Mountain Bike Helmets

While technically not a mountain bike helmet, the Giro Atmos helmets are very popular. The XC crowd can get away with this helmet, but I would not recommend this for downhill, dirt jumping, or freeride. You could still use it for those purposes, but the first time you bail hard, you are going to be replacing any foam based helmet as opposed to a full face downhill type.

It is quite expensive, but it’s one sexy lid that will keep your head safe without you hardly knowing it is there. With 26 vents and Giro’s Wind Tunnel Ventilation, it will keep your head cooler than if you were not wearing a helmet at all. Giro does this with active vents and internal exhaust channels. The small weighs in at just 240g in the small so you will hardly know it is there.

The Giro Atmos Helmets Product Specifications:

• Vents : 26
• Sizes :
  • S (20”-21.75” / 51-55 cm)
  • M (21.75”-23.25” / 55-59 cm)
  • L (23.25”-24.75” / 59-63 cm)
• Certification : CPSC
• MSRP /Street: $175/$150
• In-Mold Construction
• ROC LOC 4 Adjustment System
• Super Fit Engineering
• Wind Tunnel Ventilation
• Weight : 275g

Theoretically, you can buy any helmet and keep your noggin just as safe due to the fact that all helmets must meet CPSC specifications. What you are paying for in higher priced models such as the Giro Atmos helmet is the increased number of vents, which reduces weight and increses comfort. You also get a much nicer looking product without the exposed foam at the back as found on lower priced models.