The thrill of mountain biking always comes with risks, and some can be very fatal. Any experienced mountain biking fanatic knows that helmets can make a difference between life and death when you get into a crash. But how do you choose a helmet fit for you in a market with so much variety?
This guide discusses the 7 best mountain bike helmets for women and men in 2024. We will also highlight key features of mountain bike helmets, including functionality, durability, and comfort. Then, we’ll show you how to choose a mountain bike helmet and answer some of the most common bike helmet-related questions. Let’s get started!
The Products
COMPARISON CHART
We hope you love the products we recommend! We only have products that we thoroughly investigate and believe are of real value to you.
As an Amazon Associate, Sports Send earns from qualifying purchases and collects a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. It is at no extra cost to you.
Table could not be displayed.
Table could not be displayed.
1.Fox Racing SpeedFrame Pro Mountain Bike Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
The Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Mountain Bike Helmet is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and comfortable helmet. Featuring a tough and lightweight polycarbonate shell, the Speedframe Pro is designed to withstand the rigors of mountain biking. An EPS foam liner provides excellent impact protection, while the multiple vents keep you cool and comfortable on even the hottest days.
The Speedframe Pro also features a removable and washable comfort liner, making it easy to keep your helmet clean and fresh. The polycarbonate shell construction is excellent for durability and protection. For a comfortable fit, the helmet comes with an adjustable head strap. The Speedframe Pro also comes in a variety of colors to match your style.
Do you enjoy mountain biking? The Fox Racing SpeedFrame Pro Mountain Bike Helmet is an excellent helmet for such sports. This helmet offers great protection for your head and is also very comfortable to wear. And since it’s lightweight with a great ventilation system, you will not get too hot while wearing it up the mountains.
In addition, this helmet also has a visor to protect your eyes from the sun and debris. Additionally, the visor is adjustable so that you can customize your level of protection from the sun and other elements. However, be cautious because the visor can fog up in humid conditions.
In a nutshell, the Fox Racing SpeedFrame Pro Mountain Bike Helmet is a great product if you are looking for a good quality helmet at an affordable price. The helmet is comfortable to wear and has a great fit. It is also lightweight and has good ventilation. The helmet is also adjustable to fit different head sizes.
Pros
- It is very lightweight, making it ideal for racing.
- It has great ventilation, keeping the rider’s head cool and comfortable.
- It has a sleek design that looks great on the trail.
Cons
- The helmet is not compatible with all goggles.
No products found.
2. Giro Fixture MIPS Bike Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
If you’re looking for a Multi-Directional Impact Protection (MIPS) helmet, this brand by Giro has got you covered. MIPS means in the event of a crash. The impact is redirected in multiple directions instead of focusing on a particular region of your head. This way, the helmet reduces the severity of the injuries. In fact, with such helmets, most people walk away with minimal surface scratches.
Giro uses In-Mold construction technology, and for this particular helmet, you get a mature rugged exterior with multiple Matte Ano Lime range of colors to choose from. The outer shell is made of a polycarbonate material, which gives it a solid yet lightweight finish.
You also enjoy the Roc Loc by Giro, a Sport fit system that features a micro-adjusting dial where you twist and lock with only two fingers. This particular dial can be replaced without buying the entire helmet should your fingers go in too hard and break it, a rather rare occurrence.
The ventilation is also well thought out, with the Giro Fixture Cycling Helmet incorporating 18 wide vents with internal channels.
The helmet also includes a visor for anti-glare protection. However, this is fixed and not adjustable. Similarly, it has under-chin ear straps that are not adjustable. However, if you are within the recommended head circumference, they fit just right.
Pros
- Multi-Directional Impact Protection
- Well ventilated
- A wide range of Matte Ano Lime colors to choose from
- Excellent padding
- Great fit
Cons
- The vents don’t have netting to keep bugs and insects away, especially when riding across their natural habitats.
No products found.
3. Giro Fixture Adult Cycling Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
Do you love going for long rides out in the woods? What do you do when you get lost? Get the POC Tectal Helmet for Mountain Biking to keep you safe and locate you when you get lost.
The helmet is the first-ever to have a Recco reflector. It makes it easy for the search and rescue team to locate you and get you to safety. This Recco reflector is a lifesaver should you be stuck in an avalanche, thick forest or any accident that gets them invisible from other riders.
