Category Archives for Accessories

Loads of kids love to spend time on their bikes, but there is a big difference between riding around the neighborhood getting from A to B and choosing to take to the hills or start biking for sports. Mountain biking is full of positives for kids; it keeps them fit and active, out in the fresh air, and can teach lots of important skills. Safety needs to come first, though. Sending children unprepared to participate in a sport that can be dangerous just isn’t an option. Like with a motorcycle helmet, the best way to protect your child’s head is with a full face helmet, which is why we’ve rounded up the top kids full face helmets, proven safe for MTB purposes.

There are certain considerations which need to come into play when choosing any safety-related product.

The most important of all criteria by which we are judging the best helmets is their safety. Fortunately, as well as physical safety features like a face shield, cheek pads, a visor, and a solid outer shell here are numerous safety certifications and standardized tests out there which are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of every mountain bike helmet. CPSC and CE certifications are names to look out for when looking through different designs, these are seals of approval that show that the helmets have been put through some thorough testing.

Sizing. Sizing is an interesting area when we are looking at helmets for kids. Head sizes do not change as drastically throughout our lives as other parts of our bodies. Children’s heads are a large percentage of the size they will be when they are adults. For instance, aged 12 months, a baby’s head is an incredible 75% of the size it will be in adulthood, according to figures by the WHO. How does this relate to purchasing helmets? Well, while there are a couple of specific ‘junior’ or ‘kids’ helmets, most of the time you will simply be looking for the smaller side of the adult scale. Many of the adult full face helmets come in small and even extra small sizes and come with size guides to ensure that you buy the correct model. This isn’t to say that the youth helmets are useless. We’ve included a range of youth and junior helmets and helmets with smaller sizes which are suitable for youth mountain bikers.

Comfort is always an important feature for helmets. This is even more important when you are wearing a full face helmet, covering the front of your child’s face with a chin strap. Children are far more likely to stay with a hobby if they are able to do so as comfortably as possible. Fortunately, most helmets out there are equipped with high-quality padding on the inside, which is washable to ensure that sweat buildup doesn’t become an issue. Anyone who has washed their kid’s gym kit will know what an unpleasant issue that can be!

Design and looks are important, perhaps even more for kids than for adults. We all want to look our best when out on our bikes, but kids are much more likely to have a clear idea of what they want and opt for more vibrant designs to impress their friends. Anything that makes your child more likely to love their helmet is a real positive, as there’s no option but to wear one, especially at high speeds such as downhill.

The Best Full Face Kids Helmets, Reviewed

Bell Sanction BMX/Downhill Helmet

Bell is a massive name when it comes to all sorts of cycling helmets. They have over 50 years of experience producing helmets. This is a top seller for a few reasons including its very reasonable price. This is especially attractive for kids who you know are going to one day grow out of their junior helmet. Investing hundreds of dollars on a helmet which won’t get years worth of use isn’t appealing!

In spite of its lower price, the Bell Sanction doesn’t lack features. It advertises itself as a BMX and Downhill helmet, and is absolutely safe for all forms of MTB, having passed the same tests and certifications, with CPSC accreditation.

This is specifically made for smaller riders, which can be either small sized adults or juniors, making it a great choice for kids. As it is small-sized, the company has managed to keep it extremely lightweight, at just 950 grams of mass! This all helps with the comfort, which is already pretty great due to the 15 airflow vents and generous padding.

Kids are likely to also enjoy the loud and professional looking designs on offer, with six different designs to choose from with different color schemes so your kid can choose their favorite. Four sizes are available, which run slightly small anyway and are available as small as XS size—perfect for kids of all different ages.

Bell Star Wars Storm Trooper Multisport Chinbar Helmet

There is absolutely no way we could ignore the stormtrooper helmet. We’re not assuming every child loves Star Wars, but a huge percentage does. And, let’s face it—this is a model that is going to stand out for all of those who are into the franchise!

This isn’t a novelty item and has been made by Bell that, as we’ve already mentioned, knows how to produce a top-quality helmet. Parents will also be attracted to the price tag, as this is not one of the most expensive helmets out there.

It is designed for small heads, and as such is suitable for younger kids. The ‘multisport’ design means it can be used for plenty of other extreme sports, and the price hasn’t meant any safety compromises, as the CPSC certificate is still in place. If we were to look at negatives, this is perhaps not as well vented as some of the competitors, and the padding is decent but not removable and washable like some of the more expensive models.

