Best Mountain Bike (MTB) Helmets Under $100 – Reviews & Buyer Guide

Are you looking for the best mountain bike helmet under 100$? To facilitate you, our team researched numerous helmets on market. After research, we picked out the following 8 helmets after considering their weight, comfort, ventilation, and protection. These helmet’s shape and features are just like other expensive helmets. Moreover, you can easily replace these affordable price helmets every year.

According to a survey, 50-90% of mountain bikers were reported with acute injuries during the riding season. And 22.9% of those injuries were concerned with head injuries. So, a helmet is the most important piece of equipment that every rider must wear before riding.

If you are a first time buyer then before purchasing you need to read the buying guide in the last of this article.

Best mountain bike helmets under $100 –  Comparison Table

8 best Mtb helmets under $100 – Reviews

The following unbiased reviews of our recommended helmets help you to choose the best mountain bike helmet under 100$.

1. Giro Register MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet Review

• Available color: Matte Portaro Grey, Matte Black, Matte Black/Red, Matte Highlight Yellow, Matte White, Matte titanium
• Available size: Universal Adult(21.25″”-24”), Universal XL(22.8″-25.5″)
• Weight: 0.63 pound
• Shell Material: polycarbonate
• EPS inner foam lining.
• Visor Type: detachable
• Ventilation: 22 vent opening
• MIPS equipped
• CPSC certified

This lightweight helmet design allow you to freely choose between road style and mountain style riding. It two universal fit sizes can cover 98% of Adult populations. This helmet is equally suitable for men and women. Due to its range of colors and stylish look we categories it as the best mountain bike helmet under 100$ for adults.

 Slip plane MIPS technology protection 

This Giro helmet is designed to give maximum impact protection. Giro helmet equipped with MIPS technology can reduce the amount of rotational force that otherwise may result in head injury.

 Unisexual Adult series helmet 

This helmet style, fitting, and price perfectly meet the requirements of men and women riders. The main factor that distinguishes this helmet from others is its size. This helmet size covers 98% of Adult populations. Children whose head size is in the range of 19.9”-22.4” can also use this helmet.

 Roc Loc sport fit system 

This helmet is equipped with the Roc Loc adjustment system. So, you can easily tighten it to fit your head. Roc Loc fit system offers an easy one hand operation. Its back knob helps to make quick adjustment of 2.7” range with one hand during cycling. This feature makes it premium to sport level helmet

 Excellent Ventilation reduce overheating in summer 

This helmet is constructed in the mold after research in the Giro category-leading helmet test lab. Its 22 vent openings are engineered so perfectly to maximize air circulation around your head. You can use it all through summer.

 Comfortable helmet for long riding session 

This helmet fits right on your head without being bulky. Moreover, their adjustments are simple. This is a lightweight helmet with excellent ventilation. All these features make this helmet very comfortable to wear.

2. Bell Sanction Full Face MTB Helmet Review

• Available color: full black, orange-black, red-gray, silver-blue, gray
• Available size: X-small, small, medium, and large
• Weight: 1.87 pound
• Shell Material: ABS
• EPS inner foam core
• Adjustable sun visor
• Ventilation through 15 vent opening
• CPSC& CE EN1078 certified

If you are a BMX rider and looking for the best mountain bike helmet under 100 then this helmet is suitable for you. Moreover, this EN 1078 entitled helmet is also suitable for skateboarding and roller skates.

 Its cheek pads offer secure and comfortable fit  

It’s a BMX helmet. So, there is a decent amount of thick but lightweight foam padding on the cheeks and back of the helmet to maintain appropriate fitting. If you feel uncomfortable then the helmet size is probably too small but if you feel it bulky then the size is probably too big. It’s a bit tight helmet but there are small gaps in the foam cushion to allow air to circulate, so you should be fine with long hair.

 In-mold constructed shell provides superior protection  

Its protection level is fantastic due to ABS shell material. ABS is much cheaper as well as harder. This helmet meets all the CPSC safety standards and has protected many riders from head injuries. Customers are satisfied with this great product and recommend it for all aggressive adult riders.

 Good ventilation system keep you from melting on warmer days 

As you know, a full face helmet protects the entire head, chin, and face of rider. But increase protection level need some compromise on ventilation. However, this helmet comes with 15 vent openings to increase cool air circulation around your neck, jaws, and head. Moreover, lightweight inner foam padding make this helmet fit properly. All these features increase the comfort level of BMX riders.

You can also wear goggles with it without any problem.

