Mountain biking is an excellent activity for people looking for the best way to get exercise. It is also a perfect activity to spend some time in nature. It can be dangerous sometimes, and it often results in head injuries. So, it is essential to wear a helmet while doing this activity. There are many helmets available on the market, and it is crucial to choose the best mountain bike helmet that is comfortable and well-ventilated. They should also have sturdy construction to protect your head in case of a fall. It would help if you also looked for a helmet specific to mountain biking because they often have different features. These features can help protect you better while on the trails. We have already written about the best mountain bike, and now we will help you find the best helmet. There are many different types of mountain bike helmets, and they all have their pros and cons.

The most important thing is to find one that fits well and is comfortable. If you’re interested in cycling, check out our guides on the best hitch bike rack that you can use to transport your bikes. We also focus on the best gravel bikes for riding on rough terrain. It’s essential to choose the fit helmet for your needs, so do some research before purchasing. It will have good ventilation to keep you cool while riding. It should also have a comfortable fit so that it doesn’t move around while you’re riding. There are many different brands of helmets, and each one has its unique features. Be sure to read reviews to find the best one for you. Here are some shopping tips to keep in mind when looking for a mountain bike helmet.

Our top picks

01

best overall mountain bike helmet

Giro Manifest Spherical

Giro Manifest Spherical

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02

best protection mountain bike helmet

Fox Dropframe Pro

Fox Dropframe Pro

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03

best budget mountain bike helmet

Smith Convoy MIPS

Smith Convoy MIPS

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Quick Shopping Tips:

Weight: When looking for a mountain cycle helmet, weight is an essential consideration. A heavier helmet can be more challenging to wear for long periods and cause neck fatigue on extended rides. However, a lighter helmet might sacrifice some protection if you take a spill. Choose the best weight for your needs. It is best to find a helmet around 300 grams that can offer you adequate protection.

Ventilation: is essential to keep your head cool while riding, especially in hot weather. Look for a helmet with plenty of ventilation to keep you comfortable. Many helmets have vents that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. They should also have channels that help direct the airflow and keep you cool. It would help if you also looked for a helmet with an airflow system. This system helps to circulate the air and keep you cool while riding.

Fit: It should fit snugly on your head without being too tight. It should also stay in place while you’re riding. Try on different helmets before purchasing to find the best fit. You can also adjust the straps to get a more comfortable fit. Many helmets come with a dial on the back that you can use to change the fit. And some even have a ratchet system that helps tighten or loosen the helmet, giving you a perfect fit.

Features: There are many features to consider when choosing a helmet. Some have a visor to help keep the sun out of your eyes. Others have a built-in camera mount that can be used to attach a GoPro or other action camera. And some even have a light mount so that you can connect a bike light. Choose the best features for your needs. They should also have a comfortable fit so that it doesn’t move around while you’re riding.

Padding: The helmet should have adequate padding to protect your head in case of a fall. It will have multiple layers of padding to absorb the impact. And they should also have a comfortable fit so that it doesn’t move around while you’re riding. It is best to find a helmet that has removable padding so that you can wash it and keep it clean. Padding also helps to keep you cool and comfortable while riding.

The Best Mountain Bike Helmets : First look

Giro Manifest Spherical

Giro Manifest Spherical

best overall mountain bike helmet

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Fox Dropframe Pro

Fox Dropframe Pro

best protection mountain bike helmet

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Smith Convoy MIPS

Smith Convoy MIPS

best budget mountain bike helmet

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Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS

Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS

best full-face mountain bike helmet

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POC Octal X SPIN

POC Octal X SPIN

best lightweight mountain bike helmet

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Troy Lee Designs A2

Troy Lee Designs A2

best-ventilated mountain bike

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Giro Source MIPS

Giro Source MIPS

best comfortable mountain bike helmet

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Bell Sixer MIPS

Bell Sixer MIPS

best long-lasting mountain bike helmet

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The Best Mountain Bike Helmets: In-depth Review

