When you go for a ride in the outdoors whether off- or on-road, a helmet is important. If you are on a mountain bike, it is all the more important. Mountain biking is an exhilarating and rewarding form of exercise. However, it can be a tad dangerous. For example, if you accidentally slip up, you can end up getting all kinds of injuries and bruises. To protect your head, you need to search through all the best mountain bike helmets.
Luckily, there are many quality options that do not cost an arm and a leg. This list is designed to help you choose between the quality affordable helmets that are just a click away. They have all been assessed to see if they are of great value for money.
Here are the best mountain bike helmet under 100
Giro Fixture MIPS
Giro Fixture is a MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System). It primarily comes in one size and 6 colors all in matte. While this might sound like a bummer for some* this helmet is good looking and a snug fit for all kinds of people.
Specs
- Made of synthetic polycarbonate shell material (in-mold)
- One size fits all because of the adjustable dial at the rear
- Properly ventilated
- Visor included
- Roc Loc mechanism
Giro Fixture MIPS helmet is a premium quality product sold at an affordable price. It is quite the steal considering all the features you get with it. For instance, it is lightweight yet amply padded to protect you from head injuries. It has impact foam, a MIPS liner and EPS foam. It also has a rock-solid shell. Even when thrown forward at miles per hour, you can be assured of few, if any, head injuries.
In terms of the fit, it has a micro-rear dial that allows you to wear the helmet to your exact preference. This makes it a good fit for a wide range of people. Once properly adjusted, Giro Fixture is comfortable and remains in that place even when you ride over rugged terrain.
Giro Fixture has one minor drawback though. For example, the matte grey version is quite pale to be called grey.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Sturdy construction
- Comfortable and snug fit
- Many colors to choose from (matte grey, black, red and lime)
Cons
- The matte grey version is a really light color
Verdict
For riding over forest loops and rugged alpine trails, Giro Fixture MIPS is the helmet you need for optimal protection. It is also properly ventilated and a great choice for well-fitting gear.
TSG Seek EPS Foam Helmet
Designed with 17 vents, TSG Seek EPS is a well-ventilated helmet. It is also highly stable, flexible and safe for rides over rough terrain and on the commute as well.
Specs
- Sold in satin black, fire red and cyan
- Comes in sizes ranging from small to extra-large
- EPS impact foam and 17 vents
TSG Seek is a quality product for mountain bikers. First, it is well ventilated for proper airflow. Its 17 vents also help to keep moisture away from the helmet. This is quite important because it can get quite unbearable wearing a helmet in the summer if it is not properly ventilated.
Secondly, it is engineered to be highly durable and resistant to any sort of penetration.
Thirdly, TSG Seek is a stylish helmet. The visor is removable depending on the weather and your own taste. It also comes in satin cyan, red and black colors that are simply eye-pleasing.
Like any other product, TSG Seek has a few areas it falls out on. For example, its design leaves a space between the outer and inner shells. The padding on the chin is also quite unnecessary according to some riders. Another imperfection is that this chin padding cannot be easily removed without going ahead to cut it off.
Pros
- Padding can be easily removed and washed for proper hygiene
- The visor is removable depending on your style and needs
- Good looking design
Cons
- Structural design defects like a space between the inner and outer shell
Verdict
TSG Seek is an all-round helmet that offers great protection and comfort while you are on riding adventures. A major plus is that it has great airflow for use even in the hottest days of summer.
Troy Lee Designs A1 Drone
Primarily sold in a sleek, matte black color, Troy Lee A1 is a good quality mountain bike helmet. It is also designed to protect you from any sort of head injury while riding.
Specs
- Designed with reinforced polycarbonate with EPS liner
- Comes in sizes ranging from S-XXL
- 8 intake passages, 8 outlets
- Adjustable retention mechanism
Troy Lee Designs A1 Drone has many notable features. For instance, it is firmly built and reinforced with polycarbonate shell in-molded with EPS liner. All this simply means that it is designed to offer maximum durability and protection on virtually all sides.
