MTB Helmet Black Friday: full discounts and MIPS

Which mountain bike helmet to aim for during Black Friday?

Start with your activity rather than the offer. For trail and cross-country, a lightweight and well-ventilated half-shell is enough. For trail riding, prefer a model that covers more of the nape and temples; some three-quarters even extend the shell down to the cheeks. Enduro requires a removable chin guard, which you take off for climbing, and downhill or bike park needs a full-face helmet with a fixed chin guard. The complete guide by discipline is on the mountain bike helmets page.

Things to check before confirming

• Head circumference, measured with a tape measure one finger above the eyebrows: sizes S, M or L do not cover the same ranges from one brand to another, only the manufacturer’s chart counts.
• Standards: the European standard EN 1078 is the minimum; a full-face downhill helmet also carries the American standard ASTM F1952, and some helmets are tested according to the Dutch standard NTA 8776, designed for fast electric bikes.
• The removable chin guard, which must have been subjected to impact tests and not just protect against scratches.
• The goggles or glasses you already wear: the opening of the full-face helmet and the flip visor must accommodate them.

Discounted mountain bike helmets: compare version to version

The same name of helmet often covers several versions. On this page, the Met Crossover, the Giro Source, or the Abus CliffHanger exist with and without MIPS, a low-friction layer that allows the head to slide slightly in the helmet during an oblique impact. The numbers also change the content: at Leatt, a Gravity 4.0 and a Gravity 5.0 are not the same full-face helmet. A discount should therefore be checked on the version, size, and colour chosen: the strikethrough price of a Crossover without MIPS does not indicate the MIPS version, nor does the reduced price of a Gravity 4.0 indicate that of a 5.0.

The other helmets on Black Friday

For the road, the road helmets of Black Friday favour lightness and ventilation; the BMX helmets and urban helmets also have their page. The rest of the equipment is on the Black Friday mountain bike page. For the rest of the year, think of the clearance and new arrivals.

The brands of mountain bike helmets on Black Friday

Met, the Italian manufacturer, ranges its trail helmets from the Shelter to the Revo MIPS, including the Terrae MIPS, designed to also meet the NTA 8776 standard.

Leatt separates its AllMtn half-shells, which are more enveloping at the back, from its Gravity full-face helmets, which are certified for downhill and equipped with its 360° Turbine technology.

Abus offers the YouDrop FF as a first full-face helmet for young mountain bikers, whose chin guard can be removed for relaxed rides.

Bell has added its first three-quarter helmet, the 3QTR-Air, which covers more of the jaw and the back of the neck than a half-shell; the full-face Full-10 Spherical and the 4forty Air are also available.

POC aims the Otocon Race MIPS at competitive enduro: a fixed chin guard full-face helmet, certified ASTM F1952 for downhill and equipped with a RECCO reflector that helps rescuers locate a rider.

Frequently asked questions

When to find discounted mountain bike helmets, and are they the usual models?

The Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving; at Vélo-Store, its discounts on mountain bike helmets extend throughout November. These are the models sold on the rest of the site; for those with a discount, only the price changes. Do read the full title, as a version without MIPS or an older generation may be listed alongside the latest version of the same helmet.

How to know your mountain bike helmet size without trying it on?

Measure your head circumference horizontally, above the eyebrows and ears, keeping the largest value. Refer to the brand’s size guide. If you’re between sizes, the smaller one usually fits better for a half-shell; for a full-face helmet, it’s the cheek pads that determine fit.

Does a mountain bike helmet with MIPS really make a difference?

MIPS aims to address oblique impacts, common in mountain biking, by allowing the head and helmet to shift a few millimetres apart. It does not replace standard certification or a good fit. Other brands have their own systems, such as Spherical from Giro and Bell or 360° Turbine from Leatt.

Can you give a mountain bike helmet as a gift?

Yes, as long as you know the person's head circumference and riding style. If not, their current helmet gives the brand and size to replicate; otherwise, choose a gift without a size.

Should you replace your helmet after a fall?

Yes, after a head impact, even without visible cracks: the crushed foam will not absorb a second impact in the same way. Without any contact of the helmet with the ground, at least check the shell, straps, and fit.