by The cost of getting into mountain biking for the first time may come as a shock to many with just how expensive it can become, even for just the basic essentials. The cost of everything you’ll need just to get out there biking such as spare tubes/tires, clothes, protective gear, bottle cages/water bottles, and tire pumps can add up quickly and even start to approach a large percentage of the initial purchase cost of the bike itself!
It may be tempting to want to spend as much as you can to get the ‘best’ gear possible, but there is there really a need to spend fortunes on items where cheaper alternatives are perfectly functional. If you’re trying to reduce the start up cost to get out on your new mountain bike on a budget then read on for our list of the most affordable MTB helmets for beginners.
Nevertheless you don’t necessarily need a ‘mountain bike helmet’ to ride a mountain bike. Other helmet types provide enough basic protection to be worn safely in most cases and may provide other benefits. Our examples list some of the most affordable through several categories of bike helmets.
1) West Biking Adult Cycling MTB Helmet
The classic mountain bike helmets give you cover on top and back of your head, opting for more robust design over being lightweight or aerodynamic. The durable materials are confidence inspiring with tough plastics and soft foams to absorb impacts minimising the risk of head injuries. Most are fitted with a removable sun visor the clips onto the outside helmet shell for good protection against glare
The West Biking mountain bike helmet covers the essential safety needs for an affordable MTB helmet and a removable visor at a low price.
MTB helmets start from around $20 at the cheapest.
2) HOCALISS Ultralight Road Bike Helmet
The classic road cycling helmet is designed to be a helmet for all purposes. Overall they are lightweight, cooling, and aerodynamic while still providing a good level of safety. The weight difference between them and standard mountain biking helmets will be noticeable.
Road bike helmets provide a more ‘freeing’ fit by foregoing cover to parts of the back of your head that mountain bike helmets provide. Typically as there is less likelihood of sudden falls. In essence providing adequate cover for those predictable and non challenging rides.
The HOCALISS Ultralight Bike Helmet encapsulates all these qualities at a great price point for entry level bikers.
Road helmets can be picked up from around $10.
3) BASE CAMP Urban Commuter Bike Helmet
Urban helmets are made to be understated with a basic cap-like design, designed primarily for comfort and ease of use. The rounded design ensures that it sits comfortably on your head .
The Base Camp Urban Helmet features gaps that allow for a nice air flow and even enough space to scratch an irritating itch. In addition the visor cap sits on the underside of the helmet allowing it to be closer to your eyes for improved protection against sun glare.
Urban helmets can start from as little as $15.
4) ROCK BROS Aero Triathlon Road Bike Helmet
4) Triathlon helmets are great heat dissipaters to keep you cool on those extended endurance rides. Another important factor for these helmets is to be as aerodynamic and lightweight as possible. While usually inteded for road bike, long cross country rides on a mountain bike can be draining.
A lightweight, aero helmet over a long distance can make all the difference to how comfortable the ride ends up being.
As such they are typically aimed at professional riders however helmets designed with these qualities in mind can be picked up for far cheaper.
The Rock Bros Road Bike Aero Helmet provides a good compromise on price and functionality.
Triathlon race helmets can start anywhere from $20 to over $500 for the most specialised designs.
5) ILM Adult ATV Motocross Off-Road Full Face Bike Helmet
5) Full face MTB helmets are designed to protect every part your head. Falls can be unexpected and unpredictable and in many cases its hard to control your fall especially when at speed. Having full cover in case of the unexpected can provide you with increased confidence when riding, particularly on mountain bike trails.
The increased price over other helmets are a result of their increased overall safety. The ILM does this at a good price point providing dual capability as bike and motocross helmet. Simple but effective design gives you full confidence and sun cap keeps your vision clear and protected.
The price for these vary from $60 at the cheapest to well over $250.
