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  4. 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More
  • 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More 1
  • 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More 2
  • 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More 3
  • 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More 4
  • 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More 5

10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets UK 2024 | Fox, Giro and More

Unlike a standard cycle helmet, a mountain bike helmet needs to offer to correct level of coverage and impact absorption required for tough trails, rugged terrain and aerial jumps. In this article, we'll show you what to look for, from understanding MIPS to camera mounting.


Whether you're after an adjustable visor or a full face helmet for MTB, there's something for every trail warrior. We've even ranked the 10 best mountain bike helmets in the UK from the biggest brands including Fox, Giro and Bell!

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Mountain Bike Helmet in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Look For a Helmet With Mips to Defend Against Sudden Impact
  2. Ensure Your MTB Helmet Has a Solid Foam Layer to Absorb Shock
  3. Open Shell Helmets Are Suitable for Casual Riders, but Opt For Full-Face When Taking on Tougher Trails
  4. Pick a Helmet With a Visor to Protect Your Eyes Against the Elements
  5. Select a Helmet With No More Than 25 Vents to Keep Cool Without Compromising Your Safety
1

Look For a Helmet With Mips to Defend Against Sudden Impact

Look For a Helmet With Mips to Defend Against Sudden Impact

It goes without saying that, first and foremost, a helmet's priority should be to protect you. Whether for MTB or otherwise, every cycle helmet sold in the UK has to meet very high levels of safety and be CE certified, so you won't have to worry that the product you buy online isn't up to scratch. 


However, while putting anything on there is better than nothing as you head off to the trees and the trails, if you can opt for a design that has MIPS, then you’ll be keeping yourself that little bit safer


What is MIPS? We hear you say. Standing for Multi-directional Impact Prevention System, this innovation allows the helmet to rotate upon impact by way of a thin layer of material between the helmet and your head. There have been other specific alternatives since MIPS came out, such as SPIN and Turbines, but they all work in practically the same way.

2

Ensure Your MTB Helmet Has a Solid Foam Layer to Absorb Shock

Ensure Your MTB Helmet Has a Solid Foam Layer to Absorb Shock

Many people would assume that the construction of the outer material of the helmet is the most vital, but the reality is, the foam layer inside does the protection. This layer is sandwiched between the outer shell and your head, and it’s this which will bring your head to a slower stop. 


The most common material to keep an eye out for is EPS (expanded polystyrene), which works by spreading the energy by deformation. Basically, it’s this that slows you down. 


As with MIPS, there are other types of tech that implement the same idea. Koroyd is one example, or some companies make their own version, like UVex’s Double Inmould. While it's usually sensible to opt for the classic EPS, these alternatives will work in the same way

3

Open Shell Helmets Are Suitable for Casual Riders, but Opt For Full-Face When Taking on Tougher Trails

Open Shell Helmets Are Suitable for Casual Riders, but Opt For Full-Face When Taking on Tougher Trails

If you’re a casual rider who only takes easy trails, you’ll likely be fine with a half-shell helmet. The biggest drawback is that they don’t protect as much of your face, leaving your chin and teeth exposed. That said, if you're sensible and ride within your limits, it's rare that something too terrible will happen. 


Full-face helmets are for riders who like to take on tougher trails. Of course, this leaves you more prone to accidents, making face coverage a must! If you’re also a keen downhill rider, these are likely the best option for you too.


That said, full face helmets are typically more expensive, reaching prices up to £500. Plus, there is a tendency for some riders to become overconfident when wearing protective gear. Remember, new gear doesn’t increase your skill level and losing focus is one of the biggest dangers!


It's always a good idea to have a bicycle repair kit on hand, just in case!

4

Pick a Helmet With a Visor to Protect Your Eyes Against the Elements

Pick a Helmet With a Visor to Protect Your Eyes Against the Elements

One of the main differences between a road bike helmet and a mountain bike helmet is the inclusion of a visor. This is addition helps protect your eyes from the elements, whether that’s rain, shine, mud or grime. They also offer a little safety from low-hanging branches. 


The other thing to look for when it comes to visors is adjustability. Granted, this can be difficult when shopping on the internet, but we will mention if this is possible or not in the specification tables under each product. 

5

Select a Helmet With No More Than 25 Vents to Keep Cool Without Compromising Your Safety

Select a Helmet With No More Than 25 Vents to Keep Cool Without Compromising Your Safety

Mountain biking is sweaty business, so ensuring that you have plenty of well-placed ventilation spots in your helmet is essential. Companies will strategically place these to draw air in and channel it to an exit, which, in turn, cools by convection. Therefore, you’re likely to see larger vents at the front.