Another quality feature is its proper ventilation. It has 8 air intake passages at the front to ensure the flow of cool air while you have it on. To add, it has another 8 outlets at the rear that work to draw away heat from the head. Together, you can be assured of a refreshing biking session even in the summer.
In terms of the fit, Troy Lee can be easily adjusted to fit a wide range of people. For a customized fit, you can easily deal with the retention system. It is also designed to feel as if you do not have it on.
Like all other products, Troy Lee has a few imperfections. First, it does not have the Multi Direction Impact Protection System (MIPS). This is contrary to many products within its price range. It also fails to include similar technology so that you can be fully assured of impact protection from any angle. It also settles pretty low as it bulges out the back.
Pros
- Extra comfortable with ultra-plush liner
- Easily washable comfort liners
- Comes in a wide array of colors that are aesthetically pleasing
- Durable, thick build
Cons
- Quite bulky
Verdict
Troy Lee has all you need to hit the off-road without any anxieties. However, it is good to keep in mind that it is labeled as a men’s helmet. This might not be the ideal product for female riders. It is still a good option for all kinds of riding, off-road and on-road.
Kali Protectives Maya 2.0 Enduro Helmet
Kali Maya 2.0 is a helmet made of polycarbonate shell material. It is super comfy while sturdy enough for your safety while mountain biking.
Specs
- Sold in sizes ranging from small to extra-large (XL)
- Comes in matte black, gray, white, yellow and navy
- 12 vents and dual closure
- Constructed with the shell and EPS foam together due to its in-molding technology
For a mountain bike, Kali Maya 2.0 is one of the best helmets to pair it with. First, it is quite comfortable and has proper airflow. The 12 vents and dual closure work together to ensure you do not feel unbearably hot during pumped bike riding sessions.
Kali Maya 2.0 also comes with all you need to enjoy your riding. Its visor, for instance, comes in handy to keep away the sun from your eyes.
It has a few cons though. For example, it is designed with the well-pinch style for adjusting the helmet to your head size. Most helmets incorporate a knob for such adjustments. This can therefore take a bit of getting used to. Kali Maya 2.0 might also be a tad uncomfortable for bigger. The padding is also quite thin.
Pros
- Comfortable and adjustable through different sizes
- Great value for money
- Comes in a variety of impressive designs to choose from
Cons
- The two-piece fit system can be a tad annoying
Verdict
Constructed with the latest technology like LDL gel and composite fusion plus, Kali Maya 2.0 is an ideal helmet to protect you from a wide range of injuries.
Lixada Ultra-light Mountain Bike Helmet
Designed for both men and women, Lixada Ultra-light Mountain Bike Helmet is one of the best budget options. It has stellar features that rival high-end helmets.
Specs
- Comes in a wide array of colors ranging from blue and yellow, red, white, to black and blue
- Designed with in-mold polycarbonate shell integrated with EPS impact form
- Properly ventilated with 13 vents
- One hand fit adjustment system
- Suitable for head circumference ranging between 22.0-24.4 inches
Lixada is a quality helmet that stands out. It has Multi Directional Impact * System that comes in handy to offer you wide protection from all kinds of injuries. Its core shape assures you of your safety even for falls when going at 20+ mph
Regarding its comfort levels, Lixada is designed to give you a smooth mountain biking experience. For example, it is fitted with a visor to keep away all weather elements like dust, rain, mud, tree branches and the blistering sun. Lixada is also lined with plush padding so that it is comfortable to wear. The chin guard especially has premium inner quality padding. The one hand fit adjustment system also works to ensure that you tweak the helmet to suit your needs.
Lixada has a few downers. One, it is not a necessarily good fit for all kinds of head shapes. Its designs favor those with round heads. This is quite disadvantageous because there are scores of people who do not have perfectly spherical head shapes. Secondly, some parts can fall apart after long term use. For instance, the chin cushion and the cover that holds the strap in place often come undone.
Pros
- Fits comfortably well because of its adjustability and plush padding
- Has an in-built head sizer
- More than 10 colors to choose from
Cons
- Design suits round head shapes
Verdict
Lixado is a good mountain bike helmet overall. It only loses out in its design. This helmet is better suited for people with round heads. It might be quite uncomfortable for people with oval, or less spherical head shapes. While it has its fair share of drawbacks, it is still a premium quality helmet that is reasonably priced.