01

best overall mountain bike helmet

Giro Manifest Spherical

Category

Trail

Weight

12.2 oz

Material

Expanded Polystyrene

PROS

+Amazing ventilation

+Dual-shell protection

+Good head coverage

CONS

-Average weight

-A bit expensive

Experience the latest evolution in helmet protection with the Giro Manifest Spherical. This trail helmet is designed with an innovative ball-and-socket system that allows for more excellent rotational motion, addressing a key impact area. The dual-density EPS foam liner is also engineered to manage high and low-speed impacts, making this one of the most comprehensive protection systems available. This helmet offers superior cooling power with 19 wind tunnel vents and internal channeling. It has an excellent fit with a comfortable, secure feel. When we don’t think about the benefits and drawbacks of items before purchasing them, things can go wrong. But you don’t have to worry because we’ve eliminated some poor choices for you, and each of them is the best mountain bike helmet available that also fits your needs.

Its weight of 12.2 oz is average, and the material is expanded polystyrene. This helmet’s innovative ball-and-socket system allows for more excellent rotational motion to address a key impact area. The dual-density EPS foam liner is also engineered to manage high and low-speed impacts, making this one of the most comprehensive protection systems available. We subjected numerous goods to the test and discovered this one as the best overall mountain bike helmet for you that also offers superior cooling power. And for exceptional comfort, the XT2 padding absorbs sweat like no other. So you can focus on what’s important, enjoying your ride. It has an excellent fit with a comfortable, secure feel.

02

best protection mountain bike helmet

Fox Dropframe Pro

Category

Trail/downhill

Weight

1 lb. 1.5 oz

Vents

15

PROS

+Dual-density

+EPS shell extended coverage

+Large visor

CONS

-No fit adjustment

-Sub-par ventilation

The Fox Dropframe Pro Helmet is the perfect helmet for professional cyclists and new riders alike. The shell is polycarbonate to protect your head from impacts, and the Varizorb EPS liner helps absorb shocks and protect your brain. The helmet also features 8 Big Bore vents and 7 exhaust vents to keep your head cool, plus a Fidlock SNAP helmet buckle for a snug fit. The fixed visor protects your eyes from the sun and other elements. It is an excellent for those looking for extended coverage and protection. The polycarbonate shell and EPS liner protect your head from impacts, and the large visor shields your eyes.

However, the helmet doesn’t have a lot of ventilation, so that it might get hot on long rides. You may also look at the best protection mountain bike helmet on the market for more excellent choices. It’s also quite heavy, so it’s not the best choice for competitive cyclists. But if you’re looking for a safe and stylish helmet, it is a great option. It comes in various colors and designs to match your style, and it’s packed with features to keep you safe on the trail. It also has a great fit, and it’s very comfortable.

03

best budget mountain bike helmet

Smith Convoy MIPS

Category

XC

Weight

11 oz

Vents

20

PROS

+Available in multiple sizes

+MIPS included

+Budget-friendly

CONS

-Fixed visor

-Below average ventilation

Whether you’re bombing down a mountain or cruising through city streets, the Smith Convoy MIPS Helmetwill keep you safe and comfortable. This lightweight helmet is constructed with in-mold technology for reduced weight and bulk, while the 20 large vents provide consistent airflow to help keep you cool. The integrated visor helps shield your eyes from sun and rain, and the single-layer webbing offers a snug fit. If you want to spend as little money as possible on the best budget mountain bike helmet but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the correct spot! We’ve put up enough background knowledge on the product so that your purchase will be more successful.

This helmet is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the most challenging trails. It won’t weigh you down at only 11 oz / 300 g. The visor is fixed, but it does an excellent job shielding your eyes from the sun and rain. The webbing is also single-layer, which means it’s not as comfortable as some other helmets on this list, but its best feature is the price. On the other hand, the two designs are light and airy and can be utilized on pavement or gravel roads. They have an excellent fit with a comfortable, secure feel.

