Recommend an MTB helmet

[PomBstard]

Its time to replace the existing Giro Hex. I've had it about 3 years, its taken a couple of branch knocks, the padding is worn thin and the straps are sticky. Its also taken a fair dose of UV, having been used on about 500 rides in that time. I've had my money's worth.

I like that its light and well-ventilated (gets hot here), and fits me well needing no adjustments on the ride.

So what can you recommend? Riding is everything from all-mountain to xc singletrack to road using either a 5.5" FS or gravel bike. But I only use one lid. A quick bit of research tells me MIPS is a new feature - any experience??

Happy to spend if its worth it, but I have to buy it here in Oz - peculiarities of living here is that there are many Oz-specific regs, and lids sold for this market are duly marked as such. Insurances can be invalidated if the lid is not for this market. I don't like it, but for the sake of a few $$ I'll live with it.

Bell, Met, Lazer, Poc, Giro - most brands available, just not everywhere.

Over to you... TIA!

[bigandclever]

I’m not quite sure how they do it but Planet X have the On-One Enduro for a tenner. Plus £15 tracked postage to Oz.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HEOOEND/on-one-endur...

[smifffymoto]

I would go on fit these days rather than by brand.I think the better brands are very similar.
I would go for an enduro style rather than xc for better coverage.

[PomBstard]

I’ll try any lid for fit before buying, and can read online reviews, was just interested in others’ experiences and anything to look out for

[smifffymoto]

Ok.
I have a Bell mips with detachable chin piece.Fit and comfort are good,ventilation is reasonable but I haven’t tried it in hot weather so will wait and see on that one.
On my Cannondale xc bike the riding position causes the helmet to tip forward on my head and limits vision somewhat but on my Roscoe I have no problems what so ever.

[sjg]

bigandclever said:

I’m not quite sure how they do it but Planet X have the On-One Enduro for a tenner. Plus £15 tracked postage to Oz.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HEOOEND/on-one-endur...

My Giro-shaped head didn't work with these, had to give it away.

I have a Giro Chronicle MIPS for everything where I'm not using a full face - but like all fuller-coverage helmets it is a bit hotter. OK for typical UK weather, I might not be so keen in Australian temps.

I find Bell also fit well for my head shape, something like the Spark has big vents and a good amount of coverage on the back also, so should work pretty well.

[itsnotarace]

The one that fits your head best

[Fluffsri]

itsnotarace said:

The one that fits your head best

This /\ and MIPS if poss. I bought a MIPS lid and had a bit of a nasty crash, bounced my head off the floor and broke my knee. Helmet was wrecked and I didn't even get a headache. I was very impressed and bought another one a week or so later awaiting the end of the 3 months off the bike

[Craikeybaby]

If you have a Giro shaped head, I recommend the Montaro. It is expensive, but well ventilated. After crashing in my old one it still took a few blows with a hatchet before breaking before I binned it.

[Court_S]

Another vote for the Chronicle; really rate mine. It does get a bit warm, but it doesn’t bake my head like my old TLD A1 used to (it was super comfy but my god, it was hot).

[PomBstard]

Tried a few on today, all as a size M...

Giro Chronicle - couldn’t get a comfy fit, just too deep
Bell Sixer - good fit, shop only had one in my size and it was some horrible bright blue. Irony noted...
Bell 4 Forty - also good fit but only one in the shop was marked
Spesh Ambush w Angi - v light and comfy if pricey but seemed to wobble with every head movement - really odd
Spesh Ambush - a bit heavier but seemed too small - no other sizes to try
Bontrager Rally - just couldn’t get a comfy fit

Fave is a Bell Sixer, just want to try another on to check, and get a nicer colour! Picky I know but for $250 I’d like a bit of choice.

[PomBstard]

As an update, bought a Bell Sixer using the online ordering of one of the local bike shop chains here. Had checked the size in the shop but wanted a different colour Went for charcoal/orange...



...first try tomorrow morning

[Fluffsri]

PomBstard said:

As an update, bought a Bell Sixer using the online ordering of one of the local bike shop chains here. Had checked the size in the shop but wanted a different colour Went for charcoal/orange...



...first try tomorrow morning

Good choice, I have a Sixer and find it very comfy. The only issue I had was the front of the front pad coming off its velcro. I re-postioned the pad and all is good now.

[PomBstard]

First use this morning was good - though it was already 25C at 0530...

Comfy fit but more bulky and a little heavier than the Giro Hex it’s replaced. Also seems to come just a fraction lower on my forehead - enough to notice but reckon I’ll get used to it.

Ventilation seems good too and it’s nice to have some padding to wick away sweat

Not cheap but worth a try if you’re in the market