Additionally, the helmet’s built-in high-tech protective features offer maximum ventilation and coverage for its riders. It is a super comfortable helmet with a proper fit for most riders.
The helmet has an EPS inner lining with a polygene construction. Consequently, this anti-odor design keeps the helmet fresh when you sweat. The shell has a hard outer plastic shell in a unibody shell construction. Also, it has seventeen air vents at the forehead, crown, and rear areas for free air circulation.
This helmet uses the Aramid Fiber Grid, a durable and safe construction. This military-grade material absorbs extreme impact pressure during a crash. Additionally, the helmet’s dial size adjust in the back system provides a perfect fit. It is tightening retention system keeps the helmet stable as you race downhill or uphill.
Adjust the shell’s detachable visor and inbuilt goggle straps to fit in goggles or any other helmet accessories. Get this shell in six different sizes.
Pros
- Durable construction
- It is ideal for search and rescue
- There is a variety of sizes and colors to choose from
- Full coverage with maximum ventilation
Cons
- Lacks the MIPS technology
No products found.
4. Giro Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
Are you a progressive trail rider? The Giro Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet has a lot of under-the-hood attributes that optimize style over speed. It is all about using innovative technologies for ventilation, fitting systems, and construction layering. The helmet creates the right attitude for any modern biker while protecting them from injury in high-speed crashes.
The GIRO Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet has a two-piece Hardshell with an in-mold hard body lower wrap. Here, it relies on MIPS Spherical technology for safety. That is, the helmet uses progressive foam layers, including an EPS layer suited for high-speed crashes.
Upon impact, the EPS layer imitates a ball and socket mechanism, absorbing and redirecting the impact energy away from the biker. Its other low-density EPP foam layer is effective in low-speed, roll-around-in-the-dirt-type spills. This design has the U.S.: CPSC BICYCLE FOR AGES 5+ and the E.U.: CE EN107 safety certification.
Fourteen strategic vents make up the helmet’s Wind Tunnel Ventilation. They channel fresh air into and out of the helmet to cool your head and prevent getting sweaty on hot and humid days. Second, the shell uses a Roc Loc Air DH fit system with a broad adjustment for stability and comfort. More so, your purchase includes a spare set of cheek pads to help you fit-tune the helmet to your facial contours.
This helmet retails in an extended full-cut design in small (51-55 cm), medium (55-59cm), and large (59-63cm) sizes for both male and female riders. Choose between seven color themes to suit your style.
Pros
- It relies on Spherical Technology powered by MIPS for safety
- It has a cheek pad ventilation system to minimize sweating
- Durable, progressive layered shell
- Uses a ROC LOC® AIR fitting system that fits a large head
- Easy-to-use bolt-on visor, compatible with most accessories
- Includes spare cheek pads for fit-tuning
Cons
- Feels heavy
No products found.
5. Troy Lee Designs Stage
No products found.
No products found.
The Stage Helmet by Troy Lee Designs is a much-anticipated one. It combines the protection of an Enduro full-faced helmet and the ventilation of an open one. In turn, it is functional and aesthetic, providing a safe ride on rough terrain with a touch of class.
Safety
In most enduro races, wearing a full-face helmet is a must. They offer the best head protection in a head-on collision. Yet, riders have had to put up with the discomfort that comes with such shells. The Troy Lee Designs Stage helmet solves this.
Dual Foam Layers
The Stage retails with safety features, including dense EPS and soft EPP foam layers. Hence, the EPS receives most of the impact during a crash, while the EPP cushions the head even more afterward.
MIPS Liner
Next, the helmet uses an MIPS liner to allow for a slight head rotation after impact. Again, this rotation can mean life or death to a rider. It’s a fact brain damage can occur during impact, even when wearing a helmet. For, the brain matter spins in the skull during a crash. Thus, NIPS helps in delaying these rotational forces.
Break Away Style
All the aluminum and plastic components of the helmets can break away from the main shell during a crash. That way, you will not be at risk of getting splinters of broken fragments in your eyes, ears, or flesh.
Ventilation
The Stage helmet has more ventilation than a regular full-faced unit. In particular, it has 11 intakes at the front and 14 exhaust ports at the back. These big holes give you decent airflow in and out of the helmet. Plus, they are big enough not to trap any flies or branches as you race. Besides that, it retails with pads of different sizes. You can use the pads to find the right fit for your face shape.