 
While it can get a bit technical, more isn’t always better. You see, staying ventilated and staying protected are often at odds with one another, with larger vents equaling less dense foam or liner reinforcement. Therefore, although more vents might make you feel more comfortable, it's not the safest idea to open your helmet up completely. 

6

Look For a Helmet With a Camera Mount to Capture the Action

Look For a Helmet With a Camera Mount to Capture the Action

Finally, thanks to the increased popularity of action cameras, you can now get helmets with a camera mount already built in. If you’re the sort of rider who likes to post their runs or jumps online, this can save you having to modify a helmet.

 
It’s worth mentioning that the type of action camera you have will dictate this somewhat, but many big names such as GoPro and Sony sell attachments systems that fit with helmet mounts. 


These can usually also be used for mounting lighting, so if you like going out in the early morning or later evening, this could be very handy indeed.

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The Best Mountain Bike Helmets in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Giro

Tyrant MIPS

Giro Tyrant MIPS 1

£99.42

Low Mid

MIPS Helmet Designed for Progressive Trail Riders

2

Bell

Super DH

Bell Super DH 1

£237.48

High Mid

Downhill-Certified Helmet With Adjustable Visor for Goggles

3

Troy Lee Designs

A2 MIPS

Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS 1

£227.11

High Mid

Adaptive Liner to Protect Against High and Low Speed Impact

4

MET

Parachute Helmet

MET Parachute Helmet 1

£247.57

High Mid

Full Face Helmet for Enduro and Trail Riding

5

Bell

Sixer

Bell Sixer 1

£116.24

Low Mid

Comfortable Helmet Optimised to Absorb Different Impact Velocities

6

Uvex

Jakkyl HDE

Uvex Jakkyl HDE 1

£126.60

Low Mid

Lightweight MTB Helmet With Demountable Chin Bar

7

Endura

MT500

Endura MT500 1

£107.42

Low Mid

Innovative Helmet With Camera Mount and Honeycomb Foam Lining

8

Fox

Proframe MTB Full Face Helmet

Fox Proframe MTB Full Face Helmet  1

£239.99

High Mid

Best-Selling Full Face Helmet From Fox

9

Urge

Supacross Helmet

Urge Supacross Helmet 1

£74.36

Low

Open Shell Helmet Ideal for XC Riding

10

Troy Lee Designs

Stage MIPS

Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS 1

£257.40

High Mid

Premium MTB Helmet for Serious Riders

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

GiroTyrant MIPS

Tyrant MIPS 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Tyrant MIPS 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Tyrant MIPS 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£99.42
Low Mid
Reference price
£99.42
Low Mid

MIPS Helmet Designed for Progressive Trail Riders

It might not have the most traditional of looks, but this helmet from Giro is designed to meet the needs of today's progressive trail riders – no wonder they chose Ratboy for the marketing shoots. While it might look a little understated, there's plenty of tech under the lid. 


The company use the classic MIPS as well as their own 'Wind Tunnel Ventilation', so you can expect to stay cool in there. The company also combine ESP and EPP for dual-layer protection against high and low impact crashes. We believe that this strikes the perfect balance between form and function, hence why it's sitting rosy at number 1. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

BellSuper DH

Super DH 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Super DH 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Super DH 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£237.48
High Mid
Reference price
£237.48
High Mid

Downhill-Certified Helmet With Adjustable Visor for Goggles

The Super DH looks to take the versatility of the company's popular Super 3R design and evolve it into a prime, downhill-certified helmet. How does it do this? Well, firstly, they added the (removable) chin bar and their own Spherical Technology, which boosts comfort in their helmets.


Some of the other specs worth noting about the helmet are its use of MIPS, a strong polycarbonate outer shell bonded with the EPS, and an adjustable visor that accommodates both goggles and glasses

No.3

Troy Lee DesignsA2 MIPS

A2 MIPS 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
A2 MIPS 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£227.11
High Mid
Reference price
£227.11
High Mid

Adaptive Liner to Protect Against High and Low Speed Impact

The A1 was a resounding success for Troy Lee, so it was no surprise to see that they went forward with producing a newer model, the A2, which expands on that success. The biggest difference is the industry-first inclusion of both EPS and EPP. While almost the same, one protects against high and the other low-speed impacts. 


Not only does the company incorporate the dual layers, but the helmet also includes MIPS protection, so it's clear that your safety is not taken lightly. There's plenty of ventilation, comfort and other features that match up to the company's protection standards too. 

