The 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets Under $100 (Improve Your Safety on a Budget!)

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These are the best mountain bike helmets under $100, including standard and full-face ones, worth your attention.

I asked my MTB friends for recommendations, conducted in-depth research, and read hundreds of reviews to save you time. Then, I evaluated features like price, weight, ventilation, design, and more according to my MTB helmet scoring system.

Below, you’ll also learn how to choose a mountain bike helmet, about safety features, and much more.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Mountain Bike Helmets for Under $100?

Skip to the comparison table…

The best mountain bike helmets for under $100 meet safety standards required by law (learn more), are lightweight, well-ventilated, and fit your head shape.

Mountain bike helmets under $100 differ from more expensive ones by higher weight and worse ventilation. Full-face helmets (and those with a removable chin protector) are rare in this price range.

All helmets on this list meet the required safety standards, such as CPSC certification. They mainly differ in the other features (design, weight, ventilation, etc.). The safety of expensive and cheap MTB helmets is comparable! (Source)

Specialized Camber (The Best Mountain Bike Helmets for Under $100 Overall)

Comfort 5/5 | Ventilation 4/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 3/5 | Design 5/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5

As always, I’ll be honest with you. When I first saw this helmet, I didn’t like it.

But the more I looked at it, the more I appreciated its originality and uniqueness. It will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

It also provides ample protection when mountain biking, even in technical terrain.

Of course, it has MIPS, and you can also attach an ANGi sensor to it. In the event of a fall, this sensor will notify your emergency contact via a phone app.

Despite being a Specialized product, its price is very reasonable.

That said, the Camber isn’t perfect. The visor isn’t adjustable, and due to its design, it doesn’t provide effective protection against the sun.

Also available at performancebike.com and jensonusa.com

Bell Soquel MIPS (Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet for Under $100)

Comfort 5/5 | Ventilation 4/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 3/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5

Although the Bell Soquel MIPS is not the cheapest helmet on this list, I selected it as the best budget for several reasons.

It has an excellent ventilation system with channels that allow better airflow, reducing sweating in hot weather.

The MIPS technology reduces rotational forces during an impact, further contributing to your protection.

You’ll also appreciate the extended protection of the back of your head. It has an adjustable ratchet strap closure system for easy adjustment.

Its biggest disadvantage is limited color and size selection.

Smith Optics Convoy MIPS

Comfort 5/5 | Ventilation 4/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.9/5

The Smith Optics Convoy MIPS is the best mountain bike helmet for under $100 because:

It’s available in multiple attractive colors to match it with the rest of your kit. It features MIPS technology and an extended rear for improved protection.

It’s lightweight, so you won’t experience neck pain, and the rear dial closure system can be moved up and down, leading to a comfortable fit.

The inner padding is removable, so you can replace it after a season or two or wash it during the season.

And finally, it’s reasonably priced.

Also available at amazon.com, competitivecyclist.com, and jensonusa.com

Trek Solstice MIPS

Comfort 5/5 | Ventilation 4/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.9/5

Whether you use Solstice on trails, dirt roads, or in a city for commuting, it won’t disappoint you.

Thanks to the visor, which has two positions, you will get efficient sun protection. You can also remove it when you don’t need it and use this helmet for road cycling.

The magnetic buckle is more convenient than the plastic one used on most helmets. You have to try and see!

Apart from its versatility, Solstice is also practical. You can wash its pads to avoid the unpleasant smell and keep everything clean.

And thanks to the crash replacement guarantee, you will get a free replacement if you crash during the first year of ownership.

So, what are its downsides?

It’s slightly heavier than similar helmets and has a relatively old-school design.

By the way, the Solstice was sold under the Bontrager brand before being rebranded to Trek Solstice.

Also available at trekbikes.com

OUWOR MTB Helmet

Comfort 3/5 | Ventilation 4/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 4/5 | Design 5/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5

The OUWOR MTB helmet surprised me with many of its features. First, I love its color combinations. But that’s subjective.

It’s pretty versatile because you can use it for mountain biking and, once you remove the visor, for road biking.

Removing the sun visor also has another benefit. It opens the large air vents in the front, which allows excellent airflow.

The only major disadvantage is the lack of MIPS or a similar safety system, but I wouldn’t even expect it for this price.

O’Neal Trail Finder

Comfort 4/5 | Ventilation 3/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.5/5

The Trail Finder helmet from O’Neal is on the heavier side of the spectrum, but its weight shouldn’t discourage you from considering it.

It has an adjustable and detachable visor, providing a decent level of adjustability.

It’s a shame Trail Finder lacks MIPS and is not available in more color options. Instead, you can only choose from a few. The ventilation could also be better.