Other Features
The helmet uses a magnetic FIDLOCK closure that instantly snaps into position. A visor tilts up and down to block direct sunlight, wind, or branches from the eyes. The helmet is compatible with most prescription glasses. Moreover, it retails in nine different colors.
Pros
- Dual-density EPP/EPS foam layers for the greatest cushion
- MIPS liner cushioning the brain
- Drawstring bag with breathable mesh paneling
- Extra pads for a perfect fit
- 3 Years limited warranty
- TLD shield logo
- Certified by CE EN 1078 and CPSC 1203
Cons
- It has no GoPro mount
No products found.
6. Smith Optics Convoy MIPS Men’s MTB Cycling Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
The Smith Optics Convoy MIPS Men’s MTB helmet has similar attributes to the Smith Convoy MIPS. More so, it has a storage space at the front for your eyewear, holding your shades tight as you tackle gruesome climbs.
Small, Medium, and Large Sizes
The helmet is available in small (51 – 55cm), medium (55 – 59 cm), and large (59 – 61 cm). This wide head circumference accommodates more head shapes and sizes.
Lightweight Construction
Smith Optics Convoy MIPS uses ultra-light, single-layer webbing, keeping the helmet weight at 11 pounds. You can add more eyewear accessories and maintain a comfortable feel around your head at this weight.
Integrated MIPS
Inside the single polycarbonate layer are an MIPS slip plane and a high-quality EPS foam liner, guarding against brain injury that results from rotational forces on certain impacts.
Optimized Ventilation
If the thought of integrated features makes you feel bulky and sweaty, Smith Optics Convoy MIPS addresses this by adding strategic vents all around the helmets. They channel cool air around your head, keeping you fresh and sweat-free all day.
Convenient Adjustment
This helmet relies on the self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit System to hold head sizes between 51 cm and 61 cm. Also, a VaporFit retention system includes a convenient twist knob at the back of the helmet. You can use it to adjust the shell to a proper fit.
Pros
- Ultra-light in-mold construction for durability
- Has the ultimate integration for MIPS and eyewear
- Contours to the shape of the head for a precise fit
- It uses a three-point visor that accommodates Google storage
Cons
- The EPS foam liner is exposed
No products found.
7. Oakley DRT5 Helmet
No products found.
No products found.
If you’re looking for a Multi-Directional Impact Protection (MIPS) helmet, this brand by Giro has got you covered. MIPS means in the event of a crash. The impact is redirected in multiple directions instead of focusing on a particular region of your head. This way, the helmet reduces the severity of the injuries. In fact, with such helmets, most people walk away with minimal surface scratches.
Giro uses In-Mold construction technology, and for this particular helmet, you get a mature rugged exterior with multiple Matte Ano Lime range of colors to choose from. The outer shell is made of a polycarbonate material, which gives it a solid yet lightweight finish.
You also enjoy the Roc Loc by Giro, a Sport fit system that features a micro-adjusting dial where you twist and lock with only two fingers. This particular dial can be replaced without buying the entire helmet should your fingers go in too hard and break it, a rather rare occurrence.
The ventilation is also well thought out, with the Giro Fixture Cycling Helmet incorporating 18 wide vents with internal channels.
The helmet also includes a visor for anti-glare protection. However, this is fixed and not adjustable. Similarly, it has under-chin ear straps that are not adjustable. However, if you are within the recommended head circumference, they fit just right.
Pros
-
Multi-Directional Impact Protection
-
Well ventilated
-
A wide range of Matte Ano Lime colors to choose from
-
Excellent padding
-
Great fit
Cons
- The vents don’t have netting to keep bugs and insects away, especially when riding across their natural habitats.
No products found.
A Quick Guide to Picking the Best Mountain Bike Helmets for Women and Men in 2024
Safety
A mountain bike helmet must keep you safe. Therefore, choose a helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission bicycle helmet standards. These standards check on your helmet’s vision, fitting, and head impact during a crash. Remember to look for a certification sticker on the inner lining of your helmet. This sticker is proof that your headgear has passed all the safety tests to qualify for this daredevil sport.
In addition, mountain bike helmets must have at least a hard outer shell made of reinforced materials such as expanded polystyrene or hard plastic. The inner lining should have an ergonomic design that absorbs maximum shock during impact.