No.4

METParachute Helmet

Parachute Helmet 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£247.57
High Mid
Reference price
£247.57
High Mid

Full Face Helmet for Enduro and Trail Riding

The MET Parachute is the ideal helmet for enduro and trail riding as it comes in at a very respectable 700 grams. This combination of a low weight, good ventilation and high safety ensures that you'll be comfortable wearing it for long climbs up as well as those rapid descents back down. 


Additionally, there are several other features that many riders like. For instance, it has a lengthier visor than other options, which gives you a little more flexibility and can provide increased protection from the wilderness and elements. 

No.5

BellSixer

Sixer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sixer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sixer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£116.24
Low Mid
Reference price
£116.24
Low Mid

Comfortable Helmet Optimised to Absorb Different Impact Velocities

Bell are always at the forefront of technology, and their Sixer then combines this with an exceedingly comfortable fit. Our favourite detail is the use of varying densities of foam throughout the helmet, with each one being optimised to absorb different impact velocities. 


On top of that, we thought the inclusion of X-Static antibacterial pads was smart too, seeing as most riders tend to work up quite a sweat. Furthermore, the visor is adjustable to many levels and there is plenty of space for you to fit your goggles underneath.

No.6

UvexJakkyl HDE

Jakkyl HDE 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£126.60
Low Mid
Reference price
£126.60
Low Mid

Lightweight MTB Helmet With Demountable Chin Bar

Uvex has been in the personal protection equipment industry for a long time now and somewhat of a stronghold in the mountain biking helmet market. Weighing in at 630 grams, the Jekkyl is one of the lightest full-face helmets on the market right now. 


As you'd expect, the quality and craftsmanship are second to none, and with features such as an easily demountable chin bar and alterable visor, this packs a lot in for a relatively low price. 

No.7

EnduraMT500

MT500 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
MT500 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£107.42
Low Mid
Reference price
£107.42
Low Mid

Innovative Helmet With Camera Mount and Honeycomb Foam Lining

The MT500 from Endura is packed full of useful features, such as an easily adjustable visor, an eyewear dock, a clip-off accessory mount for headlights or cams and even antibacterial padding. Plus, while many companies stick to the tried and tested EPS, the company is always looking for innovation, hence why they've opted for a Koroyd foam material. 


As you'll be able to see in the picture, the Koroyd has a honeycomb-like design, so while it still protects, it offers a little more in terms of airiness. Our only dispute is that the brand have not divulged exactly how many vents this design has. 

No.8

FoxProframe MTB Full Face Helmet

Reference price
£239.99
High Mid
Reference price
£239.99
High Mid

Best-Selling Full Face Helmet From Fox

Fox are one of the biggest names in extreme sports, so it's only fair that they would find themselves somewhere on our ranking. Here, we've opted for the classic Proframe, which is the original full-face trail helmet and still one of the leaders in the market today.


The helmet packs MIPS and dual-layered EPS into a super lightweight shell to appeal to all mountain bikers. There are some slight let downs, such as the non-removable chin bar and the static visor, but the fact that this is still one of the best sellers after all this time goes to show how highly regarded this product is.

No.9

UrgeSupacross Helmet

Supacross Helmet 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£74.36
Low
Reference price
£74.36
Low

Open Shell Helmet Ideal for XC Riding

It's fair to say that this lid from Urge often produces a fiery response from cyclists before they've even read or tried it. This is largely down to the unconventional design, and while it might not be ideal for trails, the construction lends itself well to cross-country riding


The helmet is lightweight and (arguably) stylish, plus there are plenty of well-placed ventilation spots to ensure the rider remains cool. However, it is missing a few features that could be important to some riders, such as MIPS, a visor and a camera mount station. 

No.10

Troy Lee DesignsStage MIPS

Stage MIPS 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£257.40
High Mid
Reference price
£257.40
High Mid

Premium MTB Helmet for Serious Riders

The Troy Lee Design Stage has been a revelation since its release, changing the way people think about bike safety, ventilation and comfort. It combines both MIPS and EPS in one package that both looks good and functions well. In addition to the EPS, there are also other pads, such as in the cheeks and the neck. 


There is a huge sticking point that we feel could put off many potential suitors, and that, of course, is the cost. Sure, you can't put a price on safety, but we'd say this amount of money is only really sensible to spend if you take your biking very seriously

Top 5 Mountain Bike Helmets

No. 1: GiroTyrant MIPS

No. 2: BellSuper DH

No. 3: Troy Lee DesignsA2 MIPS

No. 4: METParachute Helmet

No. 5: BellSixer

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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