You do not need to spend £200 to get a useful trail helmet. Below £100, the better choices already offer adjustable retention, sensible coverage and practical features for woodland loops, bridleways and trail-centre riding. The trick is finding the right fit, rather than chasing the largest discount.
The best MTB helmets under £100 shortlisted
Best overall: Lazer Coyote KinetiCore — £59 (RRP £79.99)
Lazer Lupo KinetiCore — £35 (RRP £49.99)
Rockrider EXPL 540 MIPS — £44.99
Giro Source Mips — £49.99 (RRP £134.99)
Giro Fixture Mips II — £59 (RRP £71.99)
Smith Pilot Mips — £63.99 (RRP £90)
MET Shelter Mips — £64.99 (RRP £89.99)
Fox Speedframe Solid Mips — £89 (RRP £109.99)
Our all-round choice is the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore. The cheaper Lupo keeps things simple, while the Rockrider EXPL 540 MIPS makes a strong case for spending less. There is also a particularly good Giro Source deal for smaller heads—but it is no bargain if that size does not fit.
Best overall: Lazer Coyote KinetiCore
Lazer Coyote KinetiCore
A well-equipped trail helmet with an adjustable peak, magnetic buckle and separate shell sizes, without using the whole £100 budget.
+ Pros
- Magnetic buckle is convenient with gloves
- Adjustable peak makes space for goggles
- Separate sizes and adjustable retention
− Cons
- Costs more than the simpler Lupo
- Fit still needs checking in person
Compare prices
Matt Black, Medium (55–59cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:32 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Coyote is our all-round pick for a rider who wants useful trail features at a sensible price. The adjustable peak and goggle grip make it more versatile than a basic fixed-peak helmet, while the magnetic buckle is a welcome practical detail. Choose it for that combination rather than a claim that one protection technology makes every helmet safer than another. If the fit is wrong, move on to a different model.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- KinetiCore
- Retention
- TurnSys
- Peak
- Adjustable
- Buckle
- Magnetic
The best MTB helmets under £100
Lazer Lupo KinetiCore
Lazer Lupo KinetiCore
A simple, low-cost trail helmet with a dial-adjust fit, fixed peak and KinetiCore construction.
At Balfe's Bikes
Matt Flash Orange, Uni (55–61cm)
+ Pros
- Low price
- Straightforward dial adjustment
- Eyewear recesses
− Cons
- One size range will not suit every head
- Fixed peak cannot be raised for goggles
Compare prices
Matt Flash Orange, Uni (55–61cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:36 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Lupo is the economical option for steady trail riding and mixed off-road loops. Its appeal is simplicity: the TurnSys dial adjusts the fit, and the fixed peak means there is little to fiddle with. Spend more on the Coyote if you want a movable visor or a magnetic buckle. The important limitation is sizing: a 55–61cm range is not a promise that it will fit every head shape within it.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- KinetiCore
- Retention
- TurnSys
- Size
- 55–61cm
- Claimed weight
- 350g
Rockrider EXPL 540 MIPS
Rockrider EXPL 540 MIPS
The Rockrider EXPL 540 MIPS is the helmet in this guide for riders who want a proper trail-style lid with modern safety technology at the lowest sensible price.
+ Pros
- Excellent price for a MIPS trail helmet
- Sensible option for new riders
- Proper MTB-style shape and visor
− Cons
- Less refined than premium helmets
Compare prices
Hurricane Blue, size M · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:42 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- Mips
- Retention
- 3D adjustment dial
- Ventilation
- 17 vents
- Claimed weight
- 335g, size M
- Visibility
- Rear reflective strip
Giro Source Mips
Giro Source Mips
A well-equipped trail helmet at an attractive clearance price, provided the remaining small size fits you.
At Tredz
Matte Mineral, Small (51–55cm)
+ Pros
- Adjustable screw-in peak
- Mips-equipped
- Full-wrap shell construction
− Cons
- This deal is restricted to Small
- Not a useful saving if the fit is wrong
Compare prices
Matte Mineral, Small (51–55cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:36 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Source is the size-specific bargain here. You get a trail-focused shell and an adjustable peak for less than many simpler helmets, but the remaining Matte Mineral deal is for a small head. Do not squeeze into it to secure the discount. If 51–55cm is your normal size, compare it with the Fixture before buying; otherwise choose a helmet whose available fit range actually suits you.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- Mips
- Peak
- Adjustable, screw-in
- Construction
- Full-wrap in-mould
- Offer size
- Small, 51–55cm
Giro Fixture Mips II
Giro Fixture Mips II
A straightforward Mips trail helmet with a broad adult adjustment range and an easy-to-use retention dial.
At Balfe’s Bikes
Matte Black/Grey, Universal Adult (54–61cm)
+ Pros
- Mips-equipped at a modest price
- Simple Roc Loc Sport adjustment
- Reflective details
− Cons
- Universal Adult size is not a universal fit
- Fewer fit choices than separate-sized helmets
Compare prices
Matte Black/Grey, Universal Adult (54–61cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:36 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Fixture Mips II is a sensible first trail helmet if its Universal Adult shell suits your head. The wide adjustment range makes sizing uncomplicated, but do not confuse that with a guarantee of comfort: try it with your glasses and check for pressure points. At a similar price, the Coyote offers more trail-focused conveniences. The Giro is for riders who prefer a straightforward lid without extra controls.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- Mips
- Retention
- Roc Loc Sport
- Size
- Universal Adult, 54–61cm
- Construction
- In-mould
Smith Pilot Mips
Smith Pilot Mips
The Smith Pilot Mips is one of the easiest trail MTB helmets to recommend because it gets the value equation right.
