The Finest Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023

Why Ought to You Belief Bikerumor?

At Bikerumor, we take biking very critically, and it doesn’t matter what kind of using we’re doing, our security is of the utmost significance. For that motive, a high quality helmet is a very powerful piece of drugs we placed on earlier than each mountain bike trip. We’re at all times searching for essentially the most protecting, snug, and best-looking mountain bike helmets we will discover so we will have enjoyable on the paths with the peace of thoughts a great helmet gives.

Our editorial workers has been testing the newest and biggest mountain bike helmets for over a decade. Positive, we’ve all obtained 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 attempt all of them out, usually earlier than they’re even accessible to the general public. This expertise has given us distinctive perception as to what makes a terrific helmet, together with the power to discern the variations in efficiency and performance between the completely different fashions we take a look at. In case you’re a roadie, our group has additionally completely examined and reviewed the greatest highway bike helmets.

Overview creator, Jeremy Benson, has been professionally testing and reviewing mountain bikes and equipment for six+ years. In that point, he has tried over 30 completely different helmets. Whether or not for XC rides, shuttle laps, or adventurous backcountry loops, he has honed in on the precise efficiency attributes that make a terrific helmet. For the needs of this overview, 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 not too long ago examined, are introduced 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 when you trip, clipless mountain bike footwear, and our favourite mountain bike shorts.

Mountain Bike Helmet Purchaser’s Information

There’s so much to contemplate when selecting a brand new mountain bike helmet. Right here we break down some vital components that will assist with discovering the correct mannequin to fit your wants.

Totally different Sorts of Mountain Bike Helmets

As there are a number of types of mountain biking, there are simply as many helmets to satisfy the wants of various riders. As the game has developed, so too has the protecting tools we use, and nowadays, helmets are safer than ever. Typically, mountain bike helmets fall into three completely different classes and we clarify the variations beneath.

Path, All-Mountain, and Enduro Half-Shells

Half-shells for path, all-mountain, and enduro using are the commonest 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 sometimes lead to helmets which might be barely heavier than their XC-oriented counterparts. Examples of recent path using helmets embrace the POC Kortal Race MIPS, the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2.

XC Helmets

Cross-country riders and racers usually prioritize light-weight and aerodynamics, so XC helmets are considerably completely different than their trail-oriented counterparts. The truth is, {most professional} XC racers are utilizing what are technically thought of highway bike helmets. This fashion of helmet is often glossy, low-profile, and well-ventilated, they usually 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 situations. Examples embrace 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 reach 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 variety of designs, types, supplies, and weights, with fashions geared towards nearly each kind of rider or protecting wants.

Getting the Proper Match

A correctly becoming helmet is crucial for it to not solely be snug however to work correctly within the occasion of a crash. Whether it is too unfastened or too tight, its protecting qualities could also be compromised or its protecting options might not operate 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 slender, or your brow very pronounced, you’ll most likely need to attempt a helmet on earlier than shopping for it to make sure that it suits your particular head form.

Sizing

Similar to folks’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 sometimes suits a small vary of head sizes, and these are normally proven as head circumference in centimeter measurements. As a basic rule, one of the best ways to find out if a helmet suits is to attempt it on before you purchase. This can make sure you get the correct match the primary time.

In case you are not sure of your head’s dimension, all 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 will 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 be capable 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 protecting 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 all these sizes. In case you are on the cusp between sizes, it’s sometimes 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 unfastened, try to alternate it for the right dimension earlier than you put on it and get it sweaty or soiled.

Match Changes

Most high quality helmets have match adjustment methods that will help you dial them in to your actual head form to maintain them steady, safe, and comfy when in use. An adjustable harness is one such function that’s used to comfortable the helmet up towards the occipital lobe/again of the cranium. These harnesses normally have a small dial that you could flip to tighten or loosen it, and most have a vertical adjustment contained in the helmet so you’ll be able to you should definitely place the harness correctly underneath the occipital lobe as effectively. When tightened correctly, the harness ought to really feel comfortable however not uncomfortable and it ought to hold your helmet from bouncing round as you trip 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. Too unfastened and your helmet can come off your head. Most chin straps may be tightened or loosened to suit your particular wants, and this adjustment is fast and simple to make. A basic rule of thumb is to have the ability to match a finger or two between the strap and your neck for it to be tight sufficient whereas nonetheless avoiding irritation. The straps must also break up round the ears, and we choose them to not contact our ears in any respect, if attainable. Many strap splitters permit for some adjustment, so you’ll be able to match them to your ears for consolation.