Giro Fixture II MIPS

Comfort 5/5 | Ventilation 3/5 | Protection 4/5 | Weight 5/5 | Design 3/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5

Giro Fixture II MIPS belongs among the most affordable MTB helmets under $100 with MIPS.

It offers everything you expect from an MTB helmet – great protection (MIPS), decent ventilation and fit, and low weight.

So, what’s the catch?

First, the sun visor is not adjustable. Second, the retention system requires a little more force than other helmets. Third, the plastic shell is not extended to the edges, so the foam can be damaged easily.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and performancebike.com

Bell Sanction (The Best Full-Face Mountain Bike Helmets for Under $100)

Comfort 4/5 | Ventilation 2/5 | Protection 5/5 | Weight 1/5 | Design 5/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

Although Bell Sanction is slightly above the $100 mark, I selected it as the best because of Bell’s reputation.

They manufacture all helmet types, from those for F1 to motorbikes and many more.

Sanction has a minimalistic but functional design. It’s also decently ventilated, but you won’t avoid overheating in hot weather (as in most full-face helmets).

You can adjust its visor for effective sun (and branches) protection. But I don’t recommend removing it completely.

It’s a shame Sanction doesn’t have a removable chin protector, but none of the full-face MTB helmets on this list have one.

As you can see from the available sizes, Sanction is not suitable for people with large heads.

O’Neal Sonus Deft

Comfort 3/5 | Ventilation 2/5 | Protection 5/5 | Weight 1/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.2/5

O’Neal Sonus Deft is a full-face MTB helmet suitable for tackling technical terrain. It doesn’t have a detachable chin protector (like most low-end full-face helmets), but you can adjust its visor.

Although it’s only available in limited color options, those available look pretty cool. What do you think?

I want to highlight the magnetic buckle for quick, easy, and convenient fastening. Sonus Deft is slightly heavier than its direct competitors (Sanction and Rayce).

Remember, O’Neal Sonus Deft runs small. Choose a larger size if you are between sizes!

Fly Racing Rayce

Comfort 3/5 | Ventilation 2/5 | Protection 5/5 | Weight 1/5 | Design 4/5 | Price 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.0/5

Rayce is a practical full-face mountain bike helmet. However, as Fly Racing states, it can also be used for other sports (including jet skiing).

Anyway, back to cycling. The visor is, of course, adjustable, so it provides sun protection when needed.

What I like most about this is the possibility of removing the liner and cheek pads. You can also wash them to keep your helmet clean and avoid an unpleasant smell.

Rayce also offers decent ventilation thanks to strategically placed air vents. But I don’t recommend spending too much time wearing it in the direct sun during summer.

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Helmet	Weight	Safety Feature	VT Safety Rating	Buy	Comfort	Ventilation	Protection	Weight	Design	Price	Weighted Score
Specialized Camber	0.82 lb 370 g	MIPS	5*	Check Price	5	4	4	3	5	4	4.2
Bell Soquel MIPS	0.79 lb 360 g	MIPS	n/a	Check Price	5	4	4	3	4	5	4.2
Smith Optics Convoy MIPS	0.72 lb 325 g	MIPS	n/a	Check Price	5	4	4	2	4	4	3.9
Trek Solstice MIPS	0.83 lb 375 g	MIPS	3*	Check Price	5	4	4	2	4	4	3.9
OUWOR MTB Helmet	n/a	No	n/a	Check Price	3	4	4	4	5	5	4.1
O’Neal Trail Finder	0.84 lb 380 g	No	n/a	Check Price	4	3	4	2	4	4	3.5
Giro Fixture II MIPS	0.62 lb 280 g	MIPS	4*	Check Price	5	3	4	5	3	4	4.1
Bell Sanction	1.87 lb 850 g	No	5*	Check Price	4	2	5	1	5	3	3.3
O’Neal Sonus Deft	2.23 lb 1010 g	No	n/a	Check Price	3	2	5	1	4	4	3.2
Fly Racing Rayce	2.31 lb 1050 g	No	n/a	Check Price	3	2	5	1	4	3	3.0

List of the best mountain bike helmets with the info about their weight, extra safety features, Virginia Tech safety rating, and price range. The helmets are scored based on this mountain bike helmets scoring.
The weight of all helmets is for the M size unless stated otherwise.
VT safety rating source: Virginia Tech

My Verdict

When choosing an MTB helmet for under $100, consider whether it has MIPS, its design, ventilation, weight, and available sizes.

Continue reading my buying guide if you want to learn more.

How to Choose a Mountain Bike Helmet?

Type

There are three basic types of mountain bike helmets. I will discuss the first two, standard and full-face helmets.

