29.11.2023 | Reading time - 28 min(s)

Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK

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Choosing the best mountain bike helmet involves considering various factors such as safety certifications, fit, ventilation, visor design, and additional features. Here are some key aspects to look for when selecting a top-quality mountain bike helmet. The first part of this article will discuss some of the considerations to make when choosing a mountain bike helmet and then we move on to how riding style and terrain affects which helmet would be best. Finally, we will take a look at some of the best mountain bike helmets available now.

Contents and Quick Links

Mountain Bike Helmet Shape
MTB Helmet Fit
Ventilation
Weight
MIPS
Other Safety Tech
A Bit About Virginia Tech
How Does Riding Style and Terrain Affect Helmet Choice?
Our Top Mountain Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmet FAQ's

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Mountain bike helmet considerations

Mountain Bike Helmet Shape

The best mountain bike helmets will be different from most other cycling helmets in that they are designed to offer more coverage in the event of a crash. Road helmets perch on the top of the head more as falling off a road bike, you are more likely to hit the front of the side of your head, but when mountain biking, you also have the chance of hitting the back of your head so there is more coverage particularly at the rear of the helmet down towards the back of the neck.

For the most extreme mountain biking or for maximum coverage, there are mountain biking full face helmets that give the most coverage possible to protect your whole head but also protect your face, nose and chin.

Unfortunately, we do not stock convertible helmets at the moment. A convertible helmet is one where the chin bar can be removed for the best of both words - an open face helmet and full face also when you require it.

Fit

Everyone's head is a slightly different shape and this means that not all helmets will fit the same way. When choosing mountain bike helmets, it is important that there are no pressure points or pinch points on the head. There are different helmets for all head shapes.

Another aspect of fit is one we will say until we are blue in the face - most bike helmets should be held in place by the ratcheting system that secures it around the circumference of your head and be snug but not tight. If the helmet is being held on by the chin strap then this helmet is not the correct fit for you.

There are also some women's specific mountain bike helmets but our advice would be; if the helmet feels comfortable, has no pressure points and is sitting just above your brow line then this is the correct fit whether the helmet says youth, men's or women's.

Ventilation

One of the most frequently asked questions about helmets is "What do you get when you spend more on a helmet?" to which one of the answers is 'ventilation'. When you pay more for a helmet, there will be increased ventilation and increased airflow to keep the head cool. The reason this costs more is that there is a lot more research and development that goes into these designs and the use of techniques such as computational fluid dynamics pushes up the price of high end helmets.

Weight

Here is another answer to the FAQ about what spending more on mountain bike helmets gets you - lighter weight. Lighter weight will be a benefit when cycling longer distances as reduced weight will mean less fatigue particularly in the neck and will go a litle way to making you overall lighter for faster climbing (OK we get that this is a marginal gain but it all counts).

To make a lightweight helmet that retains it's level of safety is somthing that requires significant research mountain bike helmet design and for that reason, they cost you more.

MIPS Evolve insert

MIPS helmet features

MIPS, or 'Multi directional Impact Protection System' was developed to enhance the fundamental design function of a bicycle helmet - to protect the brain in the event of an oblique impact. Many of the world's most respected helmet manufacturers now incorporate mips technology into their helmets to offer an even greater protection system.

The people at MIPS have over 25 years of experience in rotational motion and helmet safety and they found that the majority of accidents where someone hits their head involves oblique impacts, and those oblique impacts can increase the risk of brain injury. Their studies found that most cycling head impacts are oblique so MIPS technology came up with a way to mitigate these risks of rotational forces on the head and brain.

Before MIPS came along, helmets tested to UK safety standards were tested with straight, linear impacts and they were good at protecting against these impacts but now, with MIPS, you can protect against impacts that cause rotational forces while still keeping the protection against straight impacts.

As with lots of modern technology, MIPS technology mimics the brains natural movement inside the skull by allowing slight movement to protect the brain in the event of an impact. MIPS has developed a low-friction layer that is designed to be integrated inside the helmet shell that gives 10-15mm of omni directional movement that can redirect energy away from the head for these angled impacts and reduce the rotational energy transferred to the head and brain. This might not sound like much but 10-15mm of movement can be the difference between a minor and a major head injury.

By adding MIPS to existing helmets, you can protect your head against both straight and oblique impacts and thus, reducing the chance of brain injury.

You can find more information on pour specific MIPS article.

