[pk1]

Hi, I’m trying to find a helmet that is XC light and ventilated, but has a bit more side and rear protection than the typical road helmets worn for XC race. Ie a lightweight XC race helmet which just extends the material a bit further rather than being built more solid overall like trail helmets are.

There’s a lot of talk in that we’ve moved on from the days when there was no difference between road and mtb helmets but I feel like its gone too far such that there’s nothing that combines the light and fully ventilated road principle with just a bit more coverage like the xc helmets used to – everything mtb specific for big protection with the weight and limited ventilation that goes with it. It seems XC racers are still wearing road helmets.

Anyone able to recommend some good “best of both worlds” options?

 

[J.B. Weld]

How light are you looking for? Tons of good ones in the 350g range. Poc Octal is only about 275g, which is what my road helmet weighs.

 

[waltaz]

Smith Forefront MIPS. No idea what it weighs, but it’s light, IMO, and I just bought a second one.


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[pk1]

How light are you looking for? Tons of good ones in the 350g range. Poc Octal is only about 275g, which is what my road helmet weighs.

the octal is a road helmet, you're probably talking about the octal X which is said to be for MTB though the only difference is "an extended shell covering more of the helmet liner compared to the Octal"

that is on my list though

i don't have any set targets as such, though i think 350g would be max.
ventilation is probably more significant than weight within reason

 

[J.B. Weld]

the octal is a road helmet, you're probably talking about the octal X which is said to be for MTB though the only difference is "an extended shell covering more of the helmet liner compared to the Octal"

that is on my list though

i don't have any set targets as such, though i think 350g would be max.
ventilation is probably more significant than weight within reason

Yeah, Octal x is what I was referring to. Seems like it would check all of your boxes, expensive though. Giro Fixture is almost as light and only about $50, just comes in one size though. Venting looks good but I have no experience with it.

@350 grams choices are many, fit is paramount imo. I have a scott something or other mips that's great and ventilation is almost too good at times. 350-ish grams though.

 

[waltaz]

the octal is a road helmet, you're probably talking about the octal X which is said to be for MTB though the only difference is "an extended shell covering more of the helmet liner compared to the Octal"

that is on my list though

i don't have any set targets as such, though i think 350g would be max.
ventilation is probably more significant than weight within reason

Smith Forefront 2 MIPS is 380 grams. Well worth it.

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[NordieBoy]

Giro Chronicle MIPS with the peak removed. 360g

 

[TTUB]

I've been running the Trek Rally MIPS. 380g. I like it. I tend to prefer road helmets for light weight, low profile. I run a fairly low bar height, so I generally do not like peaks, but the Trek is pretty adjustable, so it's working for me when I want a little more protection. It doesn't feel hot, but I can tell that it's not going to be as cool as my road helmet on those hotter days.

 

[tfinator]

Giro hex has great ventilation. Having a visor is awesome as far as I'm concerned. When heading down moving the visor up one position funnels air straight into the front vents. Mmmm I like it after a long climb!

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[Phillbo]

I like my Bell Super 2.

 

[solarplex]

I've been running the Trek Rally MIPS. 380g. I like it. I tend to prefer road helmets for light weight, low profile. I run a fairly low bar height, so I generally do not like peaks, but the Trek is pretty adjustable, so it's working for me when I want a little more protection. It doesn't feel hot, but I can tell that it's not going to be as cool as my road helmet on those hotter days.

I have the lythos and its hot vs my specialized road helmet.

I wear it fatbiking in the winter haha.

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[SpeedyChix]

I've been using the Leatt for a year now. It might be a bit warmer but I don't notice it. I'd trade a bit warmer for more protection.

 

[kosmo]

I have the lythos and its hot vs my specialized road helmet.

The Bonty Rally is very well ventilated. Much more so than the Lithos.

The Specialized Ambush is even more ventilated, but on my head at least, it sits up kind of high, if that makes sense.

 

[splitendz]

poc tectal race ftw… think around 340g

 

[J.B. Weld]

poc tectal race ftw… think around 340g

op was looking for xc light, Octal x is only ~275g.

 

[pk1]

The Bonty Rally is very well ventilated. Much more so than the Lithos.

The Specialized Ambush is even more ventilated, but on my head at least, it sits up kind of high, if that makes sense.

i currently have a spec ambush. the weight is ok, more than i'd like but acceptable, however i find it notably hotter than road helmets, hence my question. although it seems to have lots of big holes, it doesn't create good airflow for me at least.

i don't quite understand why having more back/side coverage seems to be inextricably linked with having less ventilation on the top/front... perhaps it is really the exhaust out the back that makes the difference