 This helmet design is equally suitable to adults and children  

This helmet is design for adults but its small size also fits perfectly to a child of age less than 5 years. Before purchasing measure your child’s head circumference above the ears. Then consult the guide for a good size match. This helmet has accurate sizing info in the description after you click on each size.

3. Smith Optics Convoy MIPS Adult MTB Cycling Helmet Review

• Available color: black, hornet, pool, sage, and white
• Available size: small, medium, large and X-large
• Weight: 0.71 pound
• Shell Material: polycarbonate
• EPS inner foam core
• Integrated sun visor
• Vapor fit adjustment system
• 20 vents openings for ventilation
• Impact absorb MIPS technology
• Tri-glide chin strap with clip buckle
• Removable inner pads
• CPSC certified

If you concern about safety and comfort during aggressive uphill riding then this helmet will suit you best. This MIPS-equipped helmet available at a very affordable price of 70$.

 Customize fitting adjustment Vapor fit system 

This helmet comes with a vapor fit adjustment system. The vapor fit system depends on a rotary dial, which is integrated with tuned elastic fitting. Each vapor fit system has 5 cm adjustability. Moreover, you can also move the helmet up & down or forward & backward relative to the attachment point. In simple words, you can make secure fitting according to your personal preference.

 Adjustable chinstrap according to face length 

You can adjust the straps of this helmet to form a perfect V around your ear. Its chinstrap rest comfortably under your chin without putting any pressure on your skin and throat. Its non-twistable and smooth chinstrap adjustment is easier than other helmet so the helmet doesn’t flop around.

 AirEvac ventilation system keep glasses lens moist-free 

There are 20 vent openings that keep your head cool by circulating fresh air. These vents opening are designed to controls helmet climate. AirEvac ventilation system keeps warm moist air away from goggles as well as maximize heat exchange with your head. So, in hot weather, there is no need to remove this helmet because of thermal discomfort.

 Lightweight & comfortable helmet 

Great helmet for a great price. Its lightweight & secure fitting makes it very comfortable to wear. It is comfortable as other expensive smith helmets.

 Helmet MIPS technology offer excellent protection 

Helmet EPS inner covered by a hard polycarbonate shell, which can absorb high impact force and save your skull from any fracture. Moreover, its MIPS technology lets the helmet slide relative to the head and adds more protection against rotational force during an accident. This helmet also gives more protection to the back of your head.

 Built-in visor 

Its built-in visor is nicely placed to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you need eye protection from dirt or other contaminants then this helmet can also adopt airtight goggles.

4. DEMON UNITED Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet Review

• Available colors: Full Black, White, Black-Red, Black-Orange, Gray-Blue, Black-Green, Tan/Black
• Available size: small, medium, large and X-large
• Weight: 2 pound
• Shell Material: polycarbonate
• EPS inner core
• Adjustable sun-visor
• Ventilation through 13 vent opening
• Removable soft inner jawline pads
• Chinstrap with clip buckle
• CPSC certified

This demon united helmet is awesome for downhill mountain biking & BMX racing. This lightweight helmet offers great impact protection because it is padded as a motorcycle helmet. Moreover, this stylish helmet comes with several  color option.

 This helmet doesn’t restrict your viewing & hearing ability  

Full face helmet increases your protection but on the other hand, you have to compromise on excellent visibility and ventilation. But this full-face helmet offers good visibility. You can see easily other people, a bike tire, and everything around you. Moreover, two vent holes perfectly above your ears help you to hear other people very clearly. this helmet can also easily accommodate  goggles.

 MIPS technology to absorb rotational impact force 

This helmet also comes with impact-absorbing MIPS technology. MIPS technology lets the helmet slide relative to the head and adds more protection against the rotational force which causes brain injury. But helmets with MIPS technology cost some additional money.

 Good air circulation keeps your head cool in summer 

Full face helmet has a relatively less number of vent openings. But this helmet comes with 13 vent openings. These vent sizes and shapes are designed by experts to maximize airflow around your head and face. You can use it all through summer and can stay pretty cool.

 This helmet is very comfortable to wear 

This helmet is bulky; it is one of the lightest full-face helmets. it is easy to put on/take off. Moreover, it offers good ventilation and visibility. All these features make it the most comfortable full face mountain bike helmet.

Sometimes jawline pads made this helmet a little tight because pads press a little on the jawline. But you can take them out to make this helmet comfortable.

 Stylish helmet with attractive graphic design 

This is a great looking well-made helmet. There is no outside surface imperfection. This helmet comes in 9 different colors as well as the graphic design is quite eye-catching.