Other helmet safety technology

Angi

Helmets from Specialized either come with or can be upgraded later with Angi technology. Angi technology is a sensor for your helmet that detects a crash and alerts a nominated contact or contacts in the event that you take a spill off your bike. If you have a minor fall, you can deactivate the notifications but if you are unconscious or hurt, the Angi sensor alerts your contact(s) with your current or most recent detectable location.

Kineticore

Kineticore is specific to Lazer helmets and provides rotational impact protection that protects against oblique impacts in the event of a spill.

Smartshock® Rotational Protective System

This safety system is specific to the 100% helmets we stock and, again, offers rotational impact protection to protect against oblique impacts.

Conehead Technology

Specific to the 7idp helmets, this is a dual density eps foam that is claimed to dissipate impacts more successfully in the event of a collision.

As you can see, there are a great deal of safety options for cycling helmets all designed to lessen impacts on the head and protect against different angles of impacts.

Price

We have covered price in a few of the above categories but to sum up, more expensive mountain bike helmets will generally be lighter, better ventilated and will feature more advanced technologies such as MIPS and other increased safety features.

Occasionally, the helmets at the lower end of the price scale will come as a 'one size fits most' sizing so it is often worth spending just a little more to find that customised and comfortable fit. After all, there is nothing worse than a helmet that is just to small or too big.

A bit about Virginia Tech

It is worth putting in a section about Virginia Tech as this will be mentioned in a number of the helmet reviews below. Virginia Tech put helmets from a wide variety of sports through rigorous testing to determine which are best for reducing concussion. Here's what Virginia Tech themselves say:

Since 2011, Virginia Tech researchers have been publishing unbiased helmet ratings that allow customers to make informed decisions when purchasing helmets. The helmet ratings are the result of over 15 years of research on head impacts in sports and looks to identify which helmets best reduce the risk of concussion. Virginia Tech’s ratings system is 100% independent of any funding or influence from helmet manufacturers.

Riding Style Considerations

When chooing mountain bike helmets, there are some considerations to what style of riding you do whether that is cross country, trail or downhill that will affect which you choose. For each, we will describe the main characteristics of each style and what difference that makes to the type of helmet you choose. The three we will look at are cross country helmets, trail helmets and downhill helmets (full face helmets).

Cross Country Mountain Biking

Cross country mountain biking is usually characterised by a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike with relatively low travel (80-100mm) and a steep fork angle for fast and efficient climbing but enough to handle the flowing, singletrack on the way back down.

This sort of riding is usually about distance and seeing the scenery rather than battering down the side of a mountain. For this reason, an open face helmet usually works over a full face helmet as the chances of crashing are less due to the terrain you are on.

As mentioned above, cross country mountain bikes are more about distance covered so it is therefore important to have mountain bike helmets with excellent ventilation and light weight for extra comfort and less fatigue on longer rides.

Trail Mountain Biking

Trail riding is your in-between of mountain biking. A little bit of cross country with some more technical descents thrown in but no extremes of either. Bikes that are in the trail category will have a bit more travel than their cross country equivalents around the 120-160mm mark as well as a slacker head tube angle to be able to handle the more technical descents.

Trail mountain bikes, such as Merida mountain bikes, therefore need to offer good climbing and good descending qualities to be able to do a bit of everything.

Like cross country mountain biking, open face trail helmets will do for most riders that are trail riding and then it is personal preference on how light you want the helmet to be, how well ventilated it is, and the price you want to spend.

Downhill mountain biking

Downhill riding (also known as enduro racing or enduro riding) is characterised by a full suspension mountain bike that is geared towards descending as fast as possible on technical and fast descents. Downhill racing bikes have slack head tube angles and travel of 170mm and over. As these bikes are designed for the descents, they do not take on the uphills as well (or at all) due to the geometry of the bike, your weight distribution when you are on the bike, and the amount of travel.

Due to going downhill at high speeds, good downhill helmets will give the maximum amount of face and head protection with full face MTB helmets. Enduro riders will generally choose full face protection to keep their face and head protected in the event of a spill.

All the usual rules apply to what you get when you spend more on a full face mountain bike helmet, you get; a lightweight full face helmet, more ventilation for increased comfort, and enhanced features such as MIPS and Angi technologies.

Our Top mountain bike helmets

Now we are going to have a look at some of the top mountain biking helmets available at all price points and styles. For each example, we will list the safety technology and key features of each to help inform your decision on which would be best for you.

