Mountain Bike Helmets

The characteristics of mountain bike helmets

The mountain helmets are equipped with a visor that protects the face of the many branches encountered on the slopes of the mountain. Mountain helmets also have a shape that allows them to cover the back of the head and neck. It is for this reason that this type of helmet is more covered and usually has fewer ventilation channels.

The abundant shade from the trees is therefore often highly appreciated by mountain cyclists and compensates for this less abundant ventilation. The mountain helmet is less aerodynamic than the road, but since you drive more slowly in this type of sport, it is not a prerequisite. Still, companies have developed several technologies that make the mountain helmet more ventilated, without compromising its safety.

Technologies offering more protection for more ventilation

An example of technology that gives helmets more ventilation while offering maximum protection is Smith's own Koroyd technology. The helmet contains a layer of cells that absorbs more kinetic energy than the materials normally used. In addition to letting air through, Koroyd technology provides greater protection than found in traditional helmets, allowing more ventilation channels. Smith's Forefront helmet is an example of a mountain helmet that features these revolutionary cells.

As for POC, well they make helmets with SPIN technology. The SPIN system consists of gel pads that resist rotational forces that may be responsible for concussions in three types of impacts. This technology is the equivalent of the Mips technology, found in many of our helmets.

For an even safer, two-in-one mountain helmet, go for the Bell Super 3R. This helmet is equipped with a removable chin strap, ideal for longer and more extreme descents.

Downhill helmets

We have a homologated downhill and BMX helmet by the FQSC: the Bell Super DH.

How to find the perfect bike helmet?

To find out if you have the right helmet size, take it, and put it on your head. If the helmet has one, use the adjustment system to adjust the helmet to the circumference of your head. Then lean down so your head is upside down, being careful to put your hands under your helmet in case it falls. If it stays in place, it's the right size for you!

The next step is to determine if this is the right model for you. Each company designs their helmets with a model of their own. Thus, the different brands will not have the same form of helmet and some will do better than others, depending on your head shape.

An example is the narrower IXS mountain helmet, which is perfect for smaller heads and does not create a mushroom effect.

To find out if a helmet goes down low enough at the forehead, make sure you have a space of one finger between the eyebrows and the helmet. Remember to try your helmet with your glasses to make sure your glasses are compatible with the helmet.

Once you have found your helmet, adjust the straps: the crossover of the back and front straps must be just below the earlobe. For the straps at the neck, we want there to be 1 finger that pass between the neck and the belt. It is important to adjust the straps of your helmet properly because they are the ones that keep it on your head when you are ejected from your bike in the event of an accident.