Put on it Appropriately

Even for those who 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 degree on the pinnacle and cushty sufficient in order that they don’t transfer round. Most of your brow and the crown of your head ought 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 impression and dissipating the forces from impression. On the most elementary degree, mountain bike helmets are comprised of two components, an inside foam layer (normally EPS foam) and an outer polycarbonate shell. Mixed, these layers present a protecting layer that takes the brunt of an impression. The firmer outer shell performs the vital process of defending the softer foam beneath, and when impacted, helps to unfold the power of the impression over a better space. The softer EPS foam compresses and absorbs these forces and it usually crushes, cracks, or deforms within the course of.

At all times Substitute Your Helmet After a Crash

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

Rotational Affect Safety

Because the introduction of MIPS (Multi-Directional Affect Safety System) a number of years in the past, rotational impression safety has turn into commonplace in mountain bike helmets. MIPS was the originator and remains to be the commonest, though it has developed over time into quite a few iterations, resembling MIPS SL, MIPS Evolve, MIPS Spherical, and MIPS Integra, to call a number of. The essential concept, nevertheless, stays the identical. MIPS and related applied sciences attempt to boost head safety by lowering the rotational forces that attain the mind throughout sure impacts. They do that by making a slip-plane that enables 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 impression safety methods 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 impression, and Leatt’s Turbine 360 works equally. Bontrager’s WaveCel design contains a zig-zag honeycomb-like construction that’s supposed to crumple and shear on impression and KinetiCore was developed by Lazer to work in a lot the identical approach, with remoted columns of EPS foam.

Which one in all these applied sciences works the most effective is tough to say, however we’re glad that helmet producers try to enhance helmet security. At Bikerumor, we don’t have our personal impression testing tools, so we seek advice from Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Rankings for extra perception. For years, Virginia Tech has been a frontrunner in helmet impression testing, they usually do it independently and supply their findings free to the general public. They take a look at every helmet for its means to scale back linear acceleration and rotational velocity with 24 completely different checks. After all, they haven’t examined each mannequin in the marketplace, however they do have 190 fashions of biking helmets at the moment examined and rated on their website.

Protection

As mountain bike helmets have developed 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 notably 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 far more of the cranium. Fashions just like the Abus Cliffhanger, POC Kortal Race MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2 are nice examples of this pattern. Typically, we sometimes equate extra head protection with higher head safety, and we really feel this can be a welcome development.

Air flow

Relying on the local weather the place you reside and trip and the way a lot you sweat, air flow might or is probably not a excessive precedence. For many who stay in heat climates, trip within the warmth of the day, or just perspire so much, how effectively a helmet permits air to cross by way of to chill the pinnacle could also be of the utmost significance. Not solely does good air flow scale 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 greatest to make their helmets well-ventilated, although they don’t seem to be created equal.

Whereas vital, the variety of vents just isn’t the one issue on the subject of air flow. As a substitute, a well-executed design that entails satisfactory air consumption vents on the entrance of the pinnacle, inside 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, typically known as “peaks”, are a typical function on most mountain bike helmets they usually serve a number of functions. Many visors are adjustable, permitting the rider to place them at varied angles. This makes it attainable to drop them down low to assist hold the solar out of the eyes at low solar angles or transfer them up and out of the sector of view at excessive solar angles. Additionally they serve to deflect trailside branches and will help hold gentle rain from reaching the eyes whereas using. Adjustable visors and people positioned larger on the helmet sometimes 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 harm.

Eyewear Compatibility

Since most of us put on biking sun shades to guard our eyes whereas we trip, many helmet producers are designing and advertising their helmets with built-in sunglass storage and goggle compatibility. It has lengthy been the case that you could possibly 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 crucial 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 function 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 also be an element when stowing both sun shades or goggles when not in use.

Further Security Options

The entire level of creating helmets for cyclists is to assist stop harm, 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 hooked up 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. POC features a twICEme NFC medical id chip in sure helmets, which may be learn by first responders to seek out out vital private, medical, and speak to 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 scale back the prospect of harm. Different manufacturers use structural reinforcement of their designs with issues like aramid bridges or ActiCage built-in into the EPS foam so as to add energy. The froth itself may be diverse with some corporations utilizing dual-density foams like EPS and EPP which soak up the power from excessive and low-speed impacts in another way. Koroyd is one other attention-grabbing materials utilized by manufacturers like Smith and Endura. This honeycomb-like construction is meant to crush and crumple on impression whereas remaining porous and permitting air to cross by way of and warmth and moisture to flee.

Sturdiness

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

In case you don’t trip that usually, most helmets will final for a number of years with out difficulty. In case you trip day-after-day, you’ll most likely need to substitute your helmet extra continuously, each couple of seasons or so. At all times bear in mind, for those who crash and impression the helmet, it ought to be changed.

Worth

Mountain bike helmets range wildly when it comes to value with the fashions we examined ranging between $75 and $300. Positive, lots of the costlier fashions function the newest and biggest know-how, 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 lots of the costlier fashions in Virginia Tech’s impression testing and appears fairly darn good doing it. So, you don’t must spend so much 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

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