Reviewed/Tested by Kay Levesque
I’ve been wearing Wild Rye bike shorts, Smith helmets, ski goggles, and sunglasses for years. All are incredibly high quality, fully functional, and quite stylish. It turns out that Wild Rye’s founder, Cassie Abel, spent time working at Smith. Unsurprisingly, the two companies, already united in a commitment to high-quality technology, came together to create a coordinating product line. I was stoked to see two of my favorite brands partner up on this line of fabulously chic products.
See the full line here: Smith x Wild Rye Bike Styles
All the products in the lineup feature a unique pattern intended to represent both brands’ Idaho roots. I tested the Forefront 3 mountain bike helmet in a medium size (55-59 cm) and the Bobcat sunglasses. I don’t love matchy-match (if you know, you know), but I do love it when things coordinate together well. I love these colors!
The entire kit includes the helmet, a cute bag for the glasses that doubles as a lens cleaner, and a protective hardcase.
The deep pine green paired with the lovely lilac is beautiful, and the subtle addition of an organic botanical print is very pretty. The temple pieces of the sunglasses sport the almost-but-not-quite neon yellow and the lilac that show up throughout the product line.
The helmet includes a protective string bag, and the sunglasses have extra-clear lenses for dark, overcast days or night rides.
The helmet is designed with more protection than I’ve ever seen in a helmet. While still a lightweight helmet, Smith managed to beef up the front and back of the helmet, which is an area that some manufacturers thin out a bit, presumably to save weight. This helmet comes in at 399 grams, while my other helmet weighs 352 grams. I will gladly take the extra weight if it means my frontal lobe is better protected! You can see the excellent forehead protection. The Forefront uses MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) technology, as with most new helmets.
In addition, Smith utilizes Koroyd technology, which allows energy from any impact to be absorbed in a more controlled manner, minimizing the force transferred to your noggin. The welded tubes crumple on impact, termed ‘sacrificial plastic deformation.’ The material absorbs the energy rather than transferring it.
The BOA Fit System mechanism helps dial in the perfect fit and (this is important) how a ponytail navigates the back anatomy of the helmet. Spoiler: ponytail integration works excellently!
The Bobcat sunglasses fit very well with the helmet—it’s like they were designed in unison! The new trend of oversized sunglasses is helpful for complete sun protection and reduces eye-watering. If you haven’t tried fuller-coverage sunglasses, you really should. Anything smaller leaves me feeling a bit vulnerable.
I appreciated how the snug helmet fit around the ears (more safety) and the helmet’s ventilation system. You’ll also notice the Wild Rye and Smith company names. Depending on the conditions, the visor can be pushed up or brought down, and the inner lining can be removed for cleaning.
The last photo is from a recent ride near De Beque, Colorado. They have fun trails and a brewery—see you out there!
Smith Forefront 3
From flowy single track to technical descents, the Smith Forefront 3 Mountain Bike Helmet has your back (and front and sides) more than ever, thanks to a complete internal injected roll cage, extended back coverage, and a Mips® Safety System that’s integrated directly into the helmet padding for more comfort. Add venting that increases airflow by 25 percent, a micro-adjustable BOA® Fit System, and complete Koroyd® coverage. You have a helmet that’s as comfortable as it is loaded with cutting-edge design and impact protection. And when you start to sweat as you climb or prepare to drop in on a descent, you can count on the 20 vents plus our AirEvac™ ventilation to keep your sunglasses or goggles fog-free. The visor adjusts for easy goggle storage between laps, and you can slide your sunglasses into the shell for secure storage on the front or back.
Click here to buy the Smith Forefront 3 Mips®.
Smith Bobcat
Enduro trail riding to gravel adventure or backcountry powder mission, the Smith Bobcat sunglasses are for riders and skiers who want the full coverage of the Wildcat with a smaller fit and a lightweight feel. This hybrid design pairs goggle-like coverage with sunglasses’ airflow and easy-wear feel. ChromaPop brings out the details on forested trails and in bright alpine bowls. The lens is interchangeable, and a bonus clear lens is included for low-light needs. No-slip fit details keep them in place through rocky terrain and high-speed descents.
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