 Full hard body shell material offer excellent protection 

The most important purpose of every helmet is to give impact protection. Its tough polycarbonate shell makes the Podium full-face helmet safe. It meets the CPSC certification safety standards. It has protected many user heads from injury. BMX rider  are really satisfied with this great product.

 Built-in visor 

Its built-in visor is nicely placed to keep the sun out of your eyes. If you need eye protection from dirt or other contaminants then this helmet can also adopt airtight goggles.

5. Giro Fixture Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet

• Available color: Matte Black, Matte lime, Matte Frost, Matte Gray
• Available size: universal adult (21.25” – 24”)
• Weight: 0.66 pound
• Shell Material: polycarbonate
• Styrofoam inner core
• Visor Type: detachable
• Ventilation: 18 vent opening
• Roc-Loc sport fit system
• Smooth chinstrap with clip buckle
• washable inner padding

If you are searching for an ultra-weight cycling helmet with maximum comfort then this helmet is for you. This is one of the best value mountain bike helmets available, with styling and color options. It will keep you feeling good mile after mile

 In-mold construction sturdier helmet 

Tough Polycarbonate outer shell material is fused in a mold that makes this helmet lighter and cooler than traditional helmets. Moreover, Styrofoam inner material is not only ultra-light in weight but also robust enough to minimize impact pressure.

 It could be for both woman and men 

It is a one-size helmet with a cinch dial in the back to tighten. This helmet does not have a size choice. It’s a unisex-adult helmet, which means it fits great for both women and men but probably not a child. It’s designed to fit a wide range of head sizes. 98% of the people find that this fits comfortably.

 Washable inner pads 

There are pads to surround your head. These pads are all along the edge and between each vent but no inner liner. The pads are just stuck to the Styrofoam. Moreover, you can detach pads for washing purpose

 Aerodynamically design highly ventilated helmet  

This helmet is constructed in the mold after research in the Giro category-leading helmet test lab. Its 18 vent openings are engineered so perfectly. These openings maximize air circulation around your head. Ventilation through these opening is very effective and cause sweat to evaporate in hot weather condition

 Lightweight and comfortable 

It is a very comfortable and lightweight helmet. You don’t even feel like you are wearing a helmet. Moreover, 18 vents opening improve air circulation around your head. All these features make this helmet very comfortable for cycling.

 Roc-Loc sport fit adjustable system 

This helmet fits almost everyone because of its easily adjustable fit system. This helmet is equipped with the Roc Loc adjustment system so you can better tighten it to fit your head. Roc Loc fit system offers an easy one-hand operation. Its back knob helps to make a quick adjustment with one hand during cycling.

 Excellent quality of head retention system 

This helmet comes with an adjustable chin strap but it is not shown in the picture. Chinstrap comes down along the sides of your ears and clips under the chin. Last but not least you can get replacement parts for this helmet through the manufacturer.

 Two versions of GIRO 

Giro makes the Fixture in both MIPS and non-MIPS version. Its MIPS version also comes in the category of best mountain bike helmets under $100.

6. GROTTICO Men-Women MTB Helmet with Light review

• Available color: black, gray, and purple
• Available size: medium and large
• Weight: 0.66 pound
• Shell Material: Polycarbonate
• EPS inner foam core
• Detachable sun visor
• Ventilation through 23 vent openings
• Removable inner foam padding
• CPSC & CE Certified
• Rechargeable LED taillight

If you are searching helmet for less aggressive cross country riding then this helmet is a great choice. It is a best quality helmet for the price. In just 40$ you can get this lightweight, comfortable, and ventilated helmet with LED taillight. Moreover, you can also remove the helmet visor in seconds to switch from mountain style to road style helmet.

 In-mold constructed shell offer comprehensive protection 

This helmet meets all safety cycling standards of the US and EU. Helmets which got the certification of these standards can protect rider against skull fracture and brain injuries in an accident.

 Impact-absorbing EPS inner core 

In-mold constructed Polycarbonate shell gives only puncture resistance and impact force is mostly absorbed by inside EPS foam during an accident. So during a fall or collision, this helmet does not allow impact energy to transfer to your brain.

 Excellent ventilation keep your head cool in summer 

There are 23 vent openings that keep your head cool. These vent sizes and shapes are designed to maximize heat exchange in the skull section of the head form. So, in hot weather, you don’t need to remove this helmet because of thermal discomfort.

 Comfortable and secure fit system 

This lightweight helmet sits comfortably on your head. There is no pressure point because helmet weight is evenly distributed around the head. You can also adjust the size within a given size range by using the little wheel button on the back. This properly fit helmet causes the skin to move as the helmet move. But some people have a problem with its chin strip.

