A guide to buying a mountain bike helmet

A helmet is the most essential piece of safety kit for mountain biking. Falls are an integral part of the sport, and head injuries are one of the main causes of serious accidents. Choosing a helmet suited to your discipline — Cross-Country, Trail, Enduro or Downhill — is therefore not an option, but an essential safety requirement.

Each discipline has its own requirements:

• lightweight and well-ventilated for Cross-Country,
• versatility and comfort for Trail,
• enhanced protection for Enduro and DH.

Mavic has developed a range of MTB helmets optimised for performance and safety, incorporating advanced technologies (fastening system, optimised ventilation, MIPS, FidLock buckles, etc.) to offer the best possible protection, without compromising on comfort or design.

Mountain bike helmets by type of riding

The first factor to consider is your riding terrain. The intensity of the effort and the nature of the risks differ radically between a cardio ride and a technical downhill run.

Cross-Country MTB Helmet

Who is it for? Cyclists seeking physical performance, efficiency and endurance. In this discipline, the average speed is high and the cardio effort intense. The helmet must dissipate heat effectively and not put strain on the neck.

• The CometeSL Mips is ideal. It offers the perfect balance between aerodynamics and airflow.

• If you’re looking for a helmet for leisure or touring, the Crossride SL Elite is just the ticket. It’s a versatile, very lightweight model, perfect for Sunday rides as well as training sessions.

MTB Trail / Enduro Helmet

Who is it for?

Adventurers who climb to enjoy the descent and explore all types of trails. Here, the helmet needs to offer greater protection to the back of the head and the temples than a road model, whilst remaining ventilated enough for climbs.

The essential criteria for choosing the right MTB helmet

Beyond style, four key factors define the quality of a helmet.

Safety and Standards

All Mavic helmets comply with (and often exceed) the CE EN 1078 standard.

• Outer shell: this distributes the impact over a wide area and prevents objects (such as stones or branches) from penetrating the helmet.
• Impact absorption: the internal foam (EPS) deforms to absorb energy.
• Rotational technologies: systems such as MIPS (featured in our ranges) allow the shell to move slightly relative to the head during an oblique impact, reducing the rotational forces transmitted to the brain and minimising the risk of concussion.

Comfort and fit

A poorly fitted helmet is useless. If it moves during an impact, it won’t absorb the shock in the right place.

Two crucial components:

• Occipital support: the rear fastening system must wrap around the skull without creating any pressure points.
• Straps and chin strap: these must form a perfect ‘Y’ shape beneath the ear and be tightened so that only two fingers can fit beneath the chin.

A good helmet must “stay in place” even when shaking your head — without sliding forwards (which would obstruct your vision) or backwards (which would leave the forehead exposed). The fit sometimes depends on the shape of the head (round, oval, etc.) and body type — a helmet that is comfortable for one person may not necessarily be so for another.

In conclusion: a precise fit + support at the back of the head + properly adjusted straps = maximum safety + comfort, especially when mountain biking, where jolts, vibrations and impacts are common.

Visor & Accessories

Essential for mountain biking, the visor serves several purposes:

• Reduces glare from the sun. It blocks direct sunlight, reduces reflections and glare, thereby improving visual comfort and safety when riding uphill or downhill.
• Protection against rain, mud and spray. In the event of rain or mud, or when riding behind another mountain biker, the visor prevents water, mud or spray from getting into your eyes.
• Safety in the event of an impact. In some cases, the visor can help deflect branches or objects heading towards your face, offering a minimum level of additional protection, even if this is not its primary function.

Technologies & innovations

How to choose the right size?

Trying it on is key. A helmet that’s too big will tilt forwards (obstructing your vision) or backwards (leaving your forehead exposed).

Trying it on is often overlooked… but it’s the key to an effective helmet:

• Nothing beats trying the helmet on: check that it fits properly (neither too tight nor too loose), that it stays securely in place, that it doesn’t cause any discomfort, and that it doesn’t move around.
• Check the adjustment of the rear dial / retention system — it should mould to the shape of your head and ensure a secure fit.
• The side straps and chin strap: the buckle under the chin must be properly adjusted (it is often recommended that you should be able to slip 1–2 fingers between the chin strap and your chin).
• If the helmet is too big, too small or poorly fitted, it will be uncomfortable.

Maintenance & cleaning of a mountain bike helmet

Regular maintenance

• Cleaning: lukewarm water and mild soap only. Never use solvents or chemical sprays that damage polystyrene.
• Drying: in the open air, away from radiators or direct sunlight (UV rays weaken plastics over time).
• Hygiene: The inner foam pads are removable on Mavic helmets: wash them regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria caused by sweat.

When should you replace a helmet? (lifespan & signs of wear)

• After ANY violent impact: even if no cracks are visible to the naked eye, the internal EPS structure has been compressed and will no longer fulfil its function. You should never repair a helmet that has been in an accident; you must replace it.
• Every 3 to 5 years: the materials (adhesives, foam, plastics) naturally age due to UV light, heat and sweat, losing their elasticity and shock-absorbing properties.