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Gear Review: Smith Attack MAG MTB

Smith Attack MAG MTB
Smith Attack MAG MTB

Smith recently sent us a pair of Attack MAG MTB Photochromic Clear to Gray Sunglasses to test. They are a large coverage lens and utilize Smith’s amazing PivLock technology enabling easy lens swaps. The particular lenses we used were a low-light amber lens and a clear lens.

Smith Attack MAG MTB
Smith Attack MAG MTB

A big reason why I love these is my commute. Now that the days are shorter, I’m finding myself cycling in darker times, and given how open and windy my route is, making sure my eyes are protected is key. The way these glasses wrap around, I haven’t had any issues with dust or other particulars slipping in and blurring my vision.

Smith Attack MAG MTB
Smith Attack MAG MTB

The coolest feature of these glasses is the FidLock. It’s a fast, tool-free lens swap mechanism built into the glasses. By simply applying pressure behind the hinge you can pull the arms off and swap a new lens in and they click into place.

The Attack MAG comes in a padded case with a lens clearer bag and a foam interior to keep your lenses protected. 

Optically, the lenses offer amazing clarity and no distortion. They offer goggle-like protection, but without the bulk.

Smith Attack MAG MTB
Smith Attack MAG MTB

I also found that the fit was great, even on long rides. With other glasses, I would find the sides of my head needing a break from the constant squeeze. But the Attack MAG was comfortable from beginning to end and didn’t butt up against my cheekbones or ride up on my forehead or helmet. They also integrated nicely with my Smith’s Forefront 2 helmet.

At the end of the ride, the Attack MAG are amazing glasses. The fact that they come with a second lens for a broader range of light conditions helps make them a pair I’d recommend to anyone for any conditions.

Gear Review: Smith Forefront 2 Mountain Bike Helmet

Smith Forefront 2
Smith Forefront 2

The Smith Forefront 2 stands head and shoulders above their competition. 

It’s integration of Koroyd—what looks like a series of stacked neon green, short, straw-like structures—adds an extra layer of ventilation and performance. Unlike it’s predecessor, the original Forefront, the Koroyd material is now split into two channels to allow for a larger air vent down the middle of the helmet. It also runs the entire length and width of the helmet for total head coverage.

Smith Forefront 2
Smith Forefront 2

The helmet also comes with a visor on the front. It’s short, but provides three positions for sun protection. They also include channels beneath the visor to secure your sunglasses.

Overall, fit was outstanding. Because of the airflow in the Koroyd material, the helmet stayed nice and cool. For our test rides, I was able to adjust the rear adjuster securely and it stayed put without triggering any pressure points and didn’t cause any discomfort during the long climbs. Additionally, on colder days, I was able to wear my Showers Pass Beanie and still be comfortable and secure.

Smith Forefront 2
Smith Forefront 2

Protection is top-notch, as well. The side and rear coverage extends around the head and covers the back, as well. The Koroyd is intended as a layer of impact absorption, so when combined with MIPs technology, you’re getting a full package. While I haven’t tested the impact absorption capabilities of this helmet (and don’t really intend to), it looks about as safe and you can get.

Gear Review: Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.

Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.
Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.

When it comes to water bottles for cycling, there is one brand that continues to develop high-quality, long-lasting products: Polar Bottles.

They recently sent me their Breakaway® Insulated 24 oz. bottle and I quickly started to add it to every bike ride. Being perfectly honest, even on rides that are upwards of 15-20 miles, I’ll typically opt to not carry a water bottle. All of them—prior to the Polar Bottles Breakaway—were pretty crappy. Cheap plastic, plasticy taste to the water, and horrible temperature control.

Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.
Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.

The Breakaway is pretty durable. Prior to riding with it, I gave it to my toddler as his drink vessel for a couple of days. Even with him running around, throwing it down stairs, and jumping on it, it held up. Even the cap held with his abuse—not letting a drop escape unless the valve was open.

It’s also made with BPA-free plastic, which means that I don’t get that plasticy taste that I get from other bottles.

It features a triple wall insulation, which promises to keep your liquid cooler two-times longer. Since I was riding in winter, I could truly test this out, but I did notice that on longer, sub-freezing temperature rides, my water remained at a consistent temperature versus the challenges I’d sometimes have of water freezing in the cap.

Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.
Polar Bottles Breakaway® Insulated 24oz.

The Polar Bottle Breakaway is super easy to clean. It’s dishwasher safe and the cap also twists apart so you can get all the road grime out easily.

If you’re looking for a bottle for your bike, Polar is the way to go.

Showers Pass Ion-Defense Face Mask

Showers Pass Ion-Defense Face Mask
Showers Pass Ion-Defense Face Mask

As cases nationwide continue to increase, what are you thinking if you aren’t wearing a mask for outdoor activities? Showers Pass Ion-Defense Face Mask is probably the most high-tech and most comfortable face mask I’ve worn.


The mask utilizes ion-emitting nano-particles that neutralize viruses and bacteria within minutes of contact. The fabric is also treated for water resistance, not just on the outside but the inside of the mouth, so that if I sneeze or cough, it protects others around me.


This technology is fantastic because regular face coverings tend to collect and host bacteria and viruses between washes. With this mask self-sterilizing, I have managed only to wash it after heavy activity. Even though I’m not cleaning it as regularly, I want to stress that this mask is machine-washable up to 30 times before it loses these germ-killing nanoparticles.


As for the fit, it’s pretty darn comfortable. The material is soft and not abrasive, easily forming around my nose and chin without being too constrictive. Additionally, the gear loops are easy to adjust based on the size of your head and are comfortable for extended periods of time. When I’m cycling with this mask on, it is still very comfortable even with sunglasses piled on top of my ears.

Check out the Showers Pass Ion-Defense Face Mask if you’re still looking for the perfect facemask for outdoor activities.