Since the first custom made road bikes emerged in the mid of 1970s, the sport of mountain biking has seen a continuous rise in its popularity. With more and more people shedding their fear and paving towards the road for some fun, mountain biking has evolved as a full-fledged sport. Whether you are polishing your riding skills on a local bike trail or checking your expertise by riding through alpine single-track, it is the right mountain biking accessories that give you the confidence to ride without worrying about your safety.

Even the most experienced bikers can fall when least expected. Therefore, mountain biking helmets are one of the most important accessories. Usually, all the MTB helmets are made of polystyrene that absorbs the impact on fall and protects the skull from injury. These helmets are equipped with vents to easy allow air flow and to keep the rider cool and sweat-free. The MTB helmets also have a visor to protect riders from blurred vision due to rain or sun glare.

The price for mountain biking helmets ranges from $25 to as much as $150. A basic MTB helmet with some air vents and a visor can be bought for $25. These helmets are good for a leisurely ride on a modest road. Whereas the protection needed in case of extreme biking, especially on high rise mountains, is more. Therefore, it needs high-performance MTB helmets with multiple vents and multiple layer of protection, which are designed specifically for extreme sports. They can cost anything from $50 to as high as $150.

Listed below are some basic design features that you should consider while purchasing a mountain biking helmets:

• Number of air vents in a helmet and their positioning play a very important role in deciding the cooling power of the head gear. Choose a style that offers the right number of vents and right cooling power for your preferred riding pattern.

• Basic helmets are usually available in one size. However, expensive models of helmet come with adjustable strap that allows you to adjust the size of the helmet to get a perfect fit. Some expensive models also feature inner ring mechanism that allows custom fit.

• Padding material and thickness inside the helmet is another important thing. The padding should be made from a breathable material in order to prevent sweating of head. Prefer a model with removable and washable pads for increased cleanliness and hygiene

• Lighter the MTB helmet, the more comfortable it is. The lighter models are usually expensive but they are extremely comfortable, especially if you reside in a hot country.

There are numerous brands that offer different range of mountain biking helmets. Consider buying one that suits your needs and fits well into your budget rather that simply buying any helmet from the next-street store.