The massive plus point is, of course, that it makes you look like a stormtrooper! No wonder this is a popular and highly reviewed helmet.

Kent is another brand which is something of a giant in the world of MTB helmets. This Razor design is a specific youth helmet and is designed to fit heads between 21.5 and 23 inches which tends to be roughly ages 8 to 14, but this isn’t strict and kids develop differently so it is always wise to measure your child’s head to check the fit.

This is an affordable helmet and, of course, has the required certificates to prove its safety. A vented mouthpiece and 17 vents around the rest of the helmet mean really good airflow and detachable, washable padding keeps comfort and freshness as a priority. It does only come in two different designs so there isn’t as much to choose from for your little daredevil. In spite of this, it is an option worth a second look.

WOW Youth Kids Motocross BMX MX ATV Dirt Bike Helmet

This may not be a brand which is quite as popular as some of the others, but they really have made an incredible offering at an incredible price with the WOW youth kids helmet. It took us by surprise, especially considering the lack of information about the company and the fact that they seem to be a relatively new brand.

In terms of looks, there are an incredible 19 designs available, and there is bound to be something that takes your kids fancy. The fact that this is a youth helmet is perhaps reflected in these designs. Spider web and star designs have proved very popular among kids, and colors ranging from green to red to pink mean that there is a little bit of everything.

DOT approval has been granted as the safety standards of this helmet, which is again a “multi-sports” design so has been approved for use on dirt bikes, MTB, and even in motocross.

THE Industries Youth T3 Carbon Shield BMX and Mountain Bike Helmet

THE Industries has created a youth-specific helmet too. It describes itself as a ‘generation flagship’ with its modern looks and very thorough safety standards. The T3 Carbon is called so because of its hi-tech carbon designed shell.

One difference from some of the other full face helmets is the steel buckle which is designed to secure the helmet in place for your ride and make sure it doesn’t move around and become uncomfortable.

Other comfort-based features include an impressive 15 vents to keep you cool and a removable, thorough inner padding making it one of the more comfortable helmets on the market too. All of this does come at a little extra cost but the professionalism is clear from the look and feel of this helmet as well as the rigorous safety features.

Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

Demon is a brand not only known for their MTB products but their snowboarding and skiing safety gear. The Demon Podium is a hugely popular helmet for adult riders but is suitable for younger riders too as it comes in a small size which will fit most younger riders.

One of the great aspects of this helmet is the fact that it has very high visibility. You don’t want to send your kid out onto the hills with low visibility. This doesn’t affect their peripheral vision and means any hazards will be clearly visible. It is available with or without goggles depending on your preference. The fact that there are goggles specifically made by the brand means they will fit perfectly, something that can sometimes cause an issue if you are buying goggles and helmet separately.

As we’ve grown to expect, the safety certifications are all in place. On top of that, air vents and breathability keep you comfortable. Most helmets offer these features but this one stands out due to being lightweight at just 2.2 lbs and having the option to include compatible goggles. It also comes with its own sturdy bag for carrying the helmet.

On top of these features, a very cleverly designed lining includes EPS foam, which has the ability to conform to the individual shape of your face, allowing a comfortable and almost tailor-made fit. With these extra comfort features, and six very sleek and professional looking designs to choose from, as well as a wide range of sizes to suit almost every head, the Demon podium has become popular with both children and adults alike. It is somewhere in the mid to expensive range for helmets due to its wide range of features.

Conclusion

To choose one specific ‘best’ full face helmet is not possible, there is such a range of features and criteria. For instance, if you want a small helmet which is also lightest in terms of weight then the Bell Sanction will probably be your preference. If you are looking for value for money on the lower end of the price range, the WOW Youth helmet could be the best option for you. For build quality, the Demon Podium is up there with the best.

If you are concerned about choosing an adult helmet, there will usually be no issue. Each specific manufacturer will have its own sizing guide and chart to refer to. When measuring, you should place a tape measure around the forehead of the child who will be wearing the helmet, around one centimeter above their eyebrows. Take measurements two or three times and assume the largest result to be correct, as this will avoid getting a helmet which is too small. Don’t go excessively large, though, thinking that a kid will ‘grow into it.’ A helmet that isn’t correctly sized can be a safety concern.

