Smith Persist MIPS

It ranks #6 (B tier) on our consolidated bike helmets board, drawn from 4 independent outlets.

Riders who want a solidly built road helmet with strong impact protection and a brand with a good warranty record, without paying for the top of the board. It ranks sixth in B tier on our bike helmets board, with reviewers noting quality construction, excellent impact protection and long-lasting construction. If you want the best ventilation and the strongest overall findings, the Trek Velocis MIPS is the top pick. If cost matters most, the Lazer Tonic Kineticore is lighter on the wallet but has a thinner shell.

Long-lasting construction and a solid warranty record are the findings reviewers repeat for the Smith Persist MIPS, and our research records no wear complaints. Retire it after any crash that hits the head, and expect three to five years of normal use before the foam and straps should be replaced.

Reviewers credit the Smith Persist MIPS with excellent impact protection, and it carries a MIPS liner to manage rotational force in an angled fall. Its sibling the Smith Forefront 3 MIPS, a trail helmet in C tier, earns a high impact rating from the same brand. Like every helmet on our board it holds a cycling safety certification.

It is a road and all-round helmet without a visor, suited to road, gravel and commuting. For trail riding with a visor and more rear coverage, the Smith Forefront 3 MIPS is the brand's mountain bike option on our board.

Measure your head circumference just above the ears and eyebrows and pick the size whose range includes it. The helmet should sit level, a finger width above the brows, and should not rock before the strap is done up. Snug the rear dial and set the straps in a V under each ear with one finger of slack at the chin.