Does an MTB helmet need to be an MTB helmet?
02-15-23, 02:25 AM
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Does an MTB helmet need to be an MTB helmet?
Or will just any cycling helmet do?
Last edited by sjanzeir; 02-15-23 at 07:50 AM.
02-15-23, 07:21 AM
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Title fixed
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02-15-23, 07:39 AM
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It seems MTB helmets offer slightly better crash protection and visors made for more upright riding.
https://suspensiontraveler.com/diffe...d-mtb-helmets/
https://suspensiontraveler.com/diffe...d-mtb-helmets/
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02-15-23, 09:02 AM
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Depends on if you ride your mountain bike in the most extreme manner and conditions that some do. But even they have a choice and free will to make their own decision about it.
Except maybe for those that are entering certain sanctioned competitions that might specify acceptable standards for helmets and such.
Except maybe for those that are entering certain sanctioned competitions that might specify acceptable standards for helmets and such.
02-23-23, 09:10 AM
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I'm not an expert but from what I've read they are not the same; however, I somewhat agree with a previous post that if one isn't riding "aggressively" then a regular road helmet will work. Yes that is true but what if one falls badly when not riding aggressively? Wouldn't we want the added protection? As the post stated, and I also agree, that's a personal choice.
The way it was explained to me is that a road helmet is purpose-built for road use. It is well ventilated and provides general top and sides of head protection. A MTB helmet has more protection on the back (extends lower) and more protection on the sides (also sometimes extends lower a bit) than a road helmet, and, they generally add a visor which in practical terms doesn't really add any safety feature that I can identify.
Over-all a MTB helmet is generally heavier and affords more comprehensive protection all around the head than a road helmet. I have both and I don't like riding on the road with my MTB helmet because the visor obstructs my vision...and it's heavier with less ventilation.
The way it was explained to me is that a road helmet is purpose-built for road use. It is well ventilated and provides general top and sides of head protection. A MTB helmet has more protection on the back (extends lower) and more protection on the sides (also sometimes extends lower a bit) than a road helmet, and, they generally add a visor which in practical terms doesn't really add any safety feature that I can identify.
Over-all a MTB helmet is generally heavier and affords more comprehensive protection all around the head than a road helmet. I have both and I don't like riding on the road with my MTB helmet because the visor obstructs my vision...and it's heavier with less ventilation.
02-23-23, 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by BobbyG
It seems MTB helmets offer slightly better crash protection and visors made for more upright riding.
https://suspensiontraveler.com/diffe...d-mtb-helmets/
https://suspensiontraveler.com/diffe...d-mtb-helmets/
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02-23-23, 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by drlogik
I'm not an expert but from what I've read they are not the same; however, I somewhat agree with a previous post that if one isn't riding "aggressively" then a regular road helmet will work. Yes that is true but what if one falls badly when not riding aggressively? Wouldn't we want the added protection? As the post stated, and I also agree, that's a personal choice.
The way it was explained to me is that a road helmet is purpose-built for road use. It is well ventilated and provides general top and sides of head protection. A MTB helmet has more protection on the back (extends lower) and more protection on the sides (also sometimes extends lower a bit) than a road helmet, and, they generally add a visor which in practical terms doesn't really add any safety feature that I can identify.
Over-all a MTB helmet is generally heavier and affords more comprehensive protection all around the head than a road helmet. I have both and I don't like riding on the road with my MTB helmet because the visor obstructs my vision...and it's heavier with less ventilation.
The way it was explained to me is that a road helmet is purpose-built for road use. It is well ventilated and provides general top and sides of head protection. A MTB helmet has more protection on the back (extends lower) and more protection on the sides (also sometimes extends lower a bit) than a road helmet, and, they generally add a visor which in practical terms doesn't really add any safety feature that I can identify.
Over-all a MTB helmet is generally heavier and affords more comprehensive protection all around the head than a road helmet. I have both and I don't like riding on the road with my MTB helmet because the visor obstructs my vision...and it's heavier with less ventilation.
I would consider my personal riding style to be much more XC than DH or Enduro. As such, light weight and good ventilation are important to me. My choice when I ride my MTB is a road helmet, same as it is for top XC racers.
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03-04-23, 06:15 PM
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Originally Posted by jack pot
so does it follow that an Ecycle rider need an Ecycle helmet or will a MTB helmet be 0k for a soft headed Ecycler
My understanding is that mtb helmets have visors in front and more coverage in back because falling back is more common. Road helmets don't have visors in front because they block vision when riding in an aero tuck... though this isn't really a problem for many recreational riders.
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03-04-23, 07:46 PM
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I don't like having a lot of weight on my head and use a lightweight road helmet for MTB. A lot of XC riders do the same. The dedicated MTB helmet I used to wear did offer more protection toward the back of my skull, but that sucker weighed over a pound and was a pain in the neck - literally.
Last edited by wayold; 03-04-23 at 07:50 PM.
03-04-23, 07:58 PM
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Gravel riders are required to carry two helmets and switch when the surface changes
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03-05-23, 06:54 PM
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Unless we’re talking a full face helmet for downhill mountain biking, the helmets marketed as Mtb helmets add a visor which may or may not work for you.
absolutely unnecessary to buy a different helmet for cross country mtb versus road riding
absolutely unnecessary to buy a different helmet for cross country mtb versus road riding
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03-07-23, 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Kananaskis Wolf
Nope. Most mountain bikers I've seen wear a regular bike helmet. If they are wearing a full face helmet, they are going to/coming from, a bike park or downhill trail.