Women's cycling is a great way to get out and exercise and to get from A to B. Some cycle out of necessity, some for fun, but nobody wants to look silly on their mountain bike. Let’s face it, we’ve all seen someone out on their bike and wondered why they chose their outfit—and some of the cycling gear out there is less than flattering.

Fortunately, women's cycling jerseys do a very good job of being practical and sensible when you are riding, but also don’t make you look ridiculous. Most of these are made out of materials like polyester rather than Lycra. You may be lucky enough to have the body to pull of Lycra, but let's face it, for a lot of us, Lycra will serve to highlight any unflattering areas of our body, making women everywhere self-conscious in the process.

What you choose to wear when you are out cycling is important for numerous reasons. Choosing a cycling outfit needs to incorporate your style, but also be functional and have the features you’re looking for when exercising, even if exercise isn’t the main reason you cycle.

From a functional standpoint, the features you’ll need to consider when making your choice of women's cycling jerseys and other cycling apparel include:

Material. As we’ve already mentioned, Polyester is the most popular material, but there are other materials out there such as Merino Wool. Polyester is great due to being antibacterial as well as stretchy and breathable, but you may have another preference.

Fit. Only you will know what sort of fit you are looking for. Do you want an aerodynamic, skin-hugging design of jersey or are you looking for something a bit comfier that won’t show your figure quite as much?

UV Protection. Many jerseys offer UV protection due to the fact that so many of us cycle in the sun all day. It is possible to get burned through some fabrics and this can do you serious harm so is worth thinking about depending on where and when you do most of your cycling.

Breathability and moisture-wicking. These are some of the features you will be most glad of if you are cycling long distances or if you live somewhere hot. Many jerseys are built to be ‘breathable’ and allow air in, as well as to wick away sweat. If you are going straight home then sweat may not be an issue, but if you’re cycling to work it certainly can be. These properties are where the jersey wins the day over anything cotton, which will simply absorb any moisture.

Pockets. Where you put your valuables, your MP3 player and anything else you need to carry on your person. There is not much more annoying than having to worry about whether your possessions are safe while you’re out on your bike, so ensuring you have zipper pockets to keep things safe is a good call. Some models even have hidden pockets.

Sleeves. Short or long sleeves that is the question for a lot of cyclists. It is a matter of personal preference and may depend on where you live along with the time of day you cycle and your preference in the heat.

Visibility. Wearing hi-vis colors certainly won’t do any harm and if you regularly cycle at night it is an advisable feature.

The way jerseys look is definitely the exciting part of purchasing a cycling jersey, but function has to be considered too.

Recommended Jerseys

Przewalski Women’s Cycling Biking Jersey, Short Sleeve/Long Sleeve Bike Shirt

This is a well-designed cycling jersey for women, which isn’t too tight fitting, so it is popular among those who want a looser fit which doesn’t show off every bit of you!

This jersey has reflective logos designed to be hi-vis and one of the color options is even a bright yellow. It has been dyed using clever technology which is designed not to fade even after numerous washes, so you won’t have to worry about losing your visibility on those evenings on the road or track.

A design that incorporates two zipped pockets also makes sure your belongings can be kept safe, giving you peace of mind through even a longer journey.

Available in both long sleeve and short sleeve, the Przewalski jersey is designed with a mesh material that won’t stick to your skin even on a sweaty session. It is also very good at letting the air in and ensuring your jersey doesn’t turn into the equivalent of a hot towel around your body.

Many of the other consumer reviews for this jersey are very positive, with many people praising how comfortable and functional it is. The price point of this jersey also makes it a popular point as it won’t break the bank and the durability when you consider how much money you can save is very impressive.

The design is understated. It is more on the functional, hi-vis side and certainly not as lively as some of the competitors. Therefore, if you want to look sleek and simple when out on your MTB and aren’t worried about patterned designs, this jersey could be the one for you.

SILVINI Cycling Jersey for Women Road & MTB Mountain Bike

If you are looking for more of a professional grade model, the Silvini jersey could be your answer. Made with a polyester and elastane blend, this is an extremely comfortable fit.

Italian design has always stood out for women's clothing and this seems to have extended to cycling! The slim cut which widens at the hips is perfect for a female shape and means you will keep your femininity while out on your bike as well as functionality.

The brand is popular among pro cyclists and even Olympic champions—and it is easy to see why. This extremely lightweight and smart looking jersey is extremely easy to slip on and off and wear for long journeys with no irritation.

