Recreational Helmets

Kids Helmets

Triathlon Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Road Bike Helmets

How to Shop for Recreational Helmets: Key Features and Fit Tips to Consider

When shopping for recreational helmets, the most important thing to consider is how and where you plan to ride. This style of helmet strikes a balance between the rugged protection of a mountain bike helmet and the lightweight feel of a road helmet, making it a great all-rounder for commuting, family rides, and bike path adventures. Fit is your first priority, so look for a helmet with an adjustable retention system that sits snugly without pressure points. Ventilation is worth considering too, especially if you ride in warmer conditions or cover longer distances. Beyond that, think about coverage and style. Some recreational helmets offer more rear head coverage for added confidence on trails, while others lean toward a sleeker profile for everyday use.

Commonly Asked Questions about Recreational Helmets

What is a recreational helmet and who is it best suited for?

A recreational helmet is designed for everyday cycling activities like commuting, family rides, and bike path adventures. It sits between a dedicated road helmet and a full mountain bike helmet, offering a versatile balance of protection, ventilation, and comfort. These helmets are ideal for casual riders, commuters, and families who want reliable protection without needing highly specialised features.

How do I choose the right size recreational helmet?

Sizing a helmet correctly starts with measuring the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows. Most helmets come in small, medium, and large sizes, and nearly all recreational helmets include an adjustable retention dial at the rear to fine-tune the fit. A well-fitted helmet should sit level on your head, feel snug without pressure points, and not rock side to side or front to back.

What is the difference between a recreational helmet and a mountain bike helmet?

Mountain bike helmets typically offer more rear head coverage and a visor to shield against trail debris and sun, while recreational helmets tend to have a lighter, more streamlined profile. Recreational helmets are well suited to bike paths, commuting, and light trail use, whereas dedicated MTB helmets are built for more technical off-road riding. If you are mostly riding on sealed paths or light gravel, a recreational helmet will generally meet your needs comfortably.

How much should I spend on a recreational helmet?

Entry-level recreational helmets offer solid protection and basic adjustability at an accessible price point, making them a great starting point for casual riders. Mid-range options typically add better ventilation, lighter construction, and more refined fit systems for added comfort on longer rides. If you ride frequently or in warmer conditions, investing a little more in a better-ventilated or better-fitting helmet is usually worth it.

How important is ventilation in a recreational helmet?

Ventilation matters more than many riders expect, particularly in the New Zealand climate where heat can build up quickly on longer rides or during summer commutes. Helmets with more vents and internal channelling allow airflow across the head, helping to keep you cooler and more comfortable. If you ride short distances in mild conditions, basic ventilation will be sufficient, but riders covering longer distances or riding in summer should prioritise helmets with more airflow.

Related Categories

Helmets $100 and under

Shop for the perfect new helmet from 99 Bikes huge range of Helmets priced under $100. Choose from Mountain Bike Helmets, Recreation and Road Helmets and Kid's Helmets of all shapes and sizes. 99 Bikes offers the best brands; from Bell, Fox, Giro, Met, Pro-Tech, 100% and so many more, all at New Zealand's best prices.

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Kids Helmets

99 Bikes have a wide of kids bike helmets for all children including babies, toddlers, and youth. Shop a wide range of kids helmets including boys helmets and girls helmets in various styles like kids BMX helmets. Our great range of kids helmets bring both safety and fun designs together. When buying a baby or kids bike helmet, the same guidelines apply as if you were buying a bike helmet for yourself - it needs to be comfortable, durable and the correct size. You should also ensure that you choose a helmet colour and design that your child will love to ensure that they’ll want to wear it every time they jump on their bike. You can be sure you're buying the best helmet at the best price with our Best Price Guarantee. Shop online with click & collect and delivery, and in store at your local 99 Bikes in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington.

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Multi-Directional Impact Protection System

The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) was designed by a Swedish Neurosurgeon to offer the best helmet protection against rotational forces without significantly impacting helmet weight or aerodynamics. This technology is prominent among pro teams, with Australians Richie Porte and Simon Gerrans sporting the innovative GIRO Aether MIPS in recent tours. We stock a range of MIPS Helmets for Men, Women and Kids, with different colours, shapes and sizes for all types of riders.

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Adults Bicycle Helmets

Shop 99 Bikes Extensive Range of Adults Bicycle Helmets for top-quality protection for every type of riding. Featuring a wide range of options, from Casual Sport and Leisure Helmets for everyday comfort to Road Helmets crafted for speed and aerodynamics. For trail enthusiasts, our MTB Helmets and Full Face Helmets offer extra coverage and durability, while Commuter Helmets prioritize visibility and style on urban streets. BMX riders can find high-performance BMX Helmets designed for tricks and stunts. With options to suit every riding style, 99 Bikes has the perfect helmet to keep you safe on all your adventures. Shop in-store and online now with 99 Bikes.

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Road Bike Helmets

Road bike helmets generally feature lightweight aerodynamic designs which help reduce wind resistance and provide ventilation around the rider’s head. Road bike helmets are designed to feature more air vents compared to other helmets such as mountain bike helmets, helping to improve airflow. Shop the best range of road helmets from quality brands. You can be sure you're buying the best helmet at the best price with our Best Price Guarantee. Shop online with click & collect and delivery, and in store at your local 99 Bikes in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington.

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Mountain Bike Helmets

Mountain bike helmets are made for a specific genre of cycling to improve performance and meet the demands of riders needs. Like all quality cycling helmets, MTB helmets should be lightweight, well ventilated and the correct fit for your head size. It is important to buy a helmet that is a snug fit, as the last thing that you want is for your helmet to move around when you’re flying down a steep descent. Shop the best range of mountain bike helmets from quality brands. You can be sure you're buying the best helmet at the best price with our Best Price Guarantee. Shop online with click & collect and delivery, and in store at your local 99 Bikes in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington.

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Full Face Helmets

We have an awesome range of mountain bike helmets from all the best brands at New Zealand's best prices. Full face mountain bike helmets or downhill mountain bike helmets offer added protection to the front of the face while improving overall coverage of riders' heads. Convertible mountain bike helmets convert from half face helmets to full face helmets. You can be sure you're buying the best full face helmet at the best price with our Best Price Guarantee. Shop online with click & collect and delivery, and in store at your local 99 Bikes in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington.

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BMX & Skate Helmets

99 Bikes have an awesome range of BMX, skate, scooter and bike helmets from all the coolest brands. BMX & skate helmets are generally designed with two things in mind; safety and style. These type of helmets generally aren’t as aerodynamically designed as other helmets, but what they lack in aero efficiency, the make up with good looks at the skatepark. Shop the best range of BMX & skate helmets from quality brands. You can be sure you're buying the best helmet at the best price with our Best Price Guarantee. Shop online with click & collect and delivery, and in store at your local 99 Bikes in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington.

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