Smith Optics' new Forefront represents a true revolution in mountain bike helmet design and construction - Ben Delaney/Future Publishing
The Smith Forefront skips over traditional EPS foam in favor of a new Aerocore liner made of Koroyd honeycomb. Smith claims Aerocore evacuates more heat from your head and absorbs more energy than traditional helmets - James Huang/Future Publishing
Strategically placed vents on the Smith Forefront are designed to direct air down over sunglass or goggle lenses to prevent fogging - James Huang/Future Publishing
The Smith Optics Forefront is designed for trail and all-mountain use, providing extra coverage around the sides and back of your head while still maintaining a trim profile - James Huang/Future Publishing
The look of the Smith Forefront helmet is definitely different but we think it will catch on quickly - James Huang/Future Publishing
Smith Optics acknowledges that the Aerocore's honeycomb structure won't allow for flow-through ventilation like with most traditional helmets. Instead, Smith says the open design simply won't let excess heat build up in the first place - James Huang/Future Publishing
Lots of open areas at the rear of the Smith Forefront helmet allow hot air to escape - James Huang/Future Publishing
The retention system on the Smith Forefront helmet is a straightforward, dial-type affair - James Huang/Future Publishing
Smith Optics has designed the Forefront helmet to fit well with both regular sunglasses and goggles - James Huang/Future Publishing
Koroyd is a honeycomb material Smith has worked with in its snowsports helmets, and now incorporated into the Forefront all-mountain design - Courtesy Smith Optics
Despite the seemingly endless array of sharp edges, the interior of the Smith Forefront helmet is surprisingly comfortable, even on a shaved head - James Huang/Future Publishing
Padding is placed where needed for comfort on the Smith Forefront all-mountain helmet - James Huang/Future Publishing
Smith Optics' new Forefront represents a true revolution in mountain bike helmet design and construction - Ben Delaney/Future Publishing
Smith Optics has launched its first riding helmet, the US$220 (UK pricing TBA) Forefront all-mountain model. The most notable feature is a synthetic honeycomb polymer called Koroyd, which allows for airflow and – according to Smith – absorbs up to 30 percent more energy than a traditional EPS helmet design in a crash.
Smith started making snow helmets seven years ago, and recently began using the German Koroyd material for ski and snowboard lids. The company claims that it and POC are the only brands in wintersport using the technology.
Koroyd is a honeycomb material smith has worked with in its snowsports helmets: - Courtesy Smith Optics
Koroyd is a German material Smith has worked with in its snowsport helmets
Smith does use EPS foam in addition to the Koroyd in the Forefront, which weighs a claimed 285g. The helmet also features Smith’s new adjustable fit system, dubbed VaporFit, plus an integrated camera and light mounting area, and a goggle retention strap.
Three sizes and 10 color options will be available.
The smith optics forefront is designed for trail and all-mountain use, providing extra coverage around the sides and back of your head while still maintaining a trim profile: - James Huang/Future Publishing
Designed for AM use, the Forefront provides coverage on the sides and back of the head
“In our effort to reduce volume and weight while increasing ventilation and impact protection for ski and snowboard helmets, we came across Koroyd,” said Eric Carlson, Smith's VP of product and design. “After a full year of testing we were able to gather massive amounts of impact data and design flexibility that made an innovative Smith bike helmet project possible.”
The new Smith Forefront helmets will be available at North American retailers in spring 2014. Information about UK and worldwide releases will be published on BikeRadar as soon as we receive it.
Smith expects to follow the Forefront with road and other helmets in a year.
Despite the seemingly endless array of sharp edges, the interior of the forefront is surprisingly comfortable, even on a shaved head: - James Huang/Future Publishing
The interior of the helmet is comfortable, even on a shaved head
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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