#22 What Riders Get Wrong About MTB Helmets

🪖 MTB Helmet Safety Deep Dive + Crash Data Insights (w/ Simon Fisher & Allan Cooke) In this episode of the RECON MTB podcast, the crew is joined by helmet design expert Simon Fisher (founder of Headspace Design Lab, with experience at Giro, Bell, and Specialized) alongside Allan Cooke, ex professional BMX athlete and XGames gold medalist, for a deep dive into the realities of mountain bike helmet safety. They break down surprising real-world crash data (including insights from Pinkbike Friday Fails), why many accidents happen during “easy” riding, and the truth behind full-face vs half-shell protection across MTB, BMX, and beyond. Simon also shares insider knowledge from decades in helmet design - covering testing, materials, and what actually makes a helmet effective when it matters most. Plus, they discuss when it’s time to replace your helmet, common misconceptions riders still believe, and how to choose the right protection for your riding style. This episode is brought to you by Leatt, a leader in rider protection with advanced testing and innovation at the core of their gear. 📌 If you ride bikes, this one could genuinely change how you think about safety.