Similarly, it is adjustable straps, and a retention system should keep your head cushioned without falling or sliding off your head. Moreover, most mountain bike helmets come with visors that protect the head from direct sunrays, hanging branches along the trail, dust, and rain.
Adjustability and Visibility
A mountain bike helmet needs to fit comfortably on your head. Ensure your helmet uses the latest technology to adjust its size for a proper fit. Mountain bike helmets come with detachable visors for eye protection. These visors are also compatible with additional eyewear, camera mounts, and torches.
Durability and Ventilation
The best mountain bike helmets for women and men in 2024 should be made of materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Such shells have strong yet light carbon fiber or strong plastic outer shells. They also have straps and linings that stay in place for a long.
Such types remain sturdy even after being exposed to the sun’s heat, excessive downpours, or wind for a long.
Does your helmet protect your head at the expense of its ventilation? A good design should not be so. The 7 best mountain bike helmets for women and men in 2024 discussed in this article have numerous air channels all around.
Other Features
Choose a mountain bike helmet that is compatible with other sports accessories. These accessories include a headlight, goggles, camera mounts, and reflectors. Your choice of the helmet should retail at a reasonable price. You should also be able to access the helmet’s spare parts and repair service easily.
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Helmet Guide
The mountain bike helmet you choose depends on your type of riding. A cross-country helmet, for example, is different from a dirt jump helmet. Do you know how to differentiate these helmets?
A cross-country helmet maximizes keeping you cool. Therefore, it has as many air vents as possible. Such shells will be light yet tough enough to endure the ride. This helmet has adequate space for your favorite eyewear.
When choosing a trail or an enduro helmet, go for one that has more coverage at the back and sides. These are the areas that are prone to injury should you crash. Again, the extra back coverage holds your goggle straps in place.
Next is the dirt jump or skate helmet. This helmet focuses on protecting the rider. It has a hard shell with fewer air channels. In addition, it uses ProCore for additional comfort.
Finally, if you are a gravity rider, enduro racer, or free rider, choose the full-face helmet for maximum safety. This helmet protects all around the head, including the chin areas. You wouldn’t want to use this helmet for an all-day race, though.
A helmet using the EPS lining deforms upon impact. On the other hand, a shell using the EPP lining can withstand multiple impacts. All these helmets use different retention systems, moisture-wicking padding, and other accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain Bike Helmets
Q. What is the right way to wear a helmet?
A. Once you’ve settled for the helmet of your choice, check for the safety certification sticker. Then, put it on and confirm that you have the perfect fit for you. The sizing pads or fitting ring keep your helmet from sliding or rocking sideways. As you fit your helmet horizontally, leave no more than two fingers of space between your eyebrows and your helmet.
Fasten the straps at the center of your chin. Only two fingers should fit between the straps and your chin. Ensure the V-straps on the sides sit slightly below the ears, allowing free jaw movement. Open your mouth wide. You should feel the helmet slightly pulling down on your head. Repeat this until you achieve a comfortable fit.
Q. How often should I replace my bike helmet?
A. Weather elements and natural wear and tear determine the shelf life of a mountain bike helmet. This shelf life is subject to how often you use and look after your helmet. You may replace your bike helmet; –
- Immediately after a crash
- Once the helmet’s shell life lapses
- When upgrading to the latest helmet version with improved safety features.
- If you notice any signs of wear and tear that compromise the helmet’s performance
Q. What should I look for in a bike helmet?
A. Confirm that the size and shape of the helmet match that of your head. Consequently, the helmet should fit slightly tight around the head. Therefore, use the finger test for the strap adjustment. Finally, check for visibility and ventilation.
Q. How should you choose a bike helmet?
A. Choose a bike helmet that supplements your riding style. It must have safety certification for your planned activity. Also, it should fit comfortably around your head.
Q. Why you should wear a bike helmet?
A. To protect your head and brain from potential injury.
Conclusion
The above 7 Best Mountain bike helmets for Women and Men in 2024 offer a wide variety for various types of riders. Therefore, choose a helmet that matches your style. This helmet must pass the recommended safety tests. Also, ensure it has a durable construction. The inner padding and air channels should keep you fresh as you tackle the hard terrain. Ensure you opt for a helmet that is compatible with your other safety gear. Use this guide to stay safe and stylish as you ride your bike.