04

best full-face mountain bike helmet

Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS

Category

Downhill/trail

Weight

1 lb. 8 oz

Vents

25

PROS

+Well-ventilated

+Great protection

+Quality fit

CONS

-Tight chin bar

-Not strong

We are excited to introduce the all-new Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS helmet. This helmet is packed with safety features and state-of-the-art technology to keep you protected on the race track. Choosing the appropriate option is not simple, and you may have to search a lot, but with this best mountain bike helmet, you can happily go with it. The Stage MIPS features Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, which helps protect your head from impacts and rotational forces. Additionally, the helmet features an efficient ventilation system with 25 high-flow intake and exhaust ports for maximum airflow.

The 3-year warranty ensures that you can purchase with confidence. The Stage MIPS also includes a FIDLOCK magnetic buckle system for easy on/off, and a moisture-wicking, quick-drying X-Static helmet liner. With over 40 years of experience, it is the world leader in mountain bike protective gear. The unique characteristics that distinguish it as the best full-face mountain bike helmet, among numerous other similar things, make it so appealing. The all-new Stage MIPS helmet from Troy Lee Designs is packed with safety features and state-of-the-art technology to keep you protected on the race track.

05

best lightweight mountain bike helmet

POC Octal X SPIN

Category

XC

Weigh

9.4 oz

Ventst

21

PROS

+Excellent ventilation

+Incredibly lightweight

+Original style

CONS

-Extremely expensive

-No MIPS liner

The POC Octal X SPIN Helmet is an extremely lightweight and ventilated XC that features a fully wrapped unibody shell construction to improve helmet strength, with coverage at the temples and back of the head. It is also integrated with patent pending POC SPIN (shearing pad inside), which helps reduce the effects of an oblique (angled impact) fall by reducing the amount of force transmitted to the head. Additionally, It is highly ventilated using POC’s unique ventilation design, and aramid bridge technology is integrated with the liner for enhanced structural integrity. Finally, it features an adjustable visor and a comfortable fit. 

In terms of safety, it is one of the best lightweight mountain bike helmet on the market, and it’s also very stylish. However, it is pretty expensive, and it doesn’t have a MIPS liner. Its weight of 9.4 oz / 266 g is incredibly light, and the ventilation is excellent with 21 vents. But its appeal is likely limited to competitive riders that get out a lot and are willing to spend the money. It also has a great fit, and the visor is adjustable. It’s not as light or ventilated, but it’s a great helmet that’s more than adequate for most riders.

06

best-ventilated mountain bike

Troy Lee Designs A2

Category

Trail/XC

Weight

13.3 oz

Vents

13

PROS

+Great ventilation

+Packed with protection

+Stylish look

CONS

-Expensive

-Not comfortable

The Troy Lee Designs A2 helmet is the latest and greatest in head protection technology. With CUTTING EDGE COVERAGE and MIPS, you’ll be well-protected while racing or cycling at high speeds. The massive intake and exhaust ports provide 25% MORE AIRFLOW than the previous model for maximum cooling power. The break-away visor, rear stabilizer fit system, and an expanded field of view make this perfect for goggles or glasses. And with a 3-year warranty, you can rest assured that your investment is protected. We will assist you in selecting the best-ventilated mountain bike to keep you safe from unpleasant events.

It’s also great looking, but it’s not as comfortable as some of the other helmets. The price is high, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for excellent possible protection. If you want the superb mountain bike helmet, you should get the A2 Helmet. It’s incredibly lightweight and ventilated, and it features a fully wrapped unibody shell construction to improve strength. Comfort is near the top of the pack with a minimalist but effective design. It’s not the most cost-effective on the market, but it’s well worth the investment.

07

best comfortable mountain bike helmet

Giro Source MIPS

Category

Trail/XC

Weight

12 oz

Vents

16

PROS

+MIPS technology

+Highly adjustable fit

+ Adjustable visor

CONS

-Padding wears out quickly

-less ventilation than some

The Giro Source MIPS helmet is an excellent choice for trail and cross-country riding. It features MIPS technology to help reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash. The helmet is also highly adjustable to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Additionally, the visor is adjustable to help shield your eyes from the sun and debris. The helmet is also equipped with 16 vents for enhanced airflow. It is the item that provides a fantastic experience to its users, which is why it was chosen as one of the best mountain bike helmets in our evaluations which is quite an accomplishment. It is an excellent choice for trail and cross-country riding. It features MIPS technology to help reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash.