Lazer Coyote Helmet

Lazer's Coyote helmet are modern looking and practical MTB helmets that delivers on all aspects. Style, performance, ventilation, comfort and safety are all catered for in this sleek looking lid. Can be used for mountain biking, commuting or leisure riding as well, making this a very versatile helmet.

The TS+ fit system provides a snug and reliable adjustment system to ensure all day comfort while the bottom shell construction creates a clean finish and added durability. The rear shell construction is designed to hold your goggle strap and works great with the open front that allows for goggle or normal eyewear use.

The integrated peak provides protection from low hanging branches and other things you encounter on your rides. Fit System - Turnfit Plus System TS+. Features an adjustable peak and In-mold construction.

Smith Convoy MIPS Helmet

When designing the Convoy, Smith set out to create a mountain bike helmet that felt like it was tailor-made for your head. An adjustable dial on the back lets you fine-tune the fit for comfort

When it comes to comfort and protection, the helmet ticks all the boxes. It has a Mips® liner system and all the ventilation you'll need through the hottest days on the trail. In addition to easy integration with performance eyewear, it also features outside channels that store your shades when dusk sets in.

MIPS technology mimics the brains natural movement inside the skull by allowing slight movement to protect the brain in the event of an impact. MIPS has developed a low-friction layer that is designed to be integrated inside the helmet shell that gives 10-15mm of omni directional movement that can redirect energy away from the head for these angled impacts and reduce the rotational energy transferred to the head and brain.

Protection

Lightweight in-mold construction
Mips® Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head
CPSC and CE EN 1078 certified
AS/NZS2063 certified

Fit / Integration

Adjustable dial fit system for a customized fit
Designed for ultimate integration with Smith performance eyewear and goggles for maximum comfort, venting and storage convenience
AirEvac™ ventilation system integrates with Smith eyewear for fog-free lenses

Features

20 fixed vents for consistent airflow
Integrated visor
Performance comfort lining
Lightweight, low-bulk single-layer webbing

7iDP M2 Boa Helmet

As bikes become more capable and trail riding gets faster the M2 slots into the current generation of open face protection.

Conehead™ mountain bike helmet technology utilises dual-density foam to dissipate impacts more effectively giving you a safer ride with the ever reliable Boa dial for custom fit, every time.

The Boa® Fit System delivers a connected, fast, customized and durable fit, purpose-built for performance
Boa’s patented system consists of three integral parts: a micro-adjustable dial, a super-strong lightweight lace, and low friction lace guides and is backed by the Boa Guarantee
Open face all mountain design
19 vents
ConeHead™ Technology utilising dual-density foams in impact-absorbing zones
Full rear head coverage for added protection in the event of a crash.
Custom 7iDP liner for superior fit and comfort
Custom 7iDP adjustable visor
The Boa® Fit System
Rapid adjust chin strap

7iDP M1 Full Face Helmet

Here is one for the hardcore downhill or tough trail riders. Full face helmets give maximum coverage when you are pushing hard, downhill to ensure protection for not only your head but your face as well.

The M1 Full Face Helmet from 7iDP is a perfect introduction to the world of full-featured, full-face mountain bike helmets that protects your head at a wallet-friendly price.

Manufactured from a lightweight ABS shell and shock-absorbing core, the M1 meets CE, CPSC and AS standards of protection.

A foam-padded internal muzzle boosts protection further whilst the large eye-port gives you a wider field of vision and allows for a wide range of goggles to be used.

Key Features

Lightweight ABS Shell
17 vents
Large eye port for greater field of vision and improved goggle fit
Complies to CE, CPSC and AS safety standards
Foam padded internal muzzle maximises protection
Adjustable peak held in place with two aluminium screws and a central thumb screw
Mesh covered vents stop debris from getting in

Giant Rail SX MIPS Helmet

Giant are reknownedfor their exceptional quality at very reasonable prices and the Giant Raiil SX MIPS is no exception - MIPS protective features, 5-star Virginia Tech award and good rear coverage for trail or cross country mountain biking.

Whether you are making the crux move on a technical climb or bombing down steep, rocky terrain, you need full protection to perform at your peak.

Awarded a five-star rating by the world-famous Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Lab, the Rail SX features an integrated MIPS Brain Protection System and a lightweight, highly ventilated design to keep you safe, comfortable and in control when you are pushing your limits.

