Helmet – How to Choose Your’s

So many choices, so many options. What do I need?

When buying a new mountain bike helmet, there are several key factors to consider to make sure you get one that fits well, is safe, and suits your riding style. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know:

1. Fit and Sizing:

• Fit is everything: A helmet needs to be snug but not uncomfortable. It should sit level on your head, not tilted back or forward. Make sure it doesn’t move around when you shake your head. Most helmets have a size range (small, medium, large) and some come with an adjustable dial or straps to fine-tune the fit.
• Try them all on: Different brands fit differently. Though they all try to make helmets that fit everyone, most brands lean towards a particular shape – round, oval, tall, etc. Find the one that fits your head most comfortably.
• Check for proper coverage: Mountain bike helmets typically offer more coverage at the back of the head compared to road bike helmets, so make sure it provides the protection you need.

2. Visor:

• Do you need a visor? It depends on your riding style:
  • Trail or Enduro riding: A visor is helpful to shield your eyes from the sun, branches, and debris.
  • Downhill riding: Most downhill helmets come with a fixed or adjustable visor for better protection from dirt and sun glare, but this is more of a personal preference. Look for visors that can break away in the event of a crash to avoid possible neck injury.
  • Cross-country (XC) riding: You might not need a visor if you prefer a lighter, more aero look. But a removable visor can give you versatility.

3. Face Guard:

• Full face vs. open face:
  • Full-face helmet: These are typically for aggressive riders doing downhill, enduro, or freeride, where more protection is needed for the chin and face and you spend less time riding uphill.
  • Open-face (half-shell) helmet: For trail or cross-country riding, where a lighter helmet is sufficient and you don’t need the full coverage.
  • Convertible helmet: Some helmets have removable chin guards. These can be a good solution if you only want to have or pack one helmet.
• Do you need a face guard? If you’re just riding trails, a full-face helmet might not be necessary. But for more extreme riding (downhill or enduro), the added face protection could be crucial and give an added measure of confidence.

4. Safety Ratings:

• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission): This is the standard for helmets in the US. It’s the baseline for safety, so make sure your helmet meets this standard at a minimum.
• MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): This is a safety feature that reduces rotational forces during an impact. It’s increasingly common on mountain bike helmets and is highly recommended.
• SPIN (Sherlock Protective Integration): Some helmets use this system, which works similarly to MIPS to protect against rotational forces.

5. Claps vs. Buckles & Adjustability:

• Retention system: The most common adjustment system is a dial (often called the Boa system) at the back of the helmet. It allows for quick, on-the-fly adjustments to ensure a secure fit.
• Straps and chin buckles: Look for chin straps that are easy to adjust and have a secure buckle. Many helmets feature magnetic buckles for easier, one-handed closure.
• Visor adjustment: If you choose a helmet with a visor, look for one that’s adjustable to change the angle based on your preferences.
• Eye protection features: If your rides include shuttles or park riding, look for helmets that have grippers for goggle straps and enough room for goggles. Helmets designed for cross country riding often include slots for sunglasses.

6. Ventilation:

• Helmets with more vents provide better airflow, which is important for keeping cool during long rides. However, more vents can sometimes reduce the helmet’s structural integrity, so balance ventilation and protection.

7. Weight:

• Mountain bike helmets are generally heavier than road bike helmets, but you don’t want one that feels overly bulky. A good balance of weight, protection, and comfort is key.

8. Price vs. Features:

• Higher-end helmets often have more advanced safety features like MIPS, better fit systems, and lighter materials. However, you can find a good-quality, safe helmet at a lower price as well—especially if you don’t need full face coverage or extra fancy tech.

Final Thoughts:

• If you’re a casual rider or into cross-country, a well-ventilated, comfortable open-face helmet with basic safety features (CPSC and possibly MIPS) should be enough.
• For aggressive or downhill riders, a full-face helmet with better impact protection (MIPS, SPIN) is ideal. A visor helps with protection from the elements.
• Don’t forget about fit—a helmet that fits well is safer, regardless of price or features.

Do any of these details stand out to you based on your riding style, or are you looking for more info on something specific?