• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

Smith Optics Express Commuter Helmet Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

4 stars

Rear light and removable fabric visor come standard

Hot!

  • Economically priced for MIPS helmet
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Reflective helmet straps for better visibility in lowlight
  • Adjustable single rear dial for a secure fit
  • 13 vents provide good airflow
  • A clean, minimalistic shape increases the cool factor
  • Removable fabric visor for added sun protection

Not!

  • Removable rear light- not rechargeable, blocks one rear vent, not bright enough as a daytime running light

Smithoptics.com

Price: $100 MSRP

Colors: Matte Neon Yellow Viz, Matte Pool, Matte Cloudgrey, Matte Black

Sizes: S (51-55), M (55-59), L (59-62)

Vents:  13 fixed vents

Additional Safety Feature: MIPS, Removable rear light, Reflective helmet straps

Weight (size small):  310g (helmet), 325g (helmet + visor), 337g (helmet + light)

Wallet-friendly with MIPS safety

Rarely do you find a commuter bike helmet for $100 that is lightweight, incorporates MIPS, and has a cool factor. Smith’s Express helmet, which launched in April, offers all that and a whole lot more.


In the event of a crash, MIPS reduces rotational forces.

To keep you from overheating and looking good upon arrival at your destination, the Express has 13 fixed vents. A rear dial lets you customize and secure the fit for added comfort. The removable cloth padded visor reduces glare and absorbs sweat.

Available in four matte colors to match your bike or gear.

Enhanced visibility

The Express helmet has two features to help increase your visibility to drivers. First, there are reflective straps that are lightweight and low-bulk single-layer webbing. The second feature is a rear light that pops in the rear vent. When you press the light, there are two settings; solid or blinking.

Rear light pops into back vent

The issues I have with this light are it isn’t bright enough as a daytime running light and isn’t rechargeable (not eco-friendly). Maybe the next version will address these issues.

Enough clearance at the brim to accommodate oversized sunglasses

Bottom Line

At only $100, Smith’s new Express commuter helmet with MIPS is an excellent value with all the safety and comfort features. If you don’t want MIPS, there’s a version without it for $60 MSRP. In my opinion, you only have one brain, and I’d spend the extra money.


Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dave Minden says

    June 10, 2021 at 7:21 am

    I recently received a new replacement helmet from Smith for a couple of minor wear/malfunction issues. I love their Koroyd helmets because as a ‘hair-challenged’ rider the ‘straws’ of the Koroyd let air through but not sunlight! Quality company that gave the replacement, I’m a big fan.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Garmin Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Activated Tail Light With Built-in Camera
  • Newsletter Issue No. 1017
  • Gravel Riding part 1:  Fun for Everyone
  • Do As I Say Not As I Did

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1017

Newsletter Issue No. 1016

Newsletter Issue No. 1015

Newsletter Issue No. 1014

Newsletter Issue No. 1012

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2022 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...