Enhancing Your Ride: Accessories for Mountain Bike Helmets
Key Point Summary of Accessories for Mountain Bike Helmets:
- Helmet Lights: Enhance visibility and safety during low-light conditions.
- Action Cameras: Capture the thrill of your ride without compromising safety.
- Visors: Protect your eyes from sun, rain, and low-hanging branches.
- Helmet Mounts: Secure your lights and cameras for a hands-free experience.
- Protective Add-Ons: Additional coverage and protection for aggressive riding.
Embarking on the mountain biking trail, with its twists, turns, and adrenaline-pumping descents, is a thrilling experience that calls for not just skill and endurance but also the right gear. As a masters cyclist who has navigated countless trails on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and cyclocross bikes, I’ve come to appreciate the small but mighty role that accessories play in enhancing the mountain biking (MTB) experience. Today, I’m diving into the world of MTB helmet accessories, the unsung heroes that can make your ride safer, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable.
Helmet Lights
One accessory that has become indispensable for my early morning and late evening rides is the helmet-mounted light. Unlike traditional bike lights that illuminate the path directly in front of the bike, helmet lights offer the flexibility to see wherever you’re looking, making navigating technical sections and spotting potential hazards much easier. They’re especially useful in dense woods or during rides that extend past sunset. When choosing a helmet light, consider factors like brightness (measured in lumens), battery life, and weight to ensure it meets your needs without adding unnecessary bulk.
Action Cameras
For those who love to capture the essence of their rides, mounting an action camera on your helmet provides a hands-free way to record your adventures. The perspective from atop your helmet offers a dynamic first-person view that showcases the intensity and beauty of the trails. Modern action cameras are lightweight, robust, and capable of recording in stunning detail. Plus, reliving your rides can be a great way to share your experiences with friends or analyze your technique for improvements.
Visors
Most mountain bike helmets come with a visor, but the adjustability and effectiveness can vary. A good visor not only shields your eyes from the sun’s glare but also helps to keep rain and debris at bay, improving visibility and comfort. Some helmets feature removable or adjustable visors, allowing you to customize your setup based on current riding conditions. On particularly sunny days, I’ve found that a well-positioned visor can make all the difference in navigating exposed trails.
Helmet Mounts
Securely attaching lights and cameras to your helmet requires reliable mounts. Many accessories come with universal mounts, but ensuring compatibility with your specific helmet model is crucial. These mounts should offer a firm hold to keep your devices in place, even on the roughest terrain, without damaging the helmet’s integrity. It’s worth investing in high-quality mounts to avoid the frustration of equipment slipping or shifting mid-ride.
Protective Add-Ons
For riders who push the limits on more aggressive trails, additional protective accessories can be attached to helmets for increased coverage and safety. This includes chin bars for convertible full-face helmets, which offer the flexibility to switch between full-face protection on descents and open-face comfort on climbs. Additionally, some helmets offer the option to add extra padding or reinforced structures for enhanced impact protection.
Incorporating these accessories into your mountain biking setup can significantly enhance your riding experience, offering improvements in safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Whether it’s extending your ride into the early dawn with a powerful helmet light, capturing breathtaking descents with an action camera, or customizing your helmet for optimal protection and visibility, the right accessories make it all possible.
Top Mountain Bike Helmets of 2024: Safety, Comfort, and Performance
1. Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS
The Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS helmet is renowned for its balance of comfort and protection. Featuring the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, it’s designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. Its extensive venting system ensures airflow even on the warmest days, making it a favorite among riders.
2. Fox Racing Speedframe Pro
The Fox Racing Speedframe Pro helmet is a top choice for trail and enduro riders, offering a superb fit, high-performance protection with MIPS, and excellent ventilation. It features a 360-degree fit system, allowing for a snug and comfortable fit, and includes a goggle-compatible, adjustable visor.
3. Bell Super 3R MIPS
The Bell Super 3R MIPS is versatile, offering the ability to convert from a half-shell to a full-face helmet, making it ideal for enduro riders who face varying terrains and conditions. It features a detachable chin bar, MIPS technology, and an adjustable visor, providing a blend of safety, comfort, and convenience.
4. Giro Montaro MIPS
The Giro Montaro MIPS is a robust option that doesn’t skimp on comfort or ventilation. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with goggles and has a full-wrap in-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS liner, all enhanced with MIPS for additional protection against rotational motion.
When choosing a mountain bike helmet, consider the type of riding you do, the fit and comfort of the helmet, and the specific safety features it offers. The best helmet for you is one that you’ll wear consistently and feels comfortable on long rides, while providing the maximum protection needed for your mountain biking adventures.
FAQ
What accessories do I need for mountain biking?
For mountain biking, essential accessories include a hydration pack or water bottle, multitool, spare tubes or a patch kit, tire levers, a mini pump or CO2 inflator, and a first-aid kit. For navigation and tracking, consider a GPS device or smartphone mount.
What do you wear under a mountain bike helmet?
Under a mountain bike helmet, you can wear a thin, moisture-wicking cycling cap or skull cap to improve comfort, manage sweat, and provide some warmth in cooler conditions. Some riders also use a bandana or a specialized helmet liner for similar purposes.
Should MTB helmets have a visor?
Yes, MTB helmets should have a visor. The visor protects your eyes from the sun, rain, and low-hanging branches on trails. It can also help shield your face from debris and improves visibility by reducing glare.
Can you decorate a bike helmet?
Yes, you can decorate a bike helmet as long as the decorations do not compromise the helmet’s integrity or safety features. Use stickers, non-toxic paints, or helmet covers designed for this purpose. Avoid drilling holes or applying heavy modifications that could affect the helmet’s structure.
