The 11 best mountain bike helmets of 2015

Words: Pete Scullion

If you’ve got a mountain bike then you need a helmet, it’s as simple as that. If you don’t agree then there’s probably little in your head worth protecting anyway. Not only does a helmet have to protect your dome though, comfort is a key factor as well. You can’t focus on your riding 100% if your helmet isn’t sitting right, or if it makes you feel like your head is in an oven. Like most things when it comes to bikes a helmet is usually one of compromise, but thankfully, owing to a mandatory CE certification, safety is one area that you don’t really have to worry about compromise. The perfect trail helmet will be low in weight, while keeping your head cool and safe. Fit is also key. Most trail lids these days come with some form of adjustment system, and possibly some different sized pads too, so you should be able to get a good fit with most of the helmets that we’ve chosen here. That said, everyones head is different so it’s definitely worth trying one out before you lay down any money. A lightweight, well-fitting trail helmet will give you the confidence to push hard on any ride, allowing you in many cases to forget it was even there, until you need it.

It is a general rule of thumb, however, that the more you spend on a helmet, the better it will perform for you. Lightweight construction drops a sizeable amount of weight off and as you go up the price range you’ll normally find more bells and whistles, along with better venting and a more refined adjustment system. A good range of sizes, fully removable and washable padding, adjustable peak, and a good number of effective vents are all the hallmarks of a great trail helmet.

Over the following pages you’ll find our pick of the best mountain bike helmets that you can buy right now, but that doesn’t mean they all have sky high price tags. Whilst we do love some of the more expensive offerings out there, we’ve also been very impressed with some considerably cheaper lids, so hopefully no matter what your budget you’ll find something to suit. So, without further ado, and in no particular order, get clicking away below to find out which helmets we rate as the best…