Mountain Biking (MTB) Gear

MTB Protective Gear

Built for aggressive trail lines, high-speed descents, and long climbs, the Smith Optics MTB collection covers what you need to ride safely. That includes Mips®-equipped MTB protective gear. Mips® is a low-friction layer inside the helmet that lets your head move slightly during certain impacts, helping reduce rotational force in a crash. The collection also includes sunglasses and goggles featuring ChromaPop™ lenses, which sharpen color and contrast so you can read the trail as it changes.

Smith Optics helmets and eyewear are designed to work together, so downhill and enduro riders get a secure, gapless fit from head to eyes.

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FAQs

What MTB gear do I need to ride safely? 

A full mountain biking safety kit typically includes a helmet, eye protection, gloves, and body protection like knee and elbow pads, especially for more aggressive terrain. 

At minimum, you'll want a Mips®-equipped helmet and a pair of sunglasses or goggles built for trail riding. The helmet protects against impact, including rotational forces in a crash, while ChromaPop™ technology eyewear helps you read changing trail conditions like roots, ruts, and shifting light. Choose sunglasses for open trail riding or goggles for more aggressive downhill and enduro riding where extra coverage matters. 

What is a Mips® helmet? 

A Mips® helmet includes the Mips® safety system: a low-friction layer inside the helmet lets your head move slightly relative to the shell during certain impacts. That movement helps reduce rotational forces that might otherwise transfer to your head in a crash.

What is ChromaPop™ technology? 

ChromaPop™ is Smith Optics’ proprietary lens. Certain light wavelengths overlap, causing colors, especially cooler tones like green and blue, to look flat or hard to tell apart. ChromaPop™ filters out that overlap and sharpens contrast where it counts most: in dappled light under tree cover or coming out of shadow, where flat color can hide a root or rut until you're right on top of it.

A Heritage of Innovation — Since 1965, Smith Optics has been part of the ride — pushing boundaries, chasing lines, and sharing the experience with riders around the globe.

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A Heritage of Innovation — Since 1965, Smith Optics has been part of the ride — pushing boundaries, chasing lines, and sharing the experience with riders around the globe.

Learn More