The Manifest also has fairly polarizing styling-particularly in colorways that highlight that two-piece setup-but that’s mostly a matter of personal preference. At double the cost of Giro’s own Source below, it’s a hard pill to swallow for riders that don’t get out a lot or who won't mind a mildly warmer build. Unfortunately, that do-everything feature set-which also includes niceties like a magnetic buckle and highly adjustable fit system-comes with a steep $260 price. Taken together, we think the Manifest is the best trail helmet available. And by building this into the shell’s design-rather than using a separate liner like most MIPS lids-you also get fantastic ventilation. And safety is a real hallmark of the design: Featuring Giro’s innovative Spherical Technology (developed alongside MIPS), the shell is essentially made up of two pieces, which allows the top portion of the shell to move independently of the lower in a crash (minimizing rotational forces on the brain). The open and wide interior fits great, offers excellent all-around coverage, and has a just-right amount of padding. It’s been our primary lid for the past nine months, and we have yet to identify a true weakness. Giro’s Manifest was released a little over a year ago to relatively little fanfare, but we think it’s a real winner. What we don’t: Polarizing looks and steep price.

What we like: The whole package of protection, ventilation, comfort, and features. Best Full-Face Mountain Bike Helmet: Troy Lee Designs Stageīest Overall Mountain Bike Helmet 1.Best Lightweight XC Helmet: POC Octal X SPIN.Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet: Smith Convoy MIPS.A Close Second (With Standout Comfort): Troy Lee Designs A3.Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet: Giro Manifest Spherical.Below are our top mountain bike helmets of 2022. For a breakdown of these important considerations, check out our comparison table and buying advice. Fit and retention systems continue to improve, and safety advances like the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) aim to reduce the chances of a serious injury. For hurtling over rocks and dodging trees, spending a little extra on a good lid is a sound investment.

It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up, but we find little reason to complain. If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t.

Trek ziptite 2 mtb helmet