Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids
Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids
Every bike Dad/Mom is desperate to get their kids on bikes as soon as possible. Luckily, there are some excellent mountain bike helmets for kids. They are getting better each year with new technology, which is essential, as kids mountain bikes are becoming more capable. In this post, I am going to go through some of the best mountain bike helmets for kids and how to choose.
How To Choose Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids
Fit
As with any helmet, if your kid’s mountain bike helmet doesn’t fit properly, it won’t give them the necessary protection. The fit of a mountain bike helmet isn’t standardised, so how they fit depends on the manufacturers, as does the shape of the mould. This is why some helmets will fit your head perfectly, while other helmets that are stated to be the same size will feel horrendous. Here are some general rules for how a helmet should fit:
- The inside of the helmet should be in contact with the whole head and sit level.
- The helmet should not impede vision
- Helmets that have a one size fits all ring, should be able to be tightened enough for your scalp to move with the helmet slightly
- More expensive helmets will have adjusters to finely tune the fit
- The straps should be tight enough, so the helmet does not move more than an inch from its level position
If you are looking for full-face mountain bike helmets for kids, they should have the following characteristics:
- A new full-face helmet should feel a little too snug. The padding will pack out after wearing it a few times
- There should be no gaps between the helmet and the head
- With the chin strap fastened, grab the chin bar and wobble the helmet to see how much movement there is. Your kid’s scalp should move with it
- If you intend to make your child wear a neck brace, make sure their helmet is compatible
Materials And Construction
If your kid’s mountain bike helmet fits well, unfortunately it won’t give the protection they need if the materials and construction are poor. The material that lies between the outer shell and their head is the most important part, as this is what absorbs the shock from impacts.
Liners are made from EPS (expanded polystyrene) that spreads the energy from a crash by deforming. However, the outer shell protects the liner and provides a smooth surface that slides along the ground, rather than bringing it to an abrupt halt.
Cheaper mountain bike helmets have the shell glued to the liner, while higher end ones bond the two elements together during polystyrene expansion. If you can afford this type of mountain bike helmet for you child, I recommend that you pay the extra, as they are higher quality and you can easily see dents and cracks which would normally be disguised on cheaper helmets with the two glued layers.
Mountain Bike Helmet Ventilation
Mountain bike helmets have strategically placed holes to allow cool air in and channel it over the head. They also have exhaust ports that vent warm air out the back. The thing to think about when it comes to these vents is that helmets that with larger or more numerous holes need a thicker or more dense liner, which doesn’t deform easily and can transfer the shock of impact to the head.
It is difficult to determine how well a mountain bike helmet is ventilated in relevance to its protection. Factors that can alter a helmet’s ventilation is the angle your head is at, sweat, hair and how well it fits.
Tips For Buying Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids
- If you can, try before you buy. If you are buying online, and the helmet isn’t a perfect fit, send it back and choose another one. Don’t be lazy and make do with a poorly fitting helmet as your child will be growing out of it soon, ass head protection is serious business.
- You may be tempted to buy a used helmet to save money. I don’t recommend that you purchase used helmets, as you don’t know their history. Have they been ‘used’? Have they been dropped? You just don’t know, and the integrity may be compromised.
- If your or your kid’s mountain bike helmet gets an impact during a crash, replace it. The damage may not be visible, but it will be there.
- Think about safety and fit over how the helmet looks. Although, if it looks cool, there won’t be a battle between you when getting them ready for a ride.
- Don’t scrimp on a helmet to save money; it is not worth the risk. Cheap helmets don’t provide the required protection.
Recommended Mountain Bike Helmets For Kids
Troy Lee Designs A1 Youth MTB Helmet
The A1 from Troy Lee Designs is one of the most comfortable mountain bike helmets for kids. Many riders note that it has no voids and cups the head perfectly. Wearers often comment that it requires little to no adjustment as soon as they put it on.
This helmet uses one piece of padding throughout, which has a moderate density and covers the whole area in contact with your kid’s head. This padding is removable, so you can wash it if you want to.
The Troy Lee Designs A1 Youth MTB Helmet is a scaled-down version of the adult version. Therefore, it has all the same features, there is even a MIPS version, to protect against rotational forces. This helmet is also adjustable to get the fit dialled in, even more, thanks to the cam-lock strap dividers and the adjuster wheel on the back.
The weight of mountain bike helmets for kids is significant, as helmets that are too heavy put a strain on their necks. But the A1 is one of the lights open face mountain bike helmets you can buy.
When looking for an open face mountain bike helmet to keep your child as safe as possible on the trails, the Troy Lee Designs A1 Youth MTB Helmet is one of the best options around right now.
Features
- Industry-leading designs and safety in a youth-specific size
- MIPS – Multi-Directional Impact Protection System for industry-leading protection against angled impacts
- EPS impact liner maximizes impact protection while minimizing weight
- Aerospace filament-reinforced shell
- Innovative break-away visor screws help reduce the likelihood of snagging during a crash
- 16 port hi-flow cooling system both pulls and pushes air for maximum ventilation
- The ultra-plush quick-dry comfort liner is both removable and washable for long-term comfort
- Adjustable, cam-lock strap dividers allow customized for different head shapes and riding styles
- Head Circumference 48 – 53cm
Endura Hummvee Youth Helmet
This helmet is typical of Endura’s philosophy of not needing to spend lots of money to get decent mountain bike gear. However, if your kid has a narrow head, you might want to look at other options, as the shape of it is quite round. But, the dial on the back allows them to finely tune the fit.
As this is a loser end mountain bike helmet, it is worth noting that the protective shell only covers the top of the head and not the lower edges. But, it does conform to modern safety standards, and the cutout above the ears drops it down to cover your temples.
The Endura Hummvee Youth mountain bike helmet is a great option if you are looking for a value for money helmet. This helmet is ideal for kids that ride around town and on trails.
Features
- Lightweight versatile design
- Removable visor
- One hand micro-adjustment fit system
- Covered by Endura’s Crash Replacement Policy and Endura Product Guarantee
- Certified to CE Standard EN1078 + A1 02/2013
- One size, fits head circumference 51-56cm
MET Eldar MIPS Youth MTB Helmet
The MET Eldar MIPS Youth MTB Helmet is designed to be versatile enough for all young mountain bikers. Whether your child is fearless, lacking in confidence or an aspiring pro, the Eldar is worth taking a closer look at.
The features this helmet has are simple but effective. It has fourteen vents, adjustable chin strap and a dial to finely adjust the fit at the back. The fixed visor is removable, and it is available in a multitude of colours, so your child can pick their favourite. This helmet is suitable for younger children, as it will fit heads from 52 to 57cm.
Features
- In-Mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner
- Safe-T Twist 2 Fit System
- Removable visor
- Hand washable padding, optimised for stability
- Internal air-channeling
- Reflective side and rear straps anchors
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