Standard MTB helmets look like road bike helmets but also feature a visor to protect your face against branches, dirt, and sun. Additionally, they extend the protection of your nape. Finally, they provide better ventilation and are lighter than full-face MTB helmets. These features make them suitable for casual riding and terrain without a high risk of falling.

Full-face MTB helmets have a chin protector and extend the protection around the entire head. However, this results in worse ventilation and higher weight. Some full-face helmets have a removable chin protector, so you can use them as a standard MTB helmet, but they are more expensive. They are ideal for highly technical terrain with a high risk of falling.

Size, Fit, and Adjustability

Buying a mountain bike helmet that fits can be tricky. It’s always better to try it in person. If you can’t try it, the question is:

How do you choose the right size?
Every bike helmet manufacturer has slightly different sizing. It’s given as the circumference of the head in inches or cm. Use a soft tailor tape measure to measure yours.

How do I know the helmet fits?
When you put a helmet on, it has to feel ‘just right.’ You shouldn’t feel any pressure points.

Modern bike helmets have adjustable side straps, a chin strap, and a dial fit. You can adjust them so the helmet won’t be too loose or tight.

Weight

The helmet’s weight may not seem important, but it will affect your riding comfort. Heavy helmets can cause neck pain and are not suitable for long rides. Lighter helmets are more comfortable.

Surprisingly, cheap MTB helmets (under $100) are often lighter than higher-end ones. This is because they may not have additional safety features like MIPS or a chin protector that increase the overall weight of the helmet.

The following table shows the weights of the selected mountain bike helmets under $100.

Ventilation

Ventilation is an important feature, especially during the hot summer months. You don’t want your head to overheat during your adventures.

Remember that a higher number of air vents doesn’t mean better ventilation. The helmet design and air channels are more important because they determine the airflow from the front to the rear of your head.

As mentioned above, a full-face helmet provides worse ventilation, so think twice about whether you need it and in what conditions you will ride.

Certifications

Every bike helmet sold in the USA must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard.

There is the so-called EN 1079 standard in Europe, AS/NZS 2063 in Australia and New Zealand, etc.

The purpose of the certifications is to verify that the helmet meets certain safety and protection requirements.

All mountain bike helmets in this selection are CPSC-certified.

Interestingly, according to Virginia Tech mountain bike helmet ratings, cheap helmets can be as safe as expensive ones.

The question is whether you should pay a premium for extra safety features. You will learn more about them below.

Extra Safety Features: MIPS, WaveCel, etc.

Bicycle helmets come with extra safety features. The most well-known is MIPS, but there are others, such as WaveCel, Kali, Leatt, 6D, KinetiCore, and SPIN.

These systems reduce the rotational and/or linear forces during an impact, lowering the strain on the brain and the risk of brain injury.

I summarized the pros and cons of the most common safety systems in the following table. You can learn more about them in my article about MIPS, WaveCel, etc.

Technology	Pros	Cons
MIPS	• Reduces rotational forces	• Adds about 0.88-1.59oz. (25-45g) to the bike helmet* • Does not reduce linear forces
WaveCel	• Reduces rotational forces • Reduces linear forces	• Adds about 1.76oz. (50g) to the bike helmet • WaveCell technology is used on Bontrager helmets only • Bontrager helmets with WaveCell are more expensive on average than helmets with MIPS or SPIN
SPIN**	• Reduces rotational forces • Reduces linear forces	• SPIN technology is used on POC helmets only

Comparison of the pros and cons of the most common bicycle helmets safety technologies
*This estimation is based on the same size and model of a helmet with and without MIPS
**SPIN technology is gradually phased out since MIPS and SPIN joined forces in 2021.
Sources: mipsprotection.com, trekbikes.com, cyclistshub.com

Why Should You Wear a Helmet?

According to this study, the number of injuries is reduced by an average of 60% when wearing a bicycle helmet.

Unfortunately, according to this 2012 study, only 29% of adults and 42% of children wore a helmet when riding a bike.

Although the second stat will probably be based mostly on cases on the roads, mountain biking can be more dangerous.

This is because, unlike road cycling, it takes place in technical terrain with a higher chance of falling or crashing into trees, rocks, etc.

I wear a helmet whenever I sit on a bike. It doesn’t matter if I ride a 60-mile trip or to a local grocery store.

Did you know that 57% of bicyclists killed in the USA in 2020 were not wearing helmets? Helmet use was unknown for 25%. (Source)

Let’s examine the previous statement in a chart. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

I also interpolated the data with trend curves. The trend is growing for all categories. Yet, the ‘helmet use’ category grows the slowest. In 2015-2018, it even declined.

What is the conclusion here? A bike helmet is important, and it can save your life. And as the following video states, “helmet has always been a good idea.”

Bike Helmets FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.