Smith adds firepower to their sponsored teams with the addition of the Santa Cruz RockShox Pro XC team. The US brand will be providing the team with helmets and performance eyewear for the 2023-2024 seasons. Riders will have the Trace helmet for race days, and Network for training days. Among other styles, the team will have the new Momentum and popular Bobcat sunglasses available.
The Santa Cruz RockShox Pro XC team will be one of the teams to beat this year with riders like two-time 2022 World Cup winner and second in the world Luca Braidot, four-time winner of the Italian National Championship and 2019 World Cup winner Martina Berta, and 2021 Italian National XC Championship winner Sara Cortinovis. The newest addition to the team is 2021 Italian National Champion and two-time World Cup winner Nadir Colledani.
“As cross-country mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, Smith is committed to supporting the community of enthusiasts and athletes through every moment of the sport. We are thrilled to partner with the Santa Cruz RockShox XC Pro team who share Smith’s values of leading with performance and style, on and off the bike. We look forward to a successful and exciting season for the team,” said Taryn Ryan, Global Head of Marketing at Smith.
We previously reviewed the Trace helmet and found it to be a very comfortable and capable helmet. Luckily, I never had to put the impact protection to use, but the Koroyd honeycomb material inside helps to absorb energy on impact while remaining light and breathable. An internal MIPS system and roll cage help to provide additional protection. The low profile Network helmet keeps these same protective features in a versatile and more affordable option.
On the glasses side, the new Momentum performance sunglasses add a new design to Smith’s lineup. The shield lens hooks into the half-frame near the temples with the bar that runs behind the top of the lens and connects into a slot at the top, helping to provide a solid fit. Available in multiple color combos, the Momentum comes with one dark lens and a clear lens that is easily swapped. The Bobcat is a 3/4 frame that blends the coverage of a goggle with the ease of wear of sunglasses. The large lens adds protection, and can easily be swapped between the dark and clear lens. Both models come with a ChromaPop lens that enhances clarity and definition while keeping the natural color of objects. When not on the bike, the team will have the full line of lifestyle sunglasses available to them, including the Lineup, XC, and Aveline frames.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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