In addition to the “world’s lightest carbon shell helmet,” Smith also brought a prototype of the Forefront 3 open helmet. It’s due in 2025 and will replace the Forefront 2 with improved ventilation and more rearward coverage. It will cost 270 USD.
Polycarbonate shell, EPS, Koroyd and MIPS play their part in impact protection. Smith chose the MIPS Air Node for rotational impact protection. It’s my preferred version of the MIPS insoles because it doesn’t squeak when you move like some other MIPS insoles. The Koroyd is spread across most of the helmet, but the large vents in the middle are completely open to encourage more airflow over the top of the skull, and several exhaust vents are also open.
Ventilation was a big priority in the design of this helmet. The Forefront 3 is said to offer a 25% improvement in breathability over the outgoing Forefront 2. Smith achieved this by switching to a roll cage that the EPS is injected with, allowing them to add additional vents that are much larger.
Smith uses the BOA dial on the fit system. Unlike the rigid plastic cradles you see on most helmets, Smith will use a flexible cradle borrowed from one of their snowsports helmets. What else? Errr, the rear cradle has a vertical height adjustment with three possible positions and the visor has several positions that it snaps into. It looks like Smith will use a regular buckle to close the chinstrap.
Evoc
Evoc has shown some promising new knee pads. Promising because they use a sleeved design and because both the Lite and Enduro pads will be certified as Level 2 protection. Meanwhile, most other lightweight pedal-friendly knee pads only offer Level 1 protection – the notable exception being the Rapha Trail knee pads. Expect those in 2025.
The Lite version has a basic sleeve design with a removable liner, while the Enduro version is similar but with velcro straps around the calf and thigh for added security and a more durable material over the top of the liner itself. The price is competitive; the Evoc Lite knee pads will cost €100, while the Evoc Enduro pads will cost €120. Both will be available in four sizes.
Leatt
In addition to their new extortionate magnesium pedals and stems, the Leatt logo has also made its way onto some more familiar items; new torso protectors and knee protectors. This is the new 4.5 Pro Evo chest protector. It has a hard shell on the chest and back, and underneath is Leatt’s proprietary impact protection material called Flex Mesh Pro. While the 3.5 chest protector was certified to level 1, this new one is certified to level 2 – for front and back protectors. It is priced at $199 USD and is available in three sizes for different torso lengths. There will also be a women’s specific version that will also cost $199.
In addition to improved impact protection, Leatt tried to make the pads more breathable. The hard cap now has more vents across the center and the Flex Mesh Pro material underneath has matching vents.
For the first time in seven years, Leatt has updated its soft construction knee pads, the 5.0 3DF. They are now slightly lighter, with a better vented sleeve and extra padding added to the sides of the main padding. Unfortunately, there is still no level 2 protection to speak of; all the knee pads you see here are Level 1 certified. This, combined with the bulkier construction of these pads, will make it difficult for Leatt to compete with Rapha, Ion, Evoc (see above) and the new D3O Diablo pads. which Troy Lee Design and Race Face will launch soon. The pads you see here range in price from $99 to $139.
Alpine
For the first time, Alpina has an ASTM-certified full-face helmet. It’s called Pikes MIPS and weighs a claimed 800 grams in the medium size. It sells for a competitive €150. Key features include a breakaway visor, cheekpieces of varying thickness and the use of a D-Ring buckle for the chinstrap. In addition to the aforementioned colorways, you can also get it in black.
Every few years, Alpina works with an athlete to bring a limited edition colorway to some of their helmets and goggles. This season they collaborated with Max Nerurkar of the 50to01 crew on a design with a finish that could be compared to tie dye. The process they use ensures that each individual helmet shell and goggle frame is completely individual. Get it on the Root MIPS 3/4 helmet, the Apax MIPS open face helmet and the Sonic line of goggles.