Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Guide
Answer the following questions and/or think through the points. This will help with the correct bike helmet choice.
Supporting you to get the right solutions so you can smile when you ride

Helmet Size
It is essential you buy the correct sized helmet. Use goRide’s How to Size & Fit a Bike Helmet. Please be aware that most of your head growth is done by the time you reach 6yrs old (this is an average head growth, you or your child may be different). After this age your head will change shape allowing for maturity of your face. This means that most helmets will need to be replaced due to wear & tear rather than becoming too small. This also allows you to invest in the best you can afford knowing you will get good use from it – you can not overdo protection of your head.
Helmet Adjustment
How does the helmet adjust? It is essential that the adjustment system of the helmet is good enough (rear dial & adjustable straps) and used well. You must fit the helmet to your head shape so that it will stay on and over your head in an impact. Mountain biking is a sport where accidents can happen with some frequency especially if you ride at speed and challenge yourself.  Again go to the Size & Fit information page.
Helmet Shape
All bike helmets sold in New Zealand need to meet a minimum safety standard. To get maximum protection when mountain biking we suggest a helmet shaped like your head – round and smooth. No protrusions or protrusions with impact release systems. Being round and smooth allows the helmet to slide better along a surface, reducing the peak forces with sudden stopping. An outcome that reduces the risk of a head injury. The shape of the helmet needs to provide good coverage of the head. Coverage from above the eyebrows to right down low at the back of the head (where the head meets the neck). See a helmet that works for you.
Materials & Construction
Different brands use different materials and construction methods which effects the overall performance of the helmet. As well as full head coverage and a fit system a good mountain bike helmet should have
- MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
- in mold polycarbonate construction for strength
- air flow system for ventilation
- google compatibility or integration
- breakaway camera/light mounts
Matches to your level of riding
There is a huge range of mountain bike helmets on the market. Generally as the price goes up the features and protection are greater.  Ventilation and airflow systems will get better. Antimicrobial, wicking pad materials will be of a higher spec. Head coverage becomes greater – removable chin guards or full face helmets. Independant strength tests may have been preformed giving a helmet certification for race use. So match the type of riding – your risk level – to the helmet features.
Women/Youth Girl Mountain Bike & E-Bike Helmet Solutions
Multi - Environment Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$159.00
SHOP
Performance/E-Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$249.00
SHOP
Mountain Bike Helmet Chin Guard
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$369.00
SHOP
Mountain Bike Helmet - Certified Chin Guard
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$549.00
SHOP
Men/Youth Boy Mountain Bike & E-Bike Helmet Solutions
Multi- Environment Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$159.00
SHOP
Performance/E-Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$249.00
SHOP
Mountain Bike Helmet - Chin Guard
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$369.00
SHOP
Mountain Bike Helmet - Certified Chin Guard
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$549.00
SHOP
For other types of riding (town, recreation, road) see the BIKE HELMET BUYING GUIDEÂ or KIDS BIKE HELMET BUYING GUIDE
MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…
Adjust to the head for a SNUG Fit.
get Safe – when you first purchase your helmet you need to invest some time to make the necessary adjustments to make the helmet fit snugly to the head. Then you need to do a pre-ride check- that is a quick helmet check before you goRide.Â
LEARN MORE:Â How are you wearing your helmet
Caring for your helmet
Role model good habits with your helmet, how do kids learn…by watching you. Wear your helmet every time you ride a bike, don’t drop it or throw it, store it in a safe place, hang it by the chin strap not through the V-straps (otherwise you will be forever adjusting it)Â
LEARN MORE: caring for your helmet.
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