Exclusky BMO Mountain Bike Helmet
For less than 100 dollars, you can bag this Exclusky helmet that is made of high quality materials. It is also CPSC certified.
Specs
- Single-hand dial retention system
- Fits head circumference 22.05-24.01cm
- Comes in Caribbean blue, black and gray
- Ventilated visor
Exclusky helmet offers maximum safety because of a number of reasons. First, it has EPS foam that is multi-density. This absorbs any impact energy that may come to it, thereby protecting your head. Its rear end is also specially designed to protect the cranial part of your head. When you are mountain riding, you would want to be sure of your safety in case you were to get into any slips.
To add, Exclusky is well-ventilated to keep it cool even in summer. It also has a reinforced visor that keeps the sun away from your eyes. When you do not need it, this visor is easy to move. Its lightweight feature also adds to this. It is compact enough to be worn with a thin beanie inside. During colder seasons, this is a plus.
Exclusky is also eye-catching. It looks modern and protects the whole head while at it.
However, if you are looking for an aggressive helmet that is endure-like, Exclusky might not cut it. It is good for amateurs especially to handle on- and off-roads. Another drawback is that sometimes the clasp is difficult to clasp on and unclasp.
Pros
- The visor is easy to adjust and move upward when needed
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great value for money
Cons
- The clasp can be problematic at times
Verdict
Exclusky has complete safety ratings and a good design to add. It is worth the purchase of an ergonomic helmet. While it has all the impressive features, this is still one of the cheapest mountain bike helmets. For much less than 100 dollars, you get a good quality helmet that has complete safety ratings. This is an ideal product for beginners especially.
Fox Head Flux Mountain Bike Helmet
With a wide array of colors to choose from, Fox Head Flux is a chic looking mountain bike helmet that is guaranteed to keep you safe from head injuries.
Specs
- Constructed with an internal cage for optimized protection
- Comes in extra-small to extra-large sizes
- Fits head circumference ranging from 23.25”-25.25”
- Many colors to choose from including blue steel, bright red, black and orange
Fox Head Flux is a sturdily designed helmet for mountain biking. First, it has a multi-density EPS liner that is strategically placed for the absorption of any impact that may come on your head. Its internal cage is also specially designed for added strength and protection against such impacts.
Secondly, it has 14 vents that are suitably placed for proper airflow. This makes Fox Head Flux a proper helmet for summer and winter as well. During summer, it keeps your head cool and dry. For colder seasons, it works by retaining heat within. It has an innovative retention mechanism.
Thirdly, it has a large visor that protects you from weather elements such as dust, rain and mud. When you are going at high speeds like 25+mph, this visor proves even more useful.
As is with all products, Fox Head Flux has a few cons. For instance, it is not made of the best materials out there.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easily adjustable for the perfect, tight fit
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not highly durable
- Visor might be a bit on the larger side
Verdict
Fox Head Flux is a worthy purchase. It comes in many colors to choose from and it is designed for maximum safety.
Conclusion
When buying a mountain bike helmet for you, a few important factors to consider are the fit, build and safety measures. While there is no such thing as a perfect product, there are many affordable products that tick all these boxes.
This list has highlighted products that are less than 100 dollars but are of great value for your money. You will not regret settling for any of these products as they fit the bill. They are sturdy, eye-catching, safe and comfortable to wear. Settling for the wrong product can be a compromise to your safety and comfort. A good mountain bike helmet will come in for added protection, visibility and comfort.
Hi, my name is Marjorie, a health and fitness expert.
Sports and fitness have always been my area of expertise since I could remember. For me, one of the greatest things I accomplished is opening my own gym as well as starting this blog on indoor bikes and fitness. Indoor bikes have brought a massive break for me and my clients, they have enabled me to look past some of my client’s many challenges during work out and achieve the best results they can. I would say that I am proud to help people understand the benefits that come with indoor bikes when it comes to fitness and health and how to find the best one for the cause.
