Mountain Biking Helmets

Mountain Biking Helmets are vital for anyone who wants to take up the sport, no matter to what degree they ride. When you think that around 80% of cycling related deaths are from head injuries, you realize just how important it is to protect your head, and when you also realize that you can buy a mountain biking helmet from around $30 or even less, it really is a small price to pay isn’t it? OK, you might have to put up with “hat hair” until you get into the shower that evening, but you’re not going to look at your most beautiful anyway are you?  The thing is, when you’re traveling down a country track at speed it is extremely easy to be wiped out by a bunch of rocks, tree stumps or anything else hard and solid, be smart and protect your brain, it’s the only you’ve got.

Choosing a Mountain Biking Helmet

The most important thing when you choose a mountain biking helmet is that you get one that fits properly, I know they all have adjustable straps but the basic fit is important too. It’s much better to have a cheaper helmet which fits well than a more expensive, ill fitting helmet. Mountain biking helmets generally have a visor which helps to protect your face from tree branches etc, in fact, many of the new mountain biking helmets which are chosen by the professionals are more like lightweight full face motorcycle helmets, with chin guards, visors and goggles.

Mountain Biking Helmet Checklist

• Does it fit the whole of your head snuggly (before it’s fastened)?
• Does it have a comfortable chin strap?
• Does it have a good internal fit, i.e. does it touch the top of your head?
• Does the helmet have enough vents?
• Is it a good quality helmet?
• Does it have the necessary safety approval stickers?
• Is there a visor?

Mountain Bike Helmet fitting is really important, I know I’ve already said it a couple of times on this page even, but that’s how important it is. There are loads of different brands and designs of mountain bike helmet, so make sure that you buy one which fits your head. As soon as you place it on your head it should fit snugly without any obvious pressure points which could cause discomfort. Then, when you do fasten the chin strap make sure that it’s comfortable, and that the helmet naturally sits pretty low on the front of your head (there should be about 1 fingers width gap between the helmet and your eyebrows). Fasten it securely and then try to move it around, it should stay put, after all, it’s no good having a helmet which falls off your head just before your head meets a rock is it?

Mountain Bike Helmet safety standards are important, so regardless of the cost of your helmet make sure that it has been properly inspected and passed the minimum safety requirements. It should have a “CPSC” or a “Snell” sticker, which will show you that it has the correct safety specifications.