Key Features

Trail-specific maximum enduro coverage EPS construction; 3mm lower Front, 3-5mm lower sides, 8-10mm lower back
MIPS Brain Protection System optimized design
AirFlow ventilation combines 18 straight vents with straight, non-tapered walls to guide airflow through deep internal channels to keep riders cool at variable speeds
Removable moto-style extended protection visor mounts cleanly to the sides and is infinitely adjustable on the move
Integrated strap clip on the rear keeps goggle straps in position and prevents them from falling off during a crash
Low-speed and high-speed impact-tuned construction with Direct Support vents, optimized low-density EPS, and ultra-thin toughened polycarbonate shells all in-mold bonded together
Element Strap System (ESS) brings together Cinch One ProT fit system, adjustable locking dividers, and LiteFormT webbing into one fit and retention system for superior fit and comfort right out of the box
Cinch One ProT fit system offers 360-degree coverage and positioning with secure, adjustable height for full protection, support and comfort
Lightweight LiteFormT webbing wraps around for a more secure fit
TransTextura PlusT anti-microbial padding helps fight bacteria growth by pulling sweat from a riders head and transferring it through the AirFlow vents. The natural property of the fabric inhibits microbes that cause odors
Dual-position integrated mounting surfaces, GoProT curved mount compatible for cameras and the Giant Recon light system

Giro Source Mips Helmet

Source MIPS is a very versatile helmet - it can be used for commuting, leisure rides and cross country mountain biking. The Source MIPS helmet has a rugged and trail-ready design that also combines advanced performance and protection.

Featuring deep coverage for extra protection and with aggressive ventilation from 17 vents coupled with deep internal channeling, it helps keep things cool even when the going gets tough.

A Roc Loc® 5 fit system with integrated MIPS® brain protection, plus a moto-style adjustable screw-in visor and full lower hardbody durability complete the package.

Giro Source Mips Women's Helmet

Giro Source MIPS Women's Helmet.jpg

The Giro Source MIPS Women's helmet is designed specifically in a women's fit.

The Source MIPS Women's helmet has a rugged and trail-ready design which also combines advanced performance and protection.

Features include deep coverage with aggressive ventilation from 17 vents coupled with deep internal channeling, it helps keep things cool even when the going gets tough.

A Roc Loc® 5 fit system with integrated MIPS® brain protection, plus a moto-style adjustable screw-in visor and full lower hardbody durability complete the package.

100% Altis Gravel Helmet

100 Altus Gravel Helmet.jpg

The ALTIS Gravel edition offers riders an ultra-lightweight helmet with an active cooling system equipped to provide a safe and comfortable fit that goes the distance on your gravel riding adventures. Marked as a gravel helmet, this helmet could easily hold it's own on cross country mountain biking rides offering good coverage off-road.

Smartshock® Rotational Protective System (11 point) - A similar technology to MIPS and provides protection against oblique impacts by allowing a pivoting movement inside the helmet to lessen impacts.

High Density EPS foam injection molded with polycarbonate in size specific molds
Massive airflow with an impressive 14 ventilation ports
Expanded coverage while still lightweight
Washable, moisture-wicking anti-microbial liner
Adjustable ratcheting fitment system
Nexus push release snap-buckle

Lazer Coyote Kineticore Helmet

Style, performance, ventilation, comfort and protection all in one clean and practical MTB lid.

Drop into technical terrain with confidence knowing you're wearing a Virginia Tech 5-star safety-rated lid. The trail-ready Coyote KinetiCore features an integrated visor that can quickly be pushed up or down to keep sun, rain, and low-hanging branches out of your face, while the no-slip grip on the shell secures your goggles in place.

Adjustable TurnSys technology offers vertical adjustability and a tailored fit with the twist of a dial, while the magnetic buckle makes it easy to strap in and out with one hand and gloves on so you never miss a beat. For those rides where you are squeezing out every last minute of daylight, LED light compatibility via the velcro mount ensures you are seen.

Specialized Tactic 4 MIPS Helmet

With an unprecedented combination of fit, ventilation, and confidence for trail and enduro racing, the Tactic 4 MIPS helmet delivers exceptional coverage and seamless integration with goggles or glasses.