At Tredz
Matte Flint, Large (59–62cm)
Read our review →+ Pros
- Strong value from a premium helmet brand
- Mips included
- Comfortable for everyday trail and eMTB riding
− Cons
- Fixed visor limits adjustment
Compare prices
Matte Flint, Large (59–62cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:42 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Our verdict
Read the full Smith Pilot Mips review →Key specifications
- Type
- Open-face trail MTB helmet
- Rotational protection
- Mips
- Fit system
- Adjustable dial fit system
- Ventilation
- 13 fixed vents
- Weight
- 370g claimed, size medium
- Best for
- trail centres, bridleways, woodland loops and first eMTB helmets
MET Shelter Mips
MET Shelter Mips
The MET Shelter Mips is a sensible trail helmet for riders who want a straightforward open-face design with modern protection and good comfort.
At Tredz
Matt Black, Medium (56–58cm)
Read our review →+ Pros
- Simple and comfortable trail design
- Mips included
- Good everyday eMTB option
− Cons
- Fixed visor limits adjustment
- Ventilation can feel warm on slow climbs
Compare prices
Matt Black, Medium (56–58cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:39 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Our verdict
Read the full MET Shelter Mips review →Key specifications
- Type
- Open-face trail MTB helmet
- Rotational protection
- Mips
- Fit system
- Safe-T Sport
- Ventilation
- 12 vents with internal channeling
- Coverage
- Extended rear head coverage
- Best for
- everyday trail riding and mixed eMTB use
Fox Speedframe Solid Mips
Fox Speedframe Solid Mips
A trail helmet with an adjustable peak, eyewear storage and removable liner, for riders willing to use most of their £100 budget.
At Balfe’s Bikes
Black, Medium (55–59cm)
+ Pros
- Adjustable peak works with glasses or goggles
- Dedicated sunglasses storage
- Removable washable liner
− Cons
- More expensive than the simpler choices
- Not the Speedframe Pro or RS model
Compare prices
Black, Medium (55–59cm) · Verified totals first; unconfirmed offers follow.
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-05 08:36 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Speedframe Solid is worth considering if you use goggles for descents or regularly take your glasses off on climbs. Its adjustable visor and eyewear storage are more useful in that situation than a fixed peak. The standard 360-degree fit system and washable liner keep things practical. Do not confuse this model with the more expensive Pro or RS: buy it for the equipment listed here, not the specifications of another Speedframe.
Key specifications
- Format
- Open-face trail
- Protection system
- Mips
- Retention
- 360-degree fit
- Peak
- Adjustable
- Liner
- Removable and washable
How to choose a budget MTB helmet
Start with fit. Measure around your head using the maker’s size guide, then try the helmet. It should sit low enough to cover your forehead without obstructing your vision. Adjust the retention system and straps rather than relying on a tight shell to hold it in place. Wear your usual riding glasses during the fit check.
Separate shell size from adjustment range. A universal-size helmet can work very well, but its dial cannot change the underlying shell shape. If you feel a persistent pressure point, or the helmet rocks when correctly adjusted, try another model. The wide size range on the box is only a starting point.
Choose the features you will use. An adjustable peak is helpful if you ride with goggles or want to move the visor out of your sightline. Removable pads are useful for regular muddy riding. A magnetic buckle is convenient with gloves, but it is a comfort feature—not a reason to accept a poor fit.
Compare the actual version. The Fixture Mips II is not the non-Mips Fixture II, and a Speedframe Solid is not a Speedframe Pro. Model names can be very similar. Check the exact helmet rather than assuming that every version has the same liner, buckle or adjustment system.
Does a budget helmet need Mips?
Mips is one approach to managing rotational motion in certain angled impacts. Other brands use different systems, including Lazer’s KinetiCore. A logo alone does not tell you how every helmet compares, and this shortlist is not a ranking of crash protection. Fit, the appropriate safety certification and suitability for your riding all matter.
If you are comparing two otherwise suitable helmets, it is worth understanding which protection system each uses. It is not worth buying a helmet that fits badly just because it carries the label you were looking for.
Can I use one of these for bike-park riding?
These are open-face trail helmets. They do not protect your chin in the way a full-face design does. For downhill tracks, bigger jumps or a venue with a full-face requirement, choose the appropriate full-face helmet rather than treating an open-face bargain as a substitute.
Is a discounted older helmet a good buy?
It can be, provided it is new, undamaged, correctly sized and suitable for your riding. Check the exact model, its condition and the seller’s returns policy. Avoid a used helmet with an unknown impact history. Giro advises replacing a helmet after a crash or significant impact even when damage is not visible.
For practical fitting advice, see Giro’s sizing guidance. Existing hands-on reviews of the Smith Pilot and MET Shelter offer a closer look at two of the choices above.