It is also highly adjustable to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. The visor is adjustable to help shield your eyes from the sun and debris. The weight of the helmet is only 12 oz which is incredibly light. We put a lot of items through their paces to see which one was the best comfortable mountain bike helmet for you and included excellent safety features, and this helmet was our top selection. The included lanyard is useless, but you do get a lightweight carabiner and an integrated light mount. You also lose out on extra features like a magnetic clasp and built-in light fixture, as well as the padding is just a notch above mediocre.

08

best long-lasting mountain bike helmet

Bell Sixer MIPS

Category

Trail

Weight

14.5 oz

Vents

26

PROS

+Well performance

+Easily adjustable visor

+Secure harness

CONS

-Heavier weight

-Average ventilation

The Bell Sixer MIPS is an excellent helmet for those looking for protection on the trail. You’ll be well-protected while riding with extended coverage and a visor that protects your eyes from the sun. The helmet also features 26 vents to keep your head cool, and the harness is adjustable for a snug fit. The helmet also has a MIPS liner to protect your brain in the event of a crash. The helmet is a bit heavy, but it’s worth it for its protection. It also doesn’t have the best ventilation, so that it might get hot on long rides. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a safe and stylish helmet. It has a sleek design, and it comes in various colors to match your style.

It’s packed with features to keep you safe on the trail, and it has a great fit. Its weight of 14.5 ounces is a bit much, but the protection it provides is well worth it. It has several benefits for riders who travel a lot of miles, especially in the summer when it’s hot. Choosing the most acceptable best long-lasting mountain bike helmet might not be as simple as you think, so you’ll want to keep the following factors in mind while selecting. It is best to buy from a reputable company that stands behind its products. You’ll want to make sure the helmet you choose has been tested and is up to protecting your head. It is comfortable, protective, and stylish. With so many helmets on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one.

Final Words

When choosing a mountain bike helmet, it is crucial to consider the type of riding you will be doing and your budget. There are many different helmets on the market, and each has its own set of features. It is essential to find a helmet that fits well and is comfortable. Choosing a helmet that provides adequate protection for your needs is also necessary. With so many helmets available, selecting the best one for you can be challenging. But by keeping the above factors in mind, you can narrow down your choices and find the best mountain bike helmet for your needs.

There are many different helmets on the market, each with its features. Some helmets are better for certain types of riding than others. It is essential to find a helmet that fits well and is comfortable. Choosing a helmet that provides adequate protection for your needs is also vital. With so many helmets available, selecting the best one for you can be challenging. But by keeping the above factors in mind, you can narrow down your choices and find the best mountain bike helmet for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of helmet is best for mountain biking?

They should be comfortable, protective, and stylish. It is best to buy from a reputable company that stands behind its products. You’ll want to make sure the helmet you choose has been tested and is up to protecting your head. It is best to choose a helmet that fits well and is comfortable. Choosing a helmet that provides adequate protection for your needs is also essential. With so many helmets on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one.

What is the safest mountain biking helmet?

The helmet should have a MIPS liner to protect your brain in the event of a crash. The helmet is a bit heavy, but it’s worth it for its protection. It also doesn’t have the best ventilation, so that it might get hot on long rides. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a safe and stylish helmet. It has a sleek design, and it comes in various colors to match your style.

What helmet is best for trail riding?

The Bell Sixer MIPS has several benefits for riders who travel a lot of miles, especially in the summer when it’s hot. Choosing the most acceptable best long-lasting mountain bike helmet might not be as simple as you think, so you’ll want to keep the following factors in mind while selecting. It is best to buy from a reputable company that stands.

Are MIPS helmets really better?

MIPS helmets have been shown to reduce rotational forces on the brain in the event of a crash. They are also comfortable and stylish. However, they are more expensive than non-MIPS helmets. It is up to the individual rider to decide if the benefits of MIPS are worth the extra cost.