As an 11-time Ironman Triathlon Finisher, I can certainly relate to your post on the best Mountain Bike Helmets. Even though I spent years on a road bike, the importance of a certified helmet is just as relevant. I can attest to their importance first-hand.
Years ago after training for about 10 months for an Ironman Triathlon in Canada, I had a horrific crash. I went over the handlebars at speed and hit the road full force with my head and shoulder. It broke through all three levels of the Bell helmet I was wearing and I snapped my collar bone like a twig. I was fortunate enough that someone saw it happen and drove me 15 miles to a hospital. The doctor said the helmet saved my life. Without it, I most likely would have died because I was so far from the hospital.
I had just had the final tune-up done on the bike before the big race. I was going at a good speed standing up on the pedals when the chain just flew off and I lost control. It turns out that during the tune-up the chain was not tightened properly.
Well, at least I lived, even though I missed my race.
I can see from your post how much bike helmets have improved over the years. I hope anyone who intends to do any serious biking visits your website first.
Hello, Ray, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
I agree the bike helmets have taken significant steps in development through the years. And their importance, well I think we do not need to mention that. It is a must to have, as simple as that.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
I believe that safety, is the paramount concern, for using a helmet,so I would choose a helmet, that is certified,by a reputable authority, and carries their label,as such the Fox Head Flux race helmet,which gets my vote.
Next comfort is a big concern,as you will be wearing it for long periods under difficult conditions,as long as it’s retention system and straps keep it from falling or sliding off,that keep out the sun and rain,and it’s padding is comfortable,and washable,which applies to all of the helmets.
Lastly it should be available with other accessories,such as goggle brackets,and an audio system,as for the Demon Podium Full Face helmet.
Hello, Robert Trevor, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
For the bike lovers, many ignore the safety gear that is associated with riding. How many of us get into bikes without the all so important helmet? I am one very big culprit.
But one of the main reason I’ve never taken helmets as serious as I should is probably the make of most of them. Some are super heavy with not so interesting designs.
You’ve highlighted very sleek helmets and and functional helmets. Its time to get my hand on one!
Hello, Carol5162, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefits of the article.
Safety is a crucial thing, and this is both a comfortable and cheap way to add more security. Of course, if the helmet is heavy, it is uncomfortable but even so necessary because so many injuries have happens because of lack of helmets.
But these helmets are comfortable and light weighted so it is no problem with it.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
Hi,
I sometimes go for casual mountain biking on trails. Singapore has nature reserve parks that have some bike trails. They are not those extreme kinds so I don’t think I need a full covered helmet.
Which one will you recommend from the list of helmets you have brought up here?
ZhengYu
Hello, ZhengYu, and thank you.
This helmet was chosen for a huge selection. So I can, for sure, recommend all of it. In my opinion, this is the best helmets of the year but at the same time was all budget have to find but made it easier for people to find a good helmet for their activity.
If I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions, don´t hesitate to contact me.
You are really spot on with this post, and I must say that this has come very handily to me. I just learned how to ride the mountain consistently well, especially on the mountain. But getting these bike helmets up here has really awakened my interest in what a helmet can do to save us. I would like to buy the Giro Hex MTB Helmet Matte Black it looks very nice enough for me. Thanks.
Hello RoDarrick, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don´t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else, or if you have any questions.
Very interesting article. I always liked mountain bike trips, but now with the gym closed, it’s one of the best ways to stay fit. My family’s safety is always a priority for me, yet with so many helmets on the market, it is not easy to choose a proper one. That’s why your review is so important and makes my life easier. I especially liked GoMax Aero, and I can’t wait to test it in practice.
Hello, Cogito, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Yes, cycling is a great training form. Not at least with friends and family!
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Thank you for this comprehensive compilation of mountain bike helmets. The instruction of how to choose and wear a helmet is very thorough, as well as the most important section – WHY to wear a helmet. One should probably read that first. As for the individual helmet description, I was most impressed with the Recco reflector on the POC – Tectal and the EPS layer on the Giro Tyrant. Too bad we can’t put those together in the same helmet!!
Hello, Cynthia, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Yes, with many things it would be great to take the best part of each, I agree about that!
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything else or if you have any questions.