 LED taillight keep you safe in night cycling 

This helmet comes with a rechargeable LED light on the back. It not only looks awesome but also safe for night riding. You can also adjust 3 lighting modes like steady, flash, and wave.

 Accessories 

Following accessories are given as incentives with this GROTTICO helmet that make a difference between a premium and standard product.

• 2 inner padding
• 2 visors of different color
• 1 packing bag
• 1 user guide

7. VICTGOAL Bike Helmet for Men Women with Led Light

• Available colors: black, red, white, metal blue, navy blue, silver, and yellow
• Available size  universal adult (22”-24”)
• Weight: 0.68 pound
• Polycarbonate shell material
• EPS inner foam core
• Detachable sun visor and windscreen
• Reflective straps
• 21 vent openings
• Dial knob for fitting adjustments
• LED taillight
• Removable Inner Soft pad lining
• CPSC & CE. EN1078 certified

This quality mountain bike helmet has a unique design which can adopt 3 different modes. With a sun visor, it looks great as a mountain bike helmet. After removing the sun visor it gives a perfect look of a road bike helmet. Its detachable magnetic windscreen protects your eyes against wind & sand during high-speed cycling. Moreover, integrated taillight for night ride safety makes it the best mountain bike helmet under 50$.

 Its magnetic windscreen can block strong UV lights 

Its magnetic goggles which act as a windscreen, protect your eyes from cold and hot air. If you are a fast rider then don’t go out without it because sand in air causes erosion in your eyes. Moreover, this magnetic goggle can also save your eyes from IR & UV radiation in sunlight.

You can also wear eye sight glasses with the goggles on. It’s easy to put the helmet on first and then put the goggles on. It works very well.

 Helmet with excellent crash protection 

Helmet EPS inner soft pads covered by a hard polycarbonate shell can absorb high-impact force to save your skull during a collision. It can protect your head from all directions. CPSC & EN1078 certification also proved that you can use this helmet for cycling, skateboarding, and roller skates with a protection grantee.

 Easy one handed operation for fitting adjustments 

This helmet fits almost every adult because of its easily adjustable fit system. You can make the air-tight adjustment between 22-24″ around your head by using a dial in the back. Its back knob helps to make quick adjustments with one hand during cycling.

 Aerodynamic design increase air circulation around your head 

There are 21 vent openings that improve air circulation around your head to evaporate sweat. You can use it all through summer.

 Comfortable helmet for long riding session 

It is a very lightweight helmet you barely feel that you are wearing a helmet on your head. Its features like lightweight, aerodynamic shape, and easily adjustable fitting make this helmet very comfortable. It’s completely worth the money.

 LED taillight safe for night riding 

This helmet comes with a LED light on the back. It not only looks awesome but is also safe for night riding. You can also adjust 3 lighting modes like a normal, slow flash, and quick flash. Its CR2032 battery is not rechargeable. But there is no need to change it all that often.

8. XINERTER Adult Bike Helmet with Cycling mask

• Available color: white, titanium grey, black, orange
• Available size: adult size (22.4″- 24.01″)
• Weight: 0.6 pound
• Shell Material: polycarbonate
• Visor type: detachable magnetic goggles
• Ventilation: 20 vent opening
• EPS inner foam core.
• Washable inner soft paddng
• CE & CPSC certified

Just in 30$ you can get this quality helmet with magnetic goggles and a riding mask. If you don’t please with this helmet then you can send it back to XINERTER for full refu

 Magnetic goggles 

The magnetic goggle of this helmet makes your ride safe and healthier by protecting your eyes from sand erosion. This magnetic eye shield is easy to use and very sturdy. It does not fall off during rides even on bumpy terrain.

You can also use the goggle as sunglasses. It can also protect your eyes from UV & IR radiation.

 Riding mask 

Due to the risk of coronavirus, this helmet came with a sleeve that you put around your neck. You can pull up to your nose if needed.

This mask also prevents you from inhaling dust and sand particles from the air.

 Sturdier shell offer best  protection 

Helmet EPC inner, cover by a hard polycarbonate shell can absorb high impact force. By meeting CE safety standards it PC+ EPC material can save your skull from any fracture during a collision.

 Comfortable helmet 

There are 20 vent openings to increase cool air circulation around your head and reduce overheating in summer. Washable helmet inner pads can also absorb your sweat and ensure your comfort in summer. Moreover, its lightweight makes you feel like you are not wearing anything on your head. It’s completely worth the money.

