If you’ve been watching the Olympics, World Cups, and anything bike racing with Canyon athletes (MVDP excluded), you’ve seen the Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) helmets. From afar, the design flies under the radar, but up close, it’s anything but the same old.
What makes them so different? Well, it’s hard to tell until you look at them. Under close observation, you’ll notice the strap is plastic, and the fit adjustment knob is under the chin.
Rethinking Helmet Retention
Why? To solve a reasonably common problem within the cycling world that most don’t even know could be plaguing them: improper helmet fit. Yes, most of us know “how to size our helmets,” but the culprit isn’t the size of the helmet itself but the steps that hold the gear to our heads. If the helmet doesn’t stay fitted to your head during a crash, chances are it won’t be much help, no matter how much MIPS or WAVECEL they pack into it.
Canyon CFR Helmet Line
The new Canyon CFR helmet line arrives after the release of the Canyon CFR shoes (reviewed here), rounding out nearly everything you need to ride—provided by Canyon. All the new CFR offerings (shoes and helmet) are for pro-level performance, whether riding road, cross-country, ultra-distance mountain, or gravel.
Canyon CFR Helmet Models
Canyons’ new CFR helmet models come in two offerings: Disruptr for road, gravel, and mountain use and the more aero Srtingr (spell-correct loves these names btw). Both models use the Highbar fit system (read more about it here), which is claimed to boost helmet retention and watts.
Watts, you say? In wind tunnel testing, the Canyon team found the Highbar strap tested 7 watts faster (at 50 KPH) than a conventional strap. If you crank up the speed even more (say to 60-70 KPH), you could see a 10-20 watt savings—33 seconds over 100km.
The Highbar system is also quieter. We all know straps move in the wind, especially when fitted improperly. The HighBar system takes this out of the equation. The rigid structure lets the wind slice through the air. Wind tunnel tests have shown that the HighBar System significantly reduces sound levels at the ears too. Tests show around 6-7.5dB compared to conventional helmet straps.
Is the HighBar system hotter than a conventional helmet?
That’s what I thought, but when we saw them at SOC earlier this year, we realized they were cooler.
How? The Highbar strap never touches your skin. It hovers around it, same with the BOA-style enclosure mounted under the chin. Canyon claims that helmets equipped with Highbar are up to 4.8 degrees cooler than helmets that use traditional webbing straps.
Is that a ratchet? The ratchet dial offers easy, one-handed adjustment and is not as bulky as it sounds. (though we only took it for a minor test spin).
“Our first helmets are pushing the limits of performance and have already proven themselves at the highest levels of racing with our athletes. Canyon has a reputation for challenging the status quo, and these helmets introduce a new era for helmet performance and protection. Faster, more relaxed, and ready for the world of bike racing in all its forms. ”
Canyon’s Stan Mavis Global Director Gear.
Canyon CFR Helmet Models
Disruptr CFR
The Disruptr CFR is the road/gravel/XC-mountain pro-level helmet. The Disruptr also comes with a magnetic port in the rear to take a Canyon rear light. The light looks to be an excellent option for a training and commuting safety addition. The light has five modes and up to 30 hours of run time.
- Color options: White, Black, and Grey
- Weight: 275 g (M size/CE standard).
- Price: $330, 299.95 EUR
Stingr CFR
The Stingr CFR is a race-ready aero helmet built for top steps and personal bests. Canyon claims it weighs the same as the all-around Disruptr.
- Color options: White, and Black,
- Weight: 275 g (M size/CE standard).
- Price: $330, 299.95 EUR
Both helmets feature interior Mips Air Node crash protection. They are available in Small, Medium, and Large, exclusively from Canyon.com or via the Canyon app, where you can also find service instructions.
Wanna try one on? Canyon helmets can also be seen in person at Canyon’s Factory Service locations in Europe and North America.
Look for a review and thoughts as soon as ours arrives.
Both helmets are available for purchase at Canyon.com.