or an action camera (also magnetic). Fox released their take on the growing lightweight full-face category a couple years ago with the Proframe MIPS. For these purposes, some models feature built-in mounts, like the Bell Sixer MIPS or the Blendr setup on Bontrager's Blaze. Finally, one feature shared across price points is that you can remove your liner for occasional cleaning. There are, however, some womens-specific designs that are differentiated by smaller-diameter sizes, unique colorways, and sometimes a different name. It combines a thin shell (often polycarbonate) with an EPS foam liner right from the start, and theyre molded together. A few years ago, Bell replaced its popular Super 3 helmet with the Sixer MIPS. Not only are bike helmets required in some areas, but they are also always recommended because protecting the cranium is premium. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can Smiths foray into the world of mountain bike helmets began in 2014 with the release of the lightweight Forefront. A single turn of the adjuster at the back of most helmets progressively cinches the fit around the head. All three iterations of Troy Lees A series of trail helmets have been favorites among our test group. In more recent years, as bikes have become more capable and riders push the limits, Giro decided it was time to bring it back. Downhill We rode hundreds of miles in each model while scrutinizing their fit, comfort, coverage, ventilation, and features. Ventilation isnt as simple as looking at the number of ventsalthough its a good place to start.
For long, pedal-heavy days in the saddle, a lightweight and well-ventilating helmet is a priority. Now the middle child in Troy Lee Designs' growing A family, the A2 hits a strong combination of price and performance. For $85, you get a solid lid for recreational riding thats highly adjustable (you can tweak the fit both up and down and forward and backward), offers decent ventilation with a total of 20 large vents, and includes a MIPS liner. Unfortunately, that do-everything feature setwhich also includes niceties like a magnetic buckle and highly adjustable fit systemcomes with a steep $260 price. Further, Bontrager incorporated premium touches like a magnetic buckle for easy on and off as well as soft padding along the interior. The claimed benefit is a 30 percent improvement in absorbing low-speed impacts, plus the cutouts help make the Forefront among the lightest trail lids on the market. Its a good idea to start with the following: can you see any cracks in the foam? Similar to the above considerations involving cameras, mounting a light to your helmet is a great way to extend your riding season. As mountain bike helmet prices trend higher each year, its nice to see a quality yet budget-friendly option like Smiths Convoy pop up. The big story was that Bontrager was touting the lid was up to 48 times more effective at preventing concussions when compared to a standard EPS helmet (theyve since adjusted that to 5x based on a follow-up study and for certain cycling accidents). One of the most significant shifts in mountain bike helmet design is the amount of head coverage real estate. Another benefit of premium padding is sweat absorption: more expensive pads do a better job taking in sweat while on the trail. And while there isnt a hard-and-fast rule, most manufacturers stick to 3 to 8 years. At $250, the obvious downside with the Octal X SPIN is its very steep price, especially when you consider that the focused build will only appeal to XC, gravel, and cyclocross athletes. When hit at an angle, the MIPS layer in theory lets the shell move just enough to help relieve the rotational forces on the head and brain. Along with a MIPS liner and breakaway hardware on the visor, the A2 is built for techy climbs and rowdy descents. For mountain biking, their Status full-face helmet immediately impressed with its reasonable weight, good looks, and affordable price. Its solid platform delivers power to the pedals, strong construction keeps your feet protected, and secure fit Sweden-based Thule is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. The decision to replace an old helmet isnt always a clear oneand there are still debates to this day about whens the perfect time. 1.5 oz.Vents: 14What we like: Quality construction and a very good price.What we dont: Prioritizes protection over ventilation.
Category: Trail/XCWeight: 13.4 oz.Vents: 20What we like: Lightweight; comfortable fit.What we dont: Fairly disappointing ventilation for the price.
The Switchblade is not without its faults, however, and theres a reason we have TLDs Stage ranked higher. Specialized has made its name by producing high-quality bikes for decades, but they offer an impressive lineup of gear and apparel as well. But once the helmets are in the bike shop, its up to you to do the rest. Category: Trail/XCWeight: 12.4 oz.Vents: 20What we like: ANGi Bluetooth tech provides a nice bump up in safety; very lightweight.What we dont: Just short of class leaders in durability and cushioning. Coming on the heels of Bontragers high-end Blaze (listed below) is the mid-range Rally. And this system should include the padding and slip-plane liner (such as MIPS) inside the helmet, both of which have the potential to interrupt the flow. In general, weve found they provide a more secure fit and are pretty easy to attach. And among the numerous options on the market, POCs Octal X SPIN is a standout. The extreme jumps, swerves, and skids of mountain biking require more protection than a regular bike helmet can provide. Nitpick aside, at $169, the A2 offers an impressively premium build and great trail performance for a solid value.See the Troy Lee Designs A2. For one, you get smaller vents than some of the high-end models on this list, including Giros own Manifest Spherical above.
