MTB helmets

Fox Racing Speedframe Camo helm

The Fox Racing Speedframe Camo is a mountain bike helmet with a camouflage print, CE marked according to the title. The Speedframe line is made for trail riding.

What you get

Fox Racing Speedframe Camo model
CE marking
Camouflage print

Why an MTB helmet?

You fall differently on a mountain bike than on the road. You often land on trees, rocks or the ground with the back and sides of your head. An MTB helmet covers those areas further. It meets the same European standard, EN 1078, as a road helmet, and full-face downhill helmets often also meet the stricter ASTM F1952.

The visor shades your eyes from sun, rain and branches. It should be able to swivel or break away in a crash, and many models let you raise the visor to wear goggles or glasses.

There are roughly four kinds. XC helmets are light (about 250 to 350 g) and airy. Trail and all-mountain helmets cover more and weigh about 300 to 450 g. Enduro helmets have a removable chin bar. Full-face helmets weigh about 800 to 1200 g and also protect your chin and face, made for downhill and bike parks.

Here too, MIPS or a similar system is an extra option. It can reduce rotational forces in an angled impact. A helmet that fits well counts for more than any added system.

The types of MTB helmet

The more protection, the heavier and warmer a helmet usually gets.

Type	Weight	Coverage	For
XC	About 250 to 350 g	Medium, lots of venting	Cross-country and marathon
Trail and all-mountain	About 300 to 450 g	High, back and temples	All-round trail riding
Enduro with chin bar	About 500 to 900 g	High, chin optional	Steep descents and races
Full-face	About 800 to 1200 g	Maximum, chin and face	Downhill and bike park

Weights are for a medium helmet and differ per model.

Choose it if

You ride MTB trails and want a branded, CE-marked helmet
You pick a helmet for its print
You ride trails, forest paths or a bike park and want more rear protection.
You want a visor against sun, rain and branches.

Choose something else if

You mostly ride road, where a lighter road helmet is a better match
You ride mostly on the road. A lighter, airier road helmet will be more pleasant.
You want the lightest helmet for long climbs. An XC helmet makes more sense than a full-face.

How to fit and adjust an MTB helmet

Measure your head
Measure your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows and compare it with the manufacturer’s size chart. Sizes differ between brands.
Seat the helmet low enough
An MTB helmet sits lower than a road helmet, about two fingers above your eyebrows. It must cover the back and sides of your head well.
Set the dial and straps
Turn the dial until the helmet is snug and set the straps in a V around your ears. Fasten the buckle with one finger of slack under your chin.
Set the visor
Set the visor so it does not block your view when you look down. If you wear glasses or goggles, raise it a little.
Test on the trail
Shake your head and see if the helmet stays put. After a few rides, check the straps have not loosened.

Good to know

Size is not in the title, so measure your head and check the size chart
Replace a helmet after a heavy crash, even if it looks intact
Replace your helmet after any crash or hard knock, even if you see nothing wrong.
Manufacturers usually advise replacing a helmet after about 3 to 5 years, because foam and straps age.
Glasses or goggles can affect how the helmet fits. Try them together.
Clean the helmet with mild soap and water. Avoid solvents and let it air dry.

What you get

Why an MTB helmet?

The types of MTB helmet

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to fit and adjust an MTB helmet

Measure your head

Seat the helmet low enough

Set the dial and straps

Set the visor

Test on the trail

Good to know

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