Designed specifically for mountain biking, the £95 / $80 Smith Rhythm goggles have an open-frame design, forgoing the usual foam that provides a partial seal over air ports.
They weigh a feathery 121g.
The openings can be covered with Smith’s removable micro-screen, sold separately for $25.
The frame’s nose bridge is claimed to improve the field of view, while the ‘low profile’ strap attachment outriggers are designed specifically for mountain bike helmets.
The 52mm-deep strap has silicone grippers to help stop it slipping.
Bonded to the frame is a three-layer DriWix foam, claimed to wick moisture away from your face.
The injection-moulded, semi-flexible curved lens – dubbed Cylindrical Cabonic-X by Smith – has an anti-fog coating, and attaches to the frame using push-fit clips.
Two, slim slits sit along its upper edge to aid venting further.
It’s roll-off compatible, but this kit is sold separately for $60.
Replacement lenses cost from $20, rising to $60 for the mirrored, ChromaPop versions.
Included is a microfibre bag that doubles as a lens wipe.
Smith Rhythm MTB performance
Thanks to a contoured shape and spacious nose bridge, they don’t pinch even when the strap is pulled tight.
Despite the frame's relatively flexible structure, the lens boosts stability, reducing pinching further.
Their wide and deep frame – with a matt black colour – helps limit reflections and provides impressive uninterrupted peripheral vision.
A generous field of view doesn’t equate to bulkiness. They fit well with MTB-specific full-face and open helmets such as the Troy Lee Designs A1 and A2, Bell’s Full-9 and MET’s Parachute MCR.
Fog resistance is impressive, even in extreme low-temperature, high-humidity scenarios. Given the airflow on offer, though, that’s hardly surprising.
The fully open frame lets air travel freely behind the lens, clearing any foggy build-up quickly, helped by the lens vents. Their low weight adds to an airy feel.
The anti-fog coating can cause water droplets to condense on the interior of the lens, distorting vision, but this isn’t a problem exclusive to Smith’s Rhythm googles.
Some riders might dislike the abundant air flow across their eyes and face, but it’s a worthy trade-off for the exceptional anti-fog performance.
On overgrown, wet trails where your head is bashing through bushes, some debris and water splashes can make their way inside the goggles, but this isn’t an issue in regular riding conditions.
The optics are impressive; there’s no distortion, glare or off-putting reflections and the un-tinted lens feels very natural.
Lens installation and removal is on a par with similar push-fit designs; fingering the lens during fitment is a necessity. Fortunately, the supplied goggle wipe makes quick work of greasy marks.
Smith Rhythm MTB bottom line
The impressive anti-fog performance on offer here more than makes up for any concerns about the free-flowing air.
Add in great optics and the Rhythm MTB goggles are well-suited to enduro-style riding in cold, dark and damp woods.
Their moderate size is great for helmet compatibility, yet doesn’t impact your field of view.
Although costly, their performance and quality construction help justify the price.
MTB goggles | How we tested
Senior tech ed Alex took to the trails to test these goggles in his Scottish homeland, famed for its cold, damp weather.
Getting sweaty and hot racing to the trailheads, Alex donned each pair to see how quickly they steamed up before dropping into technical trails in low light.
Their ability to de-mist, provide clear, undistorted optics and enable all-day comfort were key metrics, along with how easy lenses are to change and the types of extras included.
The goggles were tested with a range of full- and open-face helmets to understand their fit.
Goggles on test
- 100% Armega
- 661 Radia
- Fox Airspace X
- Koo Edge
- Oakley Front Line MX
- Smith Rhythm MTB
Product
| Brand | smith_optics |
| Price | 130.00 AUD,95.00 EUR,85.00 GBP,80.00 USD |
| Weight | 121.0000, GRAM (L) - |
Features
| Features | Colour tested: Black frame, clear lens |
