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MTB
Biking on a budget: 6 of the best MTB helmets under £100
Protect your head and your bank balance with these great low-cost MTB helmets.
Mountain biking is not the cheapest of sports, but with a little shopping around, you can bag yourself the latest MTB helmet technology at an affordable price.
When searching for a new lid, it's important to consider a few things. Firstly, MTB helmets tend to provide more head coverage than road cycling ones, and they also come equipped with visors for keeping the sun out of your eyes. Another feature to consider is ventilation. Charging up the climbs and hurtling down the descents will work up a sweat, and you'll need adequate airflow so you don't overheat. Finally, there are many additional protective technologies on the market – such as MIPS, Koroyd and WaveCel – that offer extra protection against linear and rotational forces, which occur from impact. Even if the helmet doesn’t contain this new tech though, it will have to have passed the European Cycle Standard (look for an EN-1078 mark to guarantee this).
If you dread trawling through websites to find those bargains, then good news because we’ve done all the leg work for you. So if you’re looking to style up your kit with some great head protection, here are a few options that won’t break the bank.
1. Lazer Coyote
The Coyote is available with and without MIPS
© Lazer
Price: £69.99-£89.99
Making its debut in Spring 2019, the all-new Lazer Coyote set a new standard for stylish, protective and affordable trail lids. It's equipped with a TS+ fit system to provide incremental adjustments for a comfortable fit, and is designed with enduro riders in mind. The shape of the lid makes it compatible with all eyewear products, including goggles, as the strap can comfortably rest within the specially designed channel at the rear. Significant consideration has been given to its ventilation capabilities too, with wide ports throughout the shell to help optimise airflow.
With eight matt colourways and three sizes to choose from, the Lazer Coyote is available without MIPS for just under £70, and with MIPS for an additional £20.
2. Specialized Tactic III MIPS
A MIPS lid for £80? Look no further than the Tactic III
© Specialized
Price: £80
A brand that’s been in the game for decades, Specialized knows a thing or two about mountain biking and protection. The Tactic III MIPS MTB helmet boasts confidence-inspiring technology, designed for those looking to go beyond their limits. Constructed with a 4th Dimension Cooling System to improve airflow around the head, the Tactic III is also equipped with a Versatile HairPort SL II system that has different height positions and an adjustment dial to get the fit spot on.
Available in four colour options and three sizes, the Tactic III MIPS from Specialized is a great option for all mountain terrain.
3. Endura Hummvee
Although it’s no frills, the Hummvee will protect you from any spills
© Endura
Price: £42.99
From the protectionists who take care of Danny MacAskill, Endura’s mountain bike helmet range features the understated Hummvee.
For a no-frills helmet, the Hummvee lid features the things you’d expect like certified protection, an adjustment dial for fitting and a removable padded liner so you can wash and replace. Still, it also houses an integrated bug-net, removable visor and comes fully covered by Endura’s Crash Replacement Policy and Endura Product Guarantee. Take your pick from seven colourways, and you’ll be getting a whole lot of bang for your buck.
4. Leatt DBX 2.0
The DBX 2.0’s visor has been specially designed to break away in a crash
© Leatt
Price: £79.99
From its early days designing award-winning neck braces for moto and mountain bikers, Leatt has since expanded its reach into head protection. The DBX 2.0 is an all-mountain trail helmet that offers its own version of MIPS called Turbine Technology, which is said to reduce up to 40 percent of rotational acceleration to head and brain caused by impact. The visor has been specially adapted to break away in the event of a crash, which helps reduce the risk of further injury.
With 20 large vents throughout the construction, the DBX 2.0 is designed to help keep you cool, even when riding at low speeds. It also comes equipped with a moisture-wicking, anti-odour padded liner that can be removed for washing.
5. Bell Spark MIPS
13 vents should keep your head cool even on the toughest climb
© Bell
Price: £69.99
Another bargain banger is the Bell Spark MIPS MTB helmet. Sleek, clean and minimal, this lid appears unassuming at first glance, but with 13 generous air vents to promote airflow around the head and MIPS technology packed under its peak, the Spark is a strong contender for the top spot in this list.
The in-Mold polycarbonate shell is bonded to the EPS foam liner using Bell's Fusion process to create a sturdier helmet. There are seven bright colours to choose from, but the Spark has been constructed so that it’s one-size-fits-all. Fortunately, there is plenty of adjustability to ensure the helmet fits comfortably, regardless of the size of your head.
6. SixSixOne Reset
The Reset offers an ABS shell and ace protection capabilities for sub-£100
© SixSixOne
Price: £84.99
Looking to hit the gnarlier trails, or are you looking for something with more coverage? Then check out the Reset full-face from SixSixOne. When the brand first released the Reset full-face mountain bike helmet, the market swarmed to try it out. A full-face helmet from a reputable brand in brilliant colour options for under £100 was something of a rarity until then. Since its launch, the Reset lid has been praised for its lightweight ABS shell, dynamic designs, coverage and protection capabilities.
Available in a variety of colourways and sizes, once you strap on the Reset, there will be no stopping you.