But if youll be on your bike a lot or plan to push your limits, we recommend spending the $60+ that it costs to get a helmet that comes in multiple sizes. Those with larger heads are okay with these one-size helmets because the shell has to be large to fit everyone. Moreover, some trail and downhill helmets include a retainer strap or system at the rear of the helmet to keep the goggle straps in place. If you ride a lot, theres a good chance youll be replacing it towards the earlier end.
It cant match the Switchblades versatility, and the TLD Stage has the better all-around feature set.See the Fox Proframe MIPS. Category: XCWeight: 9.4 oz.Vents: 21What we like: Excellent ventilation, low weight, and surprisingly tough.What we dont: Expensive and no visor.
Looking for a new mountain bike helmet? At half the cost, you get similar safety tech and only compromise on some of the optional extras (like the Fidlock chinstrap and Blendr mount).
But its ventilation system does fall short of hybrid enduro/downhill options like the Troy Lee Designs Stage above or Fox Proframe below. Giros Manifest was released a little over a year ago to relatively little fanfare, but we think its a real winner. The fit is on the narrow sideunlike some of the picks above, itll favor a more oval-shaped headbut if it works with you, the design is comfortable and great for long days in the saddle. While the Bluetooth ANGi tech is the main draw, the Ambush is nicely designed in general. To start, helmets do have a shelf life, so its never a good idea to grab your old lid thats been collecting dust for the past decade without at least taking a good look at it. What you get is an integrated piece that reduces weight, allows for cutouts for ventilation, and lets the helmet work as a single unit to absorb impacts (the densities of foam can vary, however, to address both low- and high-speed impacts). If youre looking for a dedicated downhill lid, the 100% Status provides a lot of bang for your buck.See the 100% Status. Finally, the shell is co-molded with EPP and EPS foam to protect in both low- and high-speed impacts. Its worth noting that the Stage does prioritize weight and ventilation, and there are burlier options out there for dedicated park and very rough downhill use (including TLDs own D4). Category: XCWeight: 11 oz.Vents: 20What we like: Great price for Smith quality; available in multiple sizes.What we dont: Not a standout in coverage or comfort. Category: Downhill/trailWeight: 1 lb.
Troy Lee Designs' A2 is a great example of a helmet that isnt technically optimized for goggles but still works well. ), the Blaze WaveCel comes in heavier at 15.5 ounces, and the added bulk and heft are noticeable on the trail. This takes some of the guesswork out of getting the ideal camera angle and saves you from having to use one of your sticky mounts. So it should come as no surprise that their first foray into building a lightweight full-face helmet is pretty darn impressive. 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If you want an integrated kit, POCs own line of goggles and glasses are designed to work with the Kortal, but that strikes us as very limiting. Along with a modern look and a wide range of colorways, the 100% Status is a top choice for downhill riding. 8 oz.Vents: 25What we like: Light, well-ventilated, and great protection.What we dont: Pricey and not as burly as some full-face designs.
The goal is to click it in place and leave it alone until you wrap up your ride. Most bike helmets are tested and required to meet safety standards. While some brands claim that you can machine wash them, we recommend gently hand washing to reduce the chance of breakdown of the material. Mountain bike helmets are differentiated from road biking models by their greater head coverage and the addition of a visor. Fox claims this is intended to optimize airflow, but omitting this feature is a deal breaker for some riders. Also, some womens helmets are ponytail-compatible, which is an important consideration for some riders. We also think the Giro Source is the better all-around deal at $40 less, but stepping up to the Sixer does get you better ventilation and nice touches like a rubberized material at the back to keep goggle straps in place. If youre searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted bike racks are the way to go. Sitting atop Smiths mountain bike half-shell collection is the $250 Forefront. This category is quickly growing in popularity, and most of the top designs on the market land here, including the Troy Lee Designs A2, Giro Manifest, and Bell Sixer.
You do need to download and use their Specialized Ride appeach helmet purchase comes with a lifetime subscriptionbut we think its a small concession for a big bump up in safety and peace of mind.