A mountain bike pump track helmet is a helmet worn for riding a pump track, a loop of small rollers and banked turns where the rider gains speed by pumping the bike up and down, rather than by pedalling. It is usually a hard-shell open face helmet or a light full face helmet, chosen for a secure fit, good vision, and protection in falls on a hard, compacted surface. Riders wear a helmet for every lap, including practice and warm-up.
A pump track is a short, looping course made of dirt or tarmac, with a series of rollers, small jumps, and berms, which are banked turns. The rider starts with a small push, then pumps the bike by moving their body up and down over the rollers, which keeps the bike moving without pedalling. The track is ridden in laps, and riders often ride many laps in a session, trying to go faster and smoother each time.
What Is a Pump Track?
A pump track is a purpose-built loop, usually in a park or a bike park, designed for bikes, and sometimes for scooters and skateboards as well. The surface is hard and smooth, either packed dirt or tarmac, and the features are low and close together. The rollers are small humps that the rider pumps over, and the berms are banked corners that let the rider carry speed through a turn.
The track is ridden in one direction, and riders take turns to ride laps. A session may include many short laps, with rest in between, and riders often practise a particular corner or a set of rollers until they get it right. The speeds are moderate, but the surface is hard, and a fall onto tarmac or packed dirt can be painful, which is why a helmet is worn for every lap.
What Kind of Helmet Do Pump Track Riders Wear?
Most pump track riders wear a hard-shell open face helmet, which covers the top and sides of the head and has a small peak. This kind of helmet is light, well ventilated, and easy to wear for a long session of short laps. It gives good vision and good hearing, which helps the rider judge speed and listen for other riders on the track.
Some riders, especially younger riders or riders trying bigger jumps on the track, wear a light full face helmet instead. A full face helmet gives extra protection for the chin and jaw, which can be useful if the rider falls forward onto the hard surface. The choice depends on the rider, the track, and how fast they are riding. In general terms, a full face helmet is the safer choice for faster riding and for larger features.
Fit is the most important thing, whichever style is chosen. The helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay in place when the rider pumps hard over the rollers and leans into the berms. The chin strap should fasten securely, and the helmet should not slide forward over the eyes when the rider looks down at the track.
How Is a Pump Track Helmet Different from a Trail Helmet?
In general terms, a pump track helmet is similar to a trail helmet, and many riders use the same helmet for both. The difference is in what the rider needs from it: a pump track helmet is worn for short, fast laps on a hard surface, with a lot of pumping and turning, while a trail helmet is worn for longer rides with climbing, descending, and varied terrain.
A pump track helmet is often a little stronger and lower in profile, because falls on a pump track are often onto a hard surface at moderate speed. A trail helmet may have larger vents and a larger peak, which suits a long ride in the woods but is less important on a pump track. Some pump track riders prefer a helmet with a smaller peak, because a large peak can catch the wind or block the view when pumping hard.
Ventilation matters on a pump track too, because a session involves a lot of physical effort in a short time. A helmet with good airflow helps keep the rider cool, and a washable lining helps keep the helmet fresh after a sweaty session. A light helmet is also easier to wear for many laps in a row.
What Should You Look for When Choosing One?
Start with fit and the standard. The helmet should meet the standard for cycling or mountain biking, and it should fit snugly without pressing hard on one spot. Try on several helmets to find the shape that suits your head, and check that the helmet stays in place when you move your head quickly, as you would when pumping over rollers.
Next, think about the style. If you ride mostly on small pump tracks at moderate speed, a hard-shell open face helmet may be enough. If you ride faster, try bigger features, or ride with younger riders who are still learning, a light full face helmet may be a better choice. Think about how you ride, not just about how the helmet looks.
If you are learning about how helmets handle different kinds of impact, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the technologies used in modern helmet design. Some pump track helmets include this kind of system, and knowing about it can help you compare helmets when you shop.
How Do You Care for a Pump Track Helmet?
Store the helmet in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat, and keep it in a helmet bag so the shell does not get scratched by other kit. Do not leave it in a hot car, and do not hang it by its chin strap. Pump track helmets get dusty and sweaty, so a bag helps keep them clean between sessions.
Clean the shell with a soft, damp cloth after a session, and let it dry naturally. If the lining is removable, wash it according to the maker’s instructions and let it dry fully before you put it back. Do not use harsh cleaners, and do not put the helmet in a washing machine. Check the vents for dirt and clear them gently, so the airflow stays good.
Check the helmet before every session. Look for cracks, dents, or soft spots in the shell, and check that the strap, buckle, and peak still work. After any crash where your head hits the ground, have the helmet checked and, in general terms, replace it, even if the damage is not visible. The liner inside can be damaged in ways you cannot see from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a helmet for a pump track?
A: Yes, in general terms. Pump tracks have a hard surface, and falls are common, especially when learning. Most pump tracks and bike parks require a helmet for every rider.
Q: Can children wear the same pump track helmet as adults?
A: Children need a helmet that fits their head, so they should wear a child’s size, not an adult helmet. Check the fit regularly, because children grow quickly and a helmet can become too small.
Q: How do I know if my pump track helmet fits?
A: It should sit level, feel snug all round without a painful pressure point, and stay put when you shake your head. The chin strap should fasten securely, and the helmet should not rock forward or back.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
