The 10 Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | July 15, 2023
Chances are, you’ve tried a mountain bike helmet that you really didn’t like. Maybe it fit poorly, or looked weird, or made you sweat a lot and caught your hair in the lining. Regardless, we’re all pretty good at figuring out when a helmet is bad. But, when it comes to separating the just “ok” bike helmets, from the truly “best” ones, things get a little more complicated. That’s because we all have different shaped heads and different needs. One thing’s for sure though, if you crash, or damage your helmet in any way, you need to replace it immediately. It doesn’t matter how fancy your helmet was when it was new, if it’s had an impact, it’s worthless. And the cost of replacing helmets can add up. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a more affordable helmet so replacing it doesn’t sting so much. To help with that we’ve put together this list of the best value bike helmets on the market.
New This Year:
Every helmet on this list has some sort of rotational impact protection. The most common is MIPS, this is a lining layer that allows the helmet to turn and absorb impacts better without wrenching your neck. But beyond that, each helmet is unique. Some are designed for XC riding and commuting, others for technical trail or even enduro racing. So we’ve broken down the features of each to help you find the best value bike helmet, for you, and your riding.
This Year's Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets:
Smith Engage MIPS
When the trail gets rowdy, set phasers to shred and ENGAGE! Built tough with lightweight in-mold construction, MIPS protection, and a supremely well ventilated design, the Smith Engage MIPS Bike Helmet takes care of business upstairs so you can concentrate on the important stuff.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 350 g | 20 Optimized Vents | $120.00 |
Fox Mainframe MIPS
For a budget friendly mountain biking helmet, the Fox Mainframe MIPS Bike Helmet really knocks it out of the mountain biking park. Its integrated MIPS system is both lightweight and great at reducing rotational forces on your head when you crash. Optimized venting allows cool air in when you're sweating it out and when that isn't enough, the liner is removable for easy washing!
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 390 g | Optimized Venting | $89.95 |
Bern Brentwood 2.0 MIPS
A favorite of urban bike commuters everywhere, the updated Bern Brentwood 2.0 MIPS Bike Helmet pedals up with everyday style and the smartest protection. Leaning towards the skate helmet end of the design spectrum, this lid has a soft removable visor that you can wear up, down, or not at all, depending on the weather. Lightweight, dependable, timeless -- this helmet is an all-around star.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 345 g | Non-Adjustable Venting - 13 Vents | $109.99 |
Bern Brentwood 2.0
A favorite of urban bike commuters everywhere, the updated Bern Brentwood 2.0 Bike Helmet pedals up with everyday style and smart protection. Leaning towards the skate helmet end of the design spectrum, this lid has a soft removable visor that you can wear up, down, or not at all, depending on the weather. Lightweight, dependable, timeless -- this helmet is an all-around killer.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 345 g | Non-Adjustable Venting | $89.99 |
Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS
A1 might normally remind you of steak, but in this instance we are talking all-mountain bike helmets. The Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Bike Helmet is built for balance. It's polycarbonate shell with EPS core bridges the gap between coverage and comfort for added protection when the trail gets steep and the triple fit support system keep this bucket locked in place, eyewear or not. From dirt jumps to the mountain top, the Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Bike Helmet is built to ride.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 345 g | Ventilation – Deep air passages for direct air flow.8 Pressurizing Intake Passages, 8 Rear Vacuum Vortex Outlets | $145.00 |
Smith Convoy MIPS
Featuring bomber in-mold construction and VaporFit™ adjustability with MIPS protection thrown in for good measure, the Smith Convoy MIPS Bike Helmet delivers Smith's trademark quality and style at a budget-friendly price.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 300 g | 20 Optimized Vents, AirEvac™ Ventilation | $85.00 |
Smith Convoy MIPS
Featuring bomber in-mold construction and VaporFit™ adjustability with MIPS protection thrown in for good measure, the Smith Convoy MIPS Bike Helmet delivers Smith's trademark quality and style at a budget-friendly price.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 300 g | 20 Optimized Vents, AirEvac™ Ventilation | $85.00 |
Giro Isode MIPS
The Giro Isode MIPS Bike Helmet bucks the trend of requiring you to spend triple digits to get a good looking bike helmet. The Isode has all the features you want--MIPS, easy one-handed adjustability, and a style that's not so aggressive that you're getting challenged to sprints at every stoplight.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 285 g | 22 Vents | $65.00 |
Giro Radix MIPS
The Giro Radix MIPS Bike Helmet has 25 vents, aggressive styling, and a visor that flips up to accommodate your goggles as you climb. Because if you're looking at this helmet, you know you ride with goggles. With super comfortable and safe Roc Loc® 5.5 MIPS internals, you're set to charge it.
| Weight | Vents | Original Price |
| 360 g | Wind Tunnel™ Ventilation, 25 Vents | $100.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit Guide
How to Get Started Mountain Biking
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Wheel Size
Mountain Bike Suspension Basics
Women's Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
How To Get Started Gravel Biking
Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Classes of eBikes
Travel Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Travel Guides - Where to Ride eBikes
Mountain Bike Cockpit Setup & Seat Height
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Dropper Post
How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires
How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebars
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless Pedals, Shoes & Cleats
How to Choose a Bike Seat / Saddle
Women's Mountain Bike Gear & Clothing Guide
How to Choose MTB Knee Pads
Bike Helmet Size & Fit Guide
How to Choose Bike Shoes
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM vs Shimano Groupsets Compared
What to Bring Mountain Biking
What to Wear Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Mountain Bike Maintenance Schedule
How to Clean a Mountain Bike
How to Change Bike Pedals
How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
How to Replace a Bike Chain
How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises
The Selection Process:
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.