Tune a more precise, personalized fit thanks to Tactic’s slim, incredibly adjustable Integrated Fit System that accommodates variations in head shape and occipital base
Occipital base adjustment dials in fit for comfort and allows you to tune helmet angle to ensure that your helmet and eyewear stay perfectly synched
Integrated but non adjustable visor provides increased trail vision and a seamless interface with eyewear. Specifically designed with eyewear in mind as the channels always give you a spot to store your glasses at a moment’s notice
Average weight: 380 grams (medium)
Computational Fluid Dynamic design integrates the maximum volume of internal channeling for optimal airflow through the helmet drawing heat away from the head. 4D brow cooling which provides a gap between the helmet and forehead, draws airflow into internal air channels at every speed
Whether your riding acoustic or electric mountain bike, the Tactic is certified to be able to manage both.
The Tactic earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™ from the internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Fitted with a MIPS Evolve solution for a lighter and better ventilated insert while still offering all the benefit of a MIPS liner
Integrated fit system allows for extended (occipital) coverage
This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the ANGi crash sensor which is available separately

Specialized Ambush 2 Helmet

Be so bold in the all-new Ambush 2. Fully redesigned from the buckle up with essential features for a next gen trail helmet. The Ambush 2 channels ample ventilation through modern styling with a superb fit and dialed eyewear integration.

FEATURES

Sized to drop in with a highly customizable fit and precision adjustment. The Ambush 2 features Specialized's SBC Integrated Fit system and adjustable Tri-Fix splitters to provide a dialed fit
Fine-tune this helmet using the Ambush 2 Occipital Base Adjustment to finely adjust how the helmet sits on the brow line and for seamless integration with goggles and glasses for an unrestricted view down the trail.
Innovative sunglasses storage with discrete rubber flaps maintains a secure, rattle free fit, keeping your cycling eyewear safely stored when you need to get them out of the way during long climbs or times of rest
Integrated fixed visor with a breakaway feature provides increased trail vision and a seamless interaction with eyewear while effectively directing airflow through the helmet for superb ventilation
Features the MIPS SL solution with our exclusive perforated backing. Integrating MIPS technology within the helmet padding reduces moisture retention while increasing breathability
The Ambush 2 earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™ from the world renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the Specialized ANGi crash sensor

Specialized Gambit Helmet

To make a Down hill certified full face with the ventilation and fit of a half shell, Specialized's development team took a fully integrated approach when creating the Gambit downhill helmets.

Every component was engineered making use of a comprehensive approach resulting in truly breakthrough performance where the Gambit delivers more than the sum of its parts.

Key Features

Combines a lightweight carbon fibre shell, structurally specific polycarbonate backing, and five optimized pieces of targeted density foam (patent pending) for reducing weight, optimizing fit, and increasing ventilation. ASTM DH (1952) certified
You are able to tune a more precise, personalized fit thanks to Gambit’s adjustable Integrated Fit System that allows for variations in head shape and occipital base.
Occipital base adjustment personalizes fit for comfort and allows you to adjust helmet angle to ensure that your helmet and eyewear stay perfectly synched
4-position adjustable cheek pads provide fit refinement for any head shape adding to the comfort and fit of the helmet.
Integrated, fixed visor with a breakaway feature provides a wide field of view while protecting against trail debris
Average weight: 640 grams (medium)
Increased airflow and improved ventilation from the SBC Integrated Fit System removes the need for excessive padding of a traditional full-face friction fit
MIPS SL with Specialized's exclusive perforated backing integrates MIPS technology within the helmet padding and reduces moisture retention while increasing breathability to keep your head cool and comfortable.
Computational Fluid Dynamic design integrates the maximum volume of internal channeling for optimal airflow through the helmet. 4D brow cooling provides a gap between the helmet and forehead, drawing airflow into internal air channels at every speed
This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the ANGi crash sensor which is available separately

Lazer Jackal KinetiCore Helmet

The Jackal KinetiCore gives you the confidence to tackle technical mountain bike trails without fear, so you can push yourself harder and test your riding limits. Supreme ventilation, improved protection and advanced comfort, plus MTB helmet friendly features such as brow vents and an accessory mount, make this a trail rider's dream lid.

FEATURES

No more fumbling with your helmet buckle while wearing gloves - Lazer's magnetic buckle can be quickly undone with one hand with gloves on
Visor is easy to move up and down while riding for improved visibility and to make space for your eyewear or to accommodate goggles.
Goggle grip reduces risk of goggle slip and blocking visibility while on the trail.
Comes with an included Action Camera Mount to capture content and create memories while out on your ride.
By channelling air into the helmet above your eyebrows your head will remain cool while the vents lower the chance of your goggles steaming up
The Lazer Turnsys system provides a tailored fit that's easy to adjust on the move with a simple turn of the dial.
Increase safety and visibility by attaching the optional extra Universal Lazer LED at the rear of the helmet via the Direct Mount

Smith Wilder JR MIPS Helmet

Smith Wilder Jr MIPS Helmet.jpg

Here is one for the younger gravel or mountain biker with colours for all tastes in Alder, Pink and Electric Blue.

