Review: O’Neal Pike 2.0 MTB Helmet

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a biking boom in the Philippines and around the world, unlike anything we’ve seen before. More and more people are getting into biking as their main means of transportation and leisure weekend activity. Provincial borders may still closed and leisure travel is still prohibited in the NCR, but biking for exercise can really open up a whole new world of adventure.

Aside from the initial investment on a bicycle, cyclists need to buy a proper helmet for safety. It can be expensive to buy a helmet on top of all the other bike accessories you need, but a helmet is the first and most important safety gear you should get. Wearing a helmet can save your life. Incidentally, about a month ago, our security guard got into a bike accident while he was on his way home and we found out that he didn’t have a bike helmet, so I ended up giving one of my old lids to him. A few weeks later, Motoworld Philippines sent over this MTB helmet for a product review and feature, so thank you Motoworld! It’s much appreciated.

Even if you don’t get into an accident, it might cost you more not to have a helmet. The local government of Quezon City recently released an ordinance requiring all bikers to wear helmets in public, setting stiff penalties of Php 1,000 (First offense), P3,000 (Second offense), and 5,000 (Third offense) for cyclists caught without helmets.

Cheaper bike helmets may suffice just to comply with rules and for city rides. However, bikers planning to go on more recreational off-road and trail riding in the future need to invest in quality lids for safety. For those types of rides, you might want to check out O’Neal’s range of MTB helmets and gear, some of which are available online through Motoworld’s website.

O’Neal, a brand often associated with motocross and off-road racing, has introduced its new MTB collection ideal for those switching up their two-wheeled adventures from motorcycles to mountain bikes. These lids are ideal for action-packed adventures and MTB feats like downhill racing, dirt trail rides, and Enduro. Check out my husband’s website (Outside Slacker) and YouTube channel for inspiration on future MTB ideas in the Philippines when we can all travel again more freely. Hopefully, he gets inspired to finally edit our bikepacking videos.

O’Neal originated in the LA foothills and has a racing heritage spanning 5 decades. Just like the sport of off-road racing itself, O’Neal gear has come a long way since 1970. O’Neal continues to push boundaries and set new standards for rider comfort and protection, from their high-performance motocross jerseys, pants, boots, gloves, helmets, and now through their line of MTB helmets, gloves, and other gear.

Design

The new O’Neal Pike 2.0 is an Enduro/ Trail/All Mountain helmet with In-mold Technology for increased protection and energy dispersion – an ideal adventure buddy for dirt and trail riding. It comes in 4 colorways: Green/Neon Yellow, Black/White, Black/Grey, and Blue/Red.

I’m not a big fan of noisy graphics on helmets, so I think the options are very classy and attractive. I picked the Green/Neon Yellow color combination because it instantly caught my eye when browsing online. It looks rugged, but maporma. The neon details on the side and the back make it more visible on and off the road. The helmet looks like it has eyes on the back. It’s available in the following sizes: S/M to L/XL.

Product Features

• Compact, two-piece racing shell with a high-quality finish
• Incorporating IPX® ACells helmet rotational impact absorption technology optional available
• Equipped with ratcheted peak for on-the-fly angle adjustment
• Unique ‘Dual- Flow’ System with over-sized vents for improved and constant air circulation inside the helmet
• 3D Multi-Positioning System for perfect adjustment in 3 directions: up-down, front-rear, open-close
• Fidlock® magnetic buckle for easy, single-handed fastening and release
• Accommodates goggles under peak when in top-most position and rest securely in place on the ridge at the back of the shell
• Lightweight construction: polycarbonate shell, EPS liner
• Sweat-absorbing and removable washable inner liner
• Extended coverage at the back of the head
• Weight: 390g (±25g)
• Exceeds EN1078 safety standard for bicycle helmets

Field Test Notes

Access to real mountain bike trails near Manila is still currently limited because of the ongoing pandemic, but I really hope to schedule longer bike rides soon in La Mesa Nature Reserve or the downhill trails of Timberland going to Wawa Dam which we rode earlier this year. So far I’ve only used the helmet on a couple of nature rides in our village. I’m just fortunate to live in a neighborhood that has forests and bike trails.

The O’Neal Pike 2.0 MTB Helmet is designed mainly for Enduro riders, so at first glance, the visor seems extra-long especially when you look at it side-view. Compared to typical MTB helmets, the visor kind of juts out aggressively, but that’s part of the design and is an added safety measure in case of crashes.

Weighing just 390 grams, the helmet is extremely lightweight and well-ventilated. The helmet also provides extended coverage at the back of the head. The neon details make the wearer more visible from the back, which can help prevent accidents, especially when going downhill.

I normally have a hard time finding helmets that fit me properly, but thankfully, this model comes in a range of sizes from S/M to L/XL. The helmet has an adjustable retention system so it’s possible for both me and my husband Art to use this lid, despite the difference in our head shapes and sizes. The helmet has an adjustable rear cradle with a dial at the back that you can easily switch with one hand to fix the tension.

Most bike helmets usually come with buckles on the strap, but this lid has a magnetic lock, which takes some getting used to. It can be a bit tricky to latch and unlatch at first, but overall you’ll find it handy for singlehanded fastenining and release.

Verdict

Overall, the O’Neal Pike 2.0 MTB Helmet offers a well-built and eye-catching helmet ideal for longer Enduro and rides through mountain bike trails. The MTB helmet prioritizes safety in its design but doesn’t compromise on the looks. It may look and feel a little bit too aggressive for neighborhood bike/errand and city rides, but can still be used all-around. The color scheme and rugged design will probably appeal more to guys than girls, but I like it.

With O’Neal’s long history with off-road riding and the premium price tag of the helmet, you can expect a quality helmet that will last for years.

Price

The O’Neal Pike 2.0 MTB Helmet has an SRP of Php 4,500 pesos. You probably won’t want to leave this helmet just hanging unattended on your bike or at tables when you take a break to eat.

Where to Buy It

You can buy select O’Neal MTB gear online from Motoworld PH, which carries both motorcycling and MTB gear. Check out their list of stores here. Just select the MTB Collection category from their website. You can also check out the products available in branches from their Facebook page.

For orders and Shipping, contact: (02) 7730.4973 / 8634.6031 / 7576.6249 or (0917) 884.2345 / (0998) 966.8704. Some other O’Neal MTB items are also available on Lazada.