The black and red designs are simple without making too much of a statement. Elegance is not a word you would always associate with a cycling jersey, but this could be as close as we have seen.

Pearl iZUMi Ride Women's Ultra Star Jersey

The Pearl iZUMi is similar to some of the other models to make this list; it has three pockets, is made of polyester and designed with a breathable mesh fabric, so ticks a lot of the boxes in terms of features. It is available in short and long sleeved options and is currently one of the best-reviewed cycling jerseys we’ve seen. So, what sets it apart?

For a start, it is super comfortable and flexible with your size and body shape. The fabric and 10-inch zipper serve to stop you from overheating whilst riding and the fact that you can choose between six different sizes means you are very likely to be able to find the perfect fit for your unique body. The quick-drying fabric means that washing your jersey is a simple process too.

The iZUMi’s design is both professional looking and simple, but one of the reasons it is so popular is surely the ability to choose from 12 gorgeous colors. Beautiful marl designs mean that you can choose anything from “Aqua Mint” to “Purple Haze” or even have multiple colors if you are so inclined.

SANTIC Women's Full-Zip Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Among the top sellers on Amazon for women's cycling jerseys, this certainly wouldn’t look out of place on a professional cyclist riding their MTB. As well as the standard features we’ve come to expect like being breathable and having secure pockets, the Santic jersey has some clever extras.

A short sleeve design and a full-zip, this is one of the more unique jersey’s we’ve mentioned. The zip is great for allowing some air in and retains a comfortable feel in the process. Reflective areas ensure high visibility in low light and at night and our favorite feature is anti-skid tape around the hem; this is in place to stop the jersey from riding up or digging in and making for an uncomfortable ride.

The designs of the Santic jerseys are certainly a little more out there! You can choose between some sporty looking designs or you can opt for something flowery with bright colors and make sure you make a statement about your cycling clothes.

Morvelo Women’s Marley Short Sleeve MTB Jersey

This is one of the more expensive and professional jerseys, aimed at those who are serious about their cycling, and it certainly makes a statement in the amazing features. Morvelo has thought of everything.

It is made with bio-active Polyester which has antibacterial properties, great for when you’re on a sweaty, muddy cycle ride. It has an incredible SPF of 50, so even when you are out on sunny journeys, you can rest assured you won’t end up with sunburn from the day’s hot sun beating down on your back and neck.

The design incorporates panels with a mesh material at the side for coolness and to allow air in. Clever flatlock stitching has been used to attach the panels and this creates a very tough design that should last a long time even after being used in treacherous conditions.

This is a brand to be impressed by and a lot of attention to detail has gone into this and all of their designs. It is available in short sleeve or long sleeve and is designed not to be too tight. You can see that a lot of their jerseys resemble something you might wear in a sports team rather than a gymnastics team.

You may pay a bit extra for the features on offer here, but the durability means that if you plan to take your mountain biking seriously, then the Morvelo Marley could work wonders.

Baleaf Women's Space Dye Short/Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Safety is absolutely paramount for any form of cycling, but mountain biking is up there with the most adventurous forms of riding, and you need to be prepared for whatever is coming your way. Though there is a mix of full face and half face helmets on the market, the most protection will come from the models we’ve mentioned below, as we explore the best full face MTB helmet for your own unique needs.

Fortunately, there are safety certifications such as the CE certification in place for helmets. The market is controlled and the relevant authorities know that peoples’ health is not something to mess around with. Cycling accidents can be more dangerous than you might think, and many people turn to full face mountain bike helmets when doing downhill riding. The speeds which can be reached are extreme, and no matter how much of a daredevil you are, getting an adequate level of protection for your head is just common sense. We are beginning to understand more about the impacts of head trauma and concussions from a variety of sports and it isn’t something to take any chances with.

As well as the need for safety, there are other criteria too, such as the fit of the helmet. You need to make sure that it fits properly both for comfort and ensuring the integrity of the helmet if you were to need its protection. When buying a hat, for instance, you might see a ‘one size fits all’ size. This is not the case for helmets, and the sizing is varied, and important to get right.

Comfort doesn’t just come from the fit of these mountain bike helmets and we will also be taking into account the padding, such as cheek pads, the visors, and weight of the helmet. There’s nothing more distracting than a bit of the helmet poking you in the face or the weight putting more strain on your neck. A poorly-made helmet could mean poor performance. Luckily, many are made with lightweight yet sturdy materials and have removable padding that can be customized and cleaned.

