Convertible mountain bike helmets offer versatility on the trail with the protection of a full-face helmet and the ventilation of an open-face lid in one package – you’re essentially getting two great helmets for the price of one.
While a full-face offers better protection for the downs, there’s no way you’d want one on the ups. So, pedal up the hill in open-face mode before clipping the removable chin bar on so that you’re better protected as gravity takes over.
As with anything that’s designed to be two things in one, there’s always going to be some degree of compromise. Generally speaking, convertible enduro helmets tend to be a little heavier in open-face guise than a regular trail lid because they need extra structural elements to ensure they can safely be turned into a full-face helmet.
And when they’re in their descending configuration, they don’t always feel as solid or robust as a full-on downhill lid, even though most convertible helmets (including all those tested here) meet the ASTM F-1952 DH racing safety standard.
Finally, don’t forget, when the helmet’s not in full-face mode, you need to carry the chin bar somehow.
As ever, we’ve taken all of these factors into consideration in a bid to make your buying decision that bit easier.
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From Bike Radar
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