By Jack Lynch
RRP: $260
More info
We at Cyclist don’t necessarily map to a single riding discipline, pedalling across road, gravel, singletrack and taking part in events from crits to multi-day bikepacking races. Now there’s a helmet that can handle as much variety as we can, featuring some of the best safety and ventilation credentials on the market.
The Smith Network’s safety features centre on zonal Koroyd coverage, which adds lightweight, ventilated impact protection, paired with a Mips Brain Protection System to help reduce rotational forces from angled impacts. Both major helmet safety certifications – US CPSC and CE EN 1078 – are ticked.
We are also impressed by the Network’s ventilation and compatibility features. Fifteen fixed vents keep air moving when the heat lifts off the bitumen or the trail starts climbing, while Smith’s Airevac system is designed to integrate with Smith performance eyewear to help prevent lenses from fogging up. When the light dims, pass-through front channels allow you to securely stash your shades.
There is also an optional fabric visor, a sweat-activated antimicrobial lining for odour control, and low-bulk single-layer webbing to keep the fit neat. At 300g for a medium Mips model, the Network is a superb all-rounder for riders who refuse to stay in one lane – and there are a range of colours to match every riding mood, from minimalist white to ‘wow, look at me’ colour combos (see above). And all for just $260 bucks.