Price is also a consideration, but with any product which affects your safety, you probably shouldn’t just be going for whatever is cheapest.

So, there we have our main criteria for what we are judging the best on: fit, comfort, price, and, of course, safety. Looks may play a part in your decision, and many have multiple designs, but this is a matter of personal preference.

The Best Full Face Helmets, Reviewed

Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

Demon is a company that started producing products for skiing and snowboarding in 1999, but now produces one of the most popular MTB helmets in the form of the ‘Podium.’

The brand’s very blunt slogan is “keeping you from an early grave since ’99.” Tongue-in-cheek it may be, but it is clear that the brand has safety high on their priorities. This is shown in the CPSC certification they have received for this product. It means that it has gone through rigorous testing to make sure you are protected and that your brain, your teeth, and the rest of your head are shielded by this very well-built helmet.

Some people have an issue with visibility when buying a full face helmet, especially if you are adjusting from a half face model. This product has been reported by numerous users to have exceptional visibility—something you don’t want to compromise if you are doing any sorts of tricks or fast riding. You need your eyes to be able to see as much as possible without there being a helmet in the way. The optional goggles will cost extra but could be an option for those who wish to shield their eyes from the conditions.

Some of the cleverest elements of this helmet are internal. It has air vents around the visor to keep an airflow around your head and keep it more breathable so that there aren’t any issues with your intake of air. There is a lot of padding which keeps you comfortable and well protected. All of this is possible with just a 2.2 lb weight, which is far from heavy by quality helmet standard.

Available in four different sizes and ships with its own bag, this is a good value and high-quality helmet which is worth a second look.

Fox Head Rampage Comp Imperial Helmet

The Fox brand is absolutely iconic in the world of cycling. They offer everything from tee shirts and accessories to more important products like helmets. The Rampage Comp may be mid-range in terms of price, but the brand has made a product with a real professional edge to it, perfect for those wanting full face protection whilst on their MTB.

An intelligent design combines three EPS dimensions with two fiberglass shell sizes for that professional level fit and comfort. The chin bar is made using polyurethane, making it strong but still lightweight.

Made with around 10 vents it keeps maximizes airflow and breathability while also helping to keep you dry or overheat. The padding inside is removable and washable so you won’t end up with a sweaty ride in the future.

This helmet comes in five different sizes and there is even a handy chart from the manufacturer to help you work out which size is for you.

Safety regulations have been considered and passed with flying colors and we’d honestly expect nothing less from the superb Fox brand. One thing that stands out about the Rampage Comp is the fact that in spite of being verging on professional quality, the price is relatively modest. This kind of value for money isn’t always easy to come by in the MTB world.

Though design is secondary in terms of our judging criteria for helmets, this is an awesome looking product. Six different color schemes all incorporate the iconic Fox logo. Choose the perfect helmet to go with your riding gear and you can look the part too!

Bell Full-9 MTB Helmet

This is a brand which has been around for over half a century so they certainly know what they are doing. This is a lightweight model with a huge amount going for it.

The basics are all there: a vented design to allow breathability, superb padding, and six sizes to choose from to make sure you get the perfect fit.

The Full-9 also has safety in mind, meeting the requirements of both CPSC and CE tests.

On top of all this, the company has really started to try and innovate, with some incredibly cool and hi-tech features. These include magnetic cheek pads for easy removal and adjustment, an eject helmet removal system and even built-in speakers with routing for your audio device, so you can listen to your iPod or phone while you are on your MTB. On top of this, there is an optional camera mount! The brand has seen how many people are starting to film their rides and have accommodated it with a breakaway mount. If you don’t want to use it, simply take it off.

In spite of all these features, it manages to be relatively affordable (though more expensive than some others on this list) and even stays lightweight with its cleverly designed carbon shell. The peripheral vision is great and the brand even claims this to be the world’s most advanced BMX, MTB, or Downhill helmet.

Bell Sanction BMX/Downhill Helmet

Another quality helmet in the Bell range, this one a cheaper product perfect for beginners and pros alike. The Bell Sanction is a very high-selling helmet, partially due to the price, but also due to the features and the fact that this is one of the lightest MTB helmets out there. Though it has BMX in its description, don’t be put off as this has passed the same stringent tests as the others so you can rest assured it is safe for MTB and downhill riding.