The 9 Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets of 2022
By: Jon Kennedy: Bike Buyer | June 7, 2022
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:
Giro Verce MIPS - Women's
The Giro Verce MIPS Bike Helmet offers a dialed-in fit with practical features for the trail. This lightweight helmet provides all of the necessities, with a MIPS harness, a removable visor, and plenty of venting. This is a great first helmet for anyone getting into the sport, but seasoned experts will also appreciate its sleek design and affordable price.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Removable visor | $70 |
Giro Fixture MIPS
Don't let cost deter you from enjoying loamy goodness. Pick up the Giro Fixture MIPS Bike Helmet with its Roc Loc® Sport Fit System, MIPS slip plane liner, and plush padding for awesome trail protection and style. The Fixture is an affordable, good-looking helmet that’s great for XC and trail riding.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Roc Loc fit system | $70 |
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. The Convoy is a great helmet that just about any rider will get along with well.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Vapor fit system | $85 |
Giro Register MIPS
The Giro Register MIPS Bike Helmet was designed for any type of ride, anytime. From road to trail, this safe, MIPS-equipped lid features a clean and lightweight design that makes it easy to forget it's even there. The Register MIPS is a slightly more XC-oriented helmet, perfect for commuting and light trail rides.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Quick dry padding | $65 |
Bell Nomad 2 MIPS
If you don't want to shell out big bucks for a bike helmet but still want top-of-the-line protection, the Bell Nomad 2 MIPS Bike Helmet provides proven coverage in a budget-friendly package. MIPS is designed to reduce rotational forces on impact and the Ergo Fit™ adjustment system offers simple adjustments for a perfect fit that will give you the confidence to send it on any trail. It’s a versatile, affordable helmet, perfect for the modern rider.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Goggle compatible | $65 |
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. It’s a step up in fit and comfort from the more affordable options on this list, and that more premium quality is very evident on the trail.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | 25 vents | $100 |
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. The Engage blurs the line between categories with an affordable price combined with a premium fit and features.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | VaporFit adjustment system | $120 |
Fox Speedframe MIPS
Cinching up the chinstrap on the Fox Speedframe MIPS Bike Helmet sets the tone for your ride: fast! One of the best values available, the Speedframe brings MIPS and great style to the masses, as one of the best-looking helmets out there. It plays well with goggles, has a removable and washable liner, and is super light. The Speedrame is a fully-featured helmet at an easy to stomach price.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| MIPS | Washable liner | $119.95 |
Troy Lee Designs A1 Drone
Keep that noggin safe with the dialed looks and comfort of the Troy Lee Designs A1 Drone Bike Helmet. Its lightweight polycarbonate shell houses an EPS impact liner that secures to your cranium with a custom-fit rear cage for full protection even at Mach speeds. The Drone is a full coverage, very comfortable helmet that hits a great price point.
| Safety System | Standout Feature | Original Price |
| EPS liner | Rear fit stabilizer | $105 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:
The Best Women's Mountain Bikes
The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,000
The Best Trail Bikes
The Best Enduro Bikes
The Best Gravel Bikes
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Full Face MTB Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Women's Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bike Pants
The Best Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories
The Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
The Best MTB Fanny Packs
The Best Mountain Bike Backpacks
The Best Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes
The Best Flat Pedal MTB Bike Shoes
The Best Mountain Bike Tires
The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
The Best Bike Racks
The Best Bike Glasses
The Best Bike Goggles
The Best Women's Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Tailgate Bike Pads
The Best Bike Trainers
The Best Hitch Bike Racks
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.
Jon Kennedy
Jon is a Bike Buyer and joined evo in 2015 to help launch the category. He has a long tenure in the bike industry bringing over 20 years of experience.
Jon was formerly the Marketing Manager for Diamondback bikes and was the Executive Director for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance prior to that. His broad experience in the bike industry from the brand, advocacy and retail side has contributed to a well-rounded understanding of trends, needs and opportunities.
Jon grew up in the Seattle area and currently resides there with his wife Ilana, kids Erez and Lilah, and his Boston Terrier Marley. He is a daily rider packing countless miles in every year, loves all disciplines, and simply considers himself a cyclist… a title he embraces with great passion.