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You're just starting out with mountain biking. Logically, you're wondering how to choose your mountain bike gear to ride safely. Helmets are a primary safety feature on a bike, and even more so on a mountain bike. That's why we offer a small comparison of mountain bike helmets to select the model that fits your practice.
Why wear a helmet when mountain biking
Although it is not mandatory for adults, the helmet is an essential element in the equipment required to practice cycling, whether it is road cycling or mountain biking. Indeed, in case of a fall, it could save your life since head injuries are the leading cause of death among cyclists. Wearing a helmet is therefore the safest way to protect your head in case of an impact. Also remember to check that the model you choose meets European standards (CE EN 1078).
And don't forget that for a helmet to protect you effectively, it must fit your head perfectly. Therefore, it is essential to get the right size for you. Whether you are a man or a woman, generally, the models are mixed and the women's helmets that you can find on the market will be distinguished mainly by their color.
To allow you to adjust your helmet perfectly to your head, most mountain bike helmets are equipped with an occipital adjustment wheel to fit it perfectly to your head.
Finally, don't forget that in case of a shock to the head, it will be imperative to change your helmet even if, at first glance, it seems intact. Indeed, following the impact, it may no longer be 100% effective in the event of another fall.
Each mountain biking discipline has its own helmet
When mountain biking, you will encounter different terrains and in particular tree roots, rocks or stones. It is therefore essential to make the right choice of mountain bike helmet, especially according to the discipline you will practice.
Indeed, the helmets used to practice cross-country, enduro or downhill for example will not have the same specificities...and you, as a rider, will not have the same expectations. Depending on the model and the discipline, they will be more or less light, more or less ventilated, more or less reinforced, etc.
In addition, you will find them at all prices, from a few dozen euros to several hundred euros for high-end models.
How to choose your helmet for enduro mountain biking.
If you're new to enduro riding, you're probably wondering what the best enduro mountain bike helmets are and what criteria you should take into account to choose the helmet that will suit you and, above all, your riding.
Most of the time, for the practice of enduro mountain biking, cyclists opt for all-mountain models, although more and more riders are also opting for a full-face helmet, especially those who are into thrills or who practice enduro in the mountains or on winding trails.
The all mountain helmets have the advantage of offering more protection than a conventional helmet thanks to its wrap-around shape that also encompasses the neck. In addition, they are equipped with a visor to protect you from the sun but also from branches that could bother you during your practice of enduro.
A little heavier than a classic mountain bike helmet, they are still quite light compared to a full-face helmet and benefit from many vents. Among these models some helmets offer increased protection thanks to the MIPS technology (Multi-directional impact protection system) that helps reduce the risk of concussion in the event of a violent impact.
How to choose your full-face mountain bike helmet
Hungry for thrills and adept at downhill riding, you'll definitely want to look into a full face helmet to protect your head in case of falls that can sometimes occur at high speeds. If you're wondering why choose a full-face mountain bike helmet, you should know that the great advantage of a full-face helmet - compared to a conventional helmet - is that it will protect your entire head, including your face, unlike a conventional helmet that will only protect your skull.
If you're into DH riding, you can opt for a classic full face mountain bike helmet. If you want to practice enduro safely but are afraid of being too hot or lacking air on the climbs with your full-face helmet, know that there are models of modular full-face helmet, that is to say that the chin strap is removable, allowing you to have a 2-in-1 helmet: light for the efforts on the climb and protective in the descents and dangerous passages.
How to choose a helmet for cross-country mountain biking.
For cross-country riding, you can opt for a cross-country mountain bike helmet "classic", whose specificity is to be particularly light and airy. This type of helmet will provide effective protection for your skull, but will not protect your neck or face. It will therefore be reserved for mountain biking if you're just starting out or cross-country riding on major trails, and will be avoided if you're used to venturing out on steep trails or descents.
If you have the soul of an adventurer and want to explore the surrounding singles, it will be better to opt for an all-mountain helmet that has the basics of a classic helmet but will also offer occipital protection thanks to a wraparound shape at the back of the helmet. In addition, these models are usually equipped with a visor, a not insignificant element when you ride in regions where the sun is very present to protect your eyes (in addition to wearing mountain bike glasses) or even to protect your face from branches.
How to Choose a Child's ATV Helmet
Your child wants to ride an ATV. It's only right that you want the best protection for him or her, so it makes sense that you would ask yourself how to choose an ATV helmet for kids.
First of all, you should know that since 2017, helmets are mandatory for children up to 12 years old. It goes without saying that beyond this age, it is strongly advised to continue to protect his head.
In addition to choosing a helmet suitable for your child's cycling and the size of his skull, it is necessary to let him choose his helmet (and in particular its color or patterns) so that he wears it willingly and that it does not become a chore for him.
For mountain biking, as for adults, the choice of helmet will be to adapt to the practice of your child: for cross-country, you can prefer a "classic" helmet and if your child is a daredevil, adept at long descents, and you want to be reassured about the protection of his head, we advise you to opt for a full-face helmet.
Now that you know all about choosing a mountain bike helmet, how about finding out how to choose your mountain bike clothing? And, to perfect your perfect mountain biker outfit, don't forget to also check out our buying guides for mountain bike gloves, mountain bike goggles but also mountain bike shoes.
