ABOUT THE SMITH RHYTHM MTB GOGGLES
Smith Optics claims their Rhythm MTB Goggle to be race-inspired. With a medium to large fit and a solid field of view, these breathable mountain bike goggles proved to be solid performers. A notable difference to many goggles on the market is the ventilation, provided by ventilation paths designed into the frame and lens. This helps to keep the face cool on hotter rides and crucially maintains airflow to reduce the likelihood of fogging on the trail.
Smith’s ChromaPop lens technology features on select lens options. ChromaPop helps to more clearly define the color spectrum, increasing the clarity of objects on the trail and helping you to decipher exactly where your tires need to be. There are a variety of different ChromaPop lens options with different colors and tints to optimize your goggles to the conditions on the menu of the day. That is, if you can afford the $60 lens replacements to have multiple options to choose from.
The Smith Rhythm mountain bike goggle lenses are made from Carbonic-x material, with a Cylindrical shape and anti-fog treatment. They offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, helping to keep your eyes safe. There are no tear-off mounts; however, Smith’s Rhythm MTB Roll-Off kit is available for $60 if you’re likely to be riding in conditions that warrant them.
Rounding out the features on the Smith Rhythm MTB goggles are a Three-layer DriWix face foam, helping to wick moisture and allow the goggle to sit comfortably against the face. Keeping the goggles secure is a wide silicone-backed strap, with low-profile outriggers to give a sleek look. If purchased, a removable dirt screen can help to boost the protection offered by the Rhythm MTB goggles in dusty or muddy conditions.
Pricing varies in different regions and depending on the lens option selected. The Rhythm MTB goggles with ChromaPop lens tested came in at $95 / £100 / €110, and had a microfiber goggle bag and spare clear lens included in the box.
THE DIRT
I tested the Smith Rhythm Chromapop goggles sporadically throughout this year. From a sweaty Lord of the Squirrels ride to the seriously wet Bosch eMTB Challenge in Whistler, and a good mix of dusty and muddy laps on the Scottish home trails, the Rhythm Chromapop goggles have seen it all.
Across a wide range of full-face helmets (I refuse to do the goggle and half-shell look), I experienced no issues with fitment or comfort on the descents. These all had fairly large view ports though, and with the large frame of the goggles you may run into fitment issues with a small helmet or face. As goggles tend to do, the Smith Rhythms helped to add an extra level of stability to the helmet, without causing discomfort. I didn’t experience any pinching or pressure spots, which led me to be more comfortable leaving them on for quick pitches of climb on some brightly lit eBike rides.
Though they weren’t completely immune to fogging, they did a damn good job. The Bosch eMTB Challenge offered as tough a challenge as you could fathom for eyewear. High humidity, high effort, and very wet rain combined to make for a near-impossible task for any anti-fog. I didn’t make it to the end of the race without the goggles becoming unwearable, but they held up as well as any goggles I’ve tried so far.
It was the hotter days when the Rhythm goggles impressed most. The airflow aided in comfort on the face and reduced the feeling of heat buildup that can plague less ventilated goggles. This came without notable dust ingress for the majority of ride time, even towards the back of party laps in the bikepark. That said, muddier conditions did cause some mud to get in. As such it’s great to see the Dirt Shield on offer, though it would be best to see it included with every set of Rhythm MTB goggles.
Smith’s goggles have been impressive in their clarity. The contrast-boosting ChromaPop tech legitimately aids in vision, most notable in flatter light conditions in the woods. It aided in picking out my lines a little bit easier. I noticed no distortion or strange visual quirks, with my full focus remaining on the trail ahead at all times.
Over a number of muddy rides and through the dust, the resilience of the Smith goggles was tested suitably. They weren’t immune to scratching, but certainly held up well. However, you would hope so given the $60 cost for a replacement lens and $100+ price tag.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Smith Rhythm MTB ChromaPop goggles are stellar offerings with excellent visual clarity, but come at a fairly high price. Riders in the muddiest or dustiest conditions should ensure they purchase with the dirt screen, to reduce the likelihood of dirt ingress. 
Price: $80 /£90 /€95 (Clear) – $110 /£110 /€120(ChromaPop With Dirt Screen)
Website: Smithoptics.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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