What Canyon is showing with its new bike helmets has never been seen before. Cyclists in Germany have been wearing hard-shell helmets since the 1920s. We have all been familiar with the classic fastening system since childhood: adjustable straps on two sides, a click mechanism for closing. Not so with the new Canyon helmets. The Koblenz-based company is presenting its very first own road bike and MTB helmet with a plastic strap, which is said to have numerous advantages over the conventional fabric strap. Canyon is known for its direct sales bikes. The developers want to apply the same standards to the new bikes as they do to their highest quality bikes. Bicycle helmets for racing use. Let's take a look at the facts about the Canyon Disputr CFR and Stingr CFR.
Details on the new helmets from Canyon
- 2 new helmets: Canyon Disputr CFR (MTB / Gravel) and Canyon Stingr CFR (Road / Gravel)
- Weight: 324 g (BIKE measurement, Canyon Disputr CFR, size L)
- Price: 299,95 Euro
- Special features: HighBar closure system, MIPS, optimised aerodynamics, optimised temperature management, port for magnetic light (Canyon Disputr CFR)
100 years without change? Not with Canyon!
When developing its first own helmet line, Canyon focussed on aerodynamics. After tests in the wind tunnel and with numerous top athletes from the Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) team, such as cross-country star Luca Schwarzbauer, the engineers realised that the helmet is one of the first points of contact with the air and therefore with an invisible resistance during sporty cycling.
Despite this, the bicycle helmet has only undergone slight further development in terms of material and shape in over 100 years. For Canyon's debut on the head protection market, this is not enough and the German label is calling for a small revolution in helmet design. Just like the recently introduced Tempr CFR shoes for road, gravel and mountain bikes Canyon has secured the expertise of renowned technology partners.
Canyon's new high-end helmet for cross-country athletes and marathon riders is called the Disputr CFR. The Canyon Stingr CFR is the aerodynamically optimised version for road cyclists. Gravel bikers can choose according to their needs. Both helmets share the new HighBar closure system. To close the helmet, a plastic bar is folded under the chin from above past the face and fixed in place with a rotating mechanism. As usual, the width is also adjusted at the back of the head using a dial. The HighBar harness is not only said to be more aerodynamic than fabric harnesses, but also has a positive effect on heat development on the head. Compared to conventional harness systems, the head should remain around five degrees cooler. The concept is complemented by generous ventilation openings to optimise the air flow even under heavy physical strain.
Streamlined and safe with the new helmets from Canyon
It goes without saying that the HighBar fastening system has been certified in accordance with global safety standards (CE / CPSC). The plastic bar is said to be easier to clean than traditional fabric straps and can be replaced at an appropriate service centre in the event of a defect. HighBar is an independent brand that sells its technology to other companies. Canyon is the first supplier from which you can purchase a helmet with the HighBar system.
It remains to be seen whether other manufacturers will follow suit. To protect the wearer from rotational forces in the event of a fall, the new Canyon Disputr CFR and Stingr CFR helmets come with safety technologies from Mips. The Disputr CFR model, which is primarily intended for off-road use, has a reflective element on the back. A magnetic canyon light can also be attached there for additional safety when riding in the dark.
The new Canyon Singr CFR is all about speed. Its shape was designed to be particularly streamlined in collaboration with aerodynamics experts. At speeds of between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour, the design in combination with the HighBar bracket should save between ten and twenty watts. This makes it the perfect choice for fast racing cyclists and gravel bikers when it comes to gaining a decisive advantage. For example, Carolin Schiff successfully defended her title at the Traka200 gravel race with the Canyon Stingr CFR. The two new helmets from Canyon are aimed at top athletes as well as ambitious hobby riders and cost €299.95 each. BIKE already has a test helmet and will shortly be reporting on the functionality of Canyon's first own helmets.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
