A Decade of Innovation: KOROYD & SMITH’s Journey to Redefining Mountain Biking Protection
When SMITH set out to expand their helmet lineup into mountain biking, they weren’t looking to follow trends—they wanted to change the game. That ambition led to a partnership with KOROYD, a collaboration that has continuously pushed the boundaries of head protection in cycling.
A Shared Vision for Better Protection
Before KOROYD, helmet design was based entirely on traditional foam-based materials which have been around for nearly half a century. While effective to a degree, SMITH recognized the need for something better than foam, a material that could absorb crash forces more efficiently without adding bulk or compromising ventilation. KOROYD’s advanced impact technology, with its welded tubular structure, proved to be the answer.
SMITH’s commitment to performance-driven design and KOROYD’s expertise in energy absorption and ventilation came together in 2013 with the launch of the original Smith Forefront—their first mountain bike helmet to feature a KOROYD design. The Forefront didn’t just meet industry standards; it set new benchmarks for protection in mountain biking.
Engineered for Advanced Protection
How KOROYD Helps Brands Like SMITH Innovate
Bringing a helmet to life is a highly collaborative process. At KOROYD, we work closely with brands like SMITH to develop protection that seamlessly blends safety requirements, rider comfort, and design goals.
- Understanding the Brand’s Vision – Every helmet starts with a conversation. SMITH brings their expertise in style, fit, and rider performance needs, while we provide insights into product construction, material science, and impact energy management. Together, we align on the aesthetic, ventilation, and protection goals, ensuring that every helmet is designed to not only meet safety standards but also enhance comfort and ride experience.
- Tailoring KOROYD to the Helmet’s Design – KOROYD isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—we have dozens of different specifications, each with unique characteristics in density, thickness, and configuration. This allows us to fine-tune protection for each helmet, whether it’s maximizing airflow in a lightweight singletrack design or enhancing coverage in a full-face helmet for aggressive descents. By selecting the optimal structure, we ensure every helmet delivers the right balance of impact protection, weight, and ventilation for the ride ahead.
- Safety Testing & Optimization – A helmet must do more than meet safety standards—it needs to be lightweight, ventilated, and comfortable while providing reliable protection. With a dedicated testing lab and in-house experts, we ensure every helmet meets the stringent safety regulations, while also maximizing user comfort, as we’ve shown in our helmet heat stress study. Through iterative testing, we balance protection, airflow, and weight to deliver a helmet that keeps riders safe while enhancing their ride.
The result? Helmets like the Forefront series, where every detail—from vent placement to shell shape—maximizes comfort without compromising safety.
DEVELOPED TOGETHER WITH THE BEST
Timeline of Evolution: The Forefront Series
Over the past decade, SMITH and KOROYD have continued refining the Forefront series, ensuring each version delivers better protection, ventilation, and performance than the last.
Forefront 1
The first SMITH MTB helmet to integrate full KOROYD coverage, setting a new standard for lightweight, ventilated protection.
Forefront 2
Improved ventilation, extended coverage, and a refined fit system made this an even better choice for aggressive trail riders.
Forefront 3
A leap forward in protection, featuring a complete internal injected roll cage,and a full KOROYD coverage to maximize airflow, making it the most advanced Forefront yet.
The Future of Protection
The Smith Forefront series is a testament to what happens when two brands push boundaries together—combining cutting-edge material science with performance-driven design to make the sport safer for every rider.
With each iteration, we continue to refine what’s possible in mountain biking protection, ensuring that every helmet isn’t just meeting the standard—it’s raising the bar.
Because when it comes to safety, progress never stops.