When your young rider is dedicated to the dirt, you need gear that keeps pace with their skill set. The Smith Wilder Jr. mountain bike helmet combines the enhanced angle impact protection of MipsR with a lightweight, ventilated design just like the Smith adult helmets. MIPS technology is no longer limited to just adult helmets.

20 fixed vents keep the air flowing as kids bomb down their favorite trails. Smith's adjustable dial fit system adjusts around the head with the turn of a dial to get the right fit every time. There's a built-in visor to cut glare and integrated eyewear storage, so kids can stow their glasses just like mom or dad.

Protection

Lightweight in-mold construction
MipsR Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head

Features

Adjustable dial fit system for a customized fit
20 fixed vents for consistent airflow
Integrated visor
Performance comfort lining
Lightweight, low-bulk single layer webbing

Endura Hummvee Youth Helmet

Endura Hummvee Youth Helmet.jpg

An MTB Lid for younger mountain bikers from Endura with a lightweight, versatile design, removable visor and one hand micro adjustment fit system.

A bit about helmets

Now that we have covered the many helmets available, it's time for a wee bit about helmet safety in general and some frequently asked questions regarding helmets - here we will cover a bit about helmet safety, shelf life and what to do if you do crash and hit the helmet and a final thought about fit.

How does a helmet protect my head?

A helmet will have a foam layer that is designed to compact and compress if it were to hit something thus reducing the force hitting your head. It is useful to think of these in the same terms as car crumple zones that spread the impact over more time to reduce the forces upon impact. This foam layer is valuable in reducing direct impacts to your head in the event of a crash.

As we have also discussed, MIPS technology which is a relatively new helmet safety technology that reduces any oblique impacts on your head by providing a frictionless layer inside the helmet to allow a degree of pivot to lessen these oblique impacts.

Helmet Shelf Life

We are often met with surprise when we advise our customers that cycling helmets have a shelf life. Manufacturers advise that for most helmets this is around three to five years. The reason for this is that the same foam that protects you does actually degrade over time and will gradually lose the ability to compress and compact in the event of a crash.

What do I do with a helmet after a crash?

As mentioned above, a helmet is designed to compress upon impact but due to the material, this does not bounce back to it's original shape even if it were the best helmet on the market. After a crash, the compressive qualities are gone and will no longer offer the full protection. It is therefore our advice that in the event of a crash you should replace your helmet immediately.

How should a helmet fit my head?

There are a number of tell tale signs of whether a helmet fits correctly. Firstly, it should sit far enough down on the head so as to be sitting between one and two fingers width above the brow line. If you can not get it down this far then the helmet is too small.

The second indicator of fit is that the ratcheting system should be able to be tightened in order to be snug and that, when tight, gently pulling the helmet upwards does not pull the helmet off your head. If you tighten the ratchet all the way and it is not snug then the helmet is too big.

When you have a helmet that sits just above the browline and can be tightened around the circumference of you head so that it keeps the helmet in place with light upwards pressure then you have a helmet that fits.

We mentioned this earlier that a mountain bike helmet (or any other helmets for that matter) should not be held on by tightening the chin strap. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable, it is also unsafe. When you have the chin strap done up, you should be able to comfortably get two fingers between the chin and the strap. If you are having to secure the helmet with just the chin strap then there is a good chance this helmet is not the correct fit.

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK

Mountain bike helmet considerations

Mountain Bike Helmet Shape

Fit

Ventilation

Weight

MIPS Evolve insert

MIPS helmet features

Other helmet safety technology

Angi

Kineticore

Smartshock® Rotational Protective System

Conehead Technology

Price

A bit about Virginia Tech

Riding Style Considerations

Cross Country Mountain Biking

Trail Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking

Our Top mountain bike helmets

Lazer Coyote Helmet

Smith Convoy MIPS Helmet

7iDP M2 Boa Helmet

7iDP M1 Full Face Helmet

Giant Rail SX MIPS Helmet

Giro Source Mips Helmet

Giro Source Mips Women's Helmet

100% Altis Gravel Helmet

Lazer Coyote Kineticore Helmet

Specialized Tactic 4 MIPS Helmet

Specialized Ambush 2 Helmet

Specialized Gambit Helmet