 Dial knob for easy adjustment 

You can make air-tight adjustments around your head by using a dial in the back. Moreover, adjustment straps with quick-release clips help you to wear a helmet in the correct position.

 Guaranteed helmet with full refundable option 

The manufacture claims this helmet as a versatile product. You can use it for bicycles, mountain bikes, scooters, and road bikes. And if you think this helmet does not meet your requirement then you can send it back for replacement or refund.

What a buyer should look for in the Mtb helmets under 100

I. Helmet material

The main objective of a mountain bike helmet is to give protection against head injury in case of falling off the bike. Helmet polystyrene (EPS) inner, cover by a hard plastic outer shell should be robust enough to give puncture resistance and able to dissipate impact force in case of an accident.

The outer shell should be hard and smooth because a smooth surface can slide on the ground to minimize impact pressure. For greater strength, some manufacturer uses carbon fiber shell material. Make sure helmet material must meet the CPSC safety standard. CPSC certified helmet can cover impacts closer to speed 15-30mph (25-50kph). So, you cannot use this helmet for high-speed motorbiking.

II. Helmet shapes

Mountain bike helmets come in different shapes and all of them do their job. Different shapes have their advantages and disadvantages. These shapes are according to different riding styles.

• XC or half-shell mountain bike helmet

These helmets are very lightweight and design aerodynamically. They are made for less aggressive cross country riding.

• Open face mountain helmet

These are slightly heavier and more protective. Design for rougher terrain and aggressive nature of riding. It gives more protection to the back than the XC helmet. It gives uphill riding protection and looks similar to an XC helmet.

• Full face or downfall helmet

This helmet type protects the entire head, chin, and face. With increase protection, you have to compromise on ventilation. However, modern design offers more ventilation with full-face protection. It gives protection during downhill mountain biking.

• Convertible helmet

In this helmet, you can remove the chin bar to convert a full-face helmet to a half face. It is a great option if you want protection during the downhill section and comfort when climbing hills.

III. Ventilation

Today helmet companies cleverly design mountain bike helmets to maximize protection and ventilation. You should choose a helmet with maximum ventilation to enhance wind flow over your head in hot weather conditions. XC helmets are very open for ventilation and full-face helmet are less open for ventilation.

IV. Helmet size

Before purchasing a helmet you should measure your head circumference because helmet sizing is based on that. Measure your head circumference 1inch above your eyebrow to make sure proper fitting.

Bike helmet size according to head circumference available in market

• Extra-large: > 24.75″
• Large: 23.25″–24.75″
• Medium: 21.75″–23.25″
• Small: 20″–21.75″
• Extra small: < 20″

V. Comfortable fit 

The comfort of a helmet depends upon its weight and proper fitting. Expensive helmets available in different sizes but low price helmets have only one shell size, whose fitting rely on adjustment straps. The main thing is to ensure that helmet sits properly on your head as well as there is no pressure point and undue movement.

Almost all the helmets have a head retention system which allows you to make adjustments around the circumference of your head. You should choose a helmet whose retention system is operatable with one hand.

VI. Visor type

All mountain bike helmets have some sort of visor to protect our face especially eyes from sunlight, rain, and dirt. During riding, you can also realize many other visor benefits. So, choose a helmet with a visor is very beneficial.

There are many shapes and styles of visors available in the market. But mostly following two main types of the visor are popular among the rider.

• Built-in visor

It permanently seals with the helmet. This type of visors is part of the entire structure of the helmet. They are long enough to keep rain and sunlight out of your eyes.

• Detachable visor

You can remove and reattach this type of visor from your helmet. The detachable visor comes in different forms to keep the rider safe. You can replace a detachable visor according to your riding habit and weather conditions.

VII. Impact absorbing technologies

If you want to ride the bike with greater peace of mind then you should purchase a helmet that comes with impact-absorbing technology. These technologies minimize the rotational force impact during an accident. But these technologies cost some additional money to the helmet.

• MIPS

Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology lets the helmet slide relative to the head and adds more protection against the rotational force which causes brain injury. It does this by using slip-planes. Helmets with this technology are marked with a small yellow logo.

• WaveCel

Wavecel is a collapsible cellular structure material that lines inside a helmet. It helps to absorb the angle impact force and protect your head from injury. This advanced technology receives funding from the US National health institute which proves its effectiveness.

• SPIN

Shearing pads inside (SPIN) technology involve silicone pads lining inside the helmet which do not allow impact force to transfer to your head during collision. Silicone pads dissipate the impact force without compromising on ventilation and comfort.