Fox Crossframe Pro: MTB helmet from Fox without a visor - even gravel bikers will love it

Fox is breaking new ground and with the Crossframe Pro now has a bike helmet in its range that could appeal not only to the cross-country faction, but also to gravel bikers. We took it with us on our sometimes very wet, cold and muddy laps around the turn of the year.

Unlike most bike helmets from Fox, the Crossframe Pro - like a racing bike - without a visor. This suits the racy riding position on an XC racing bike or a fast gravel bike. With a sun visor (which is not adjustable), you have to tilt your head back even more in a sporty, stretched out riding position. The ventilation is set up for a draught: 19 openings are designed to keep you cool even on sweaty climbs - and they do this very well. Even at 4 degrees and in sleet, which in turn requires a warm, waterproof helmet cap.

Fox Crossframe Pro - how to wear the gravel helmet

Even though Fox has labelled the new Crossframe Pro "MTB", it was explicitly designed for gravel bikes. This includes not only the missing canopy (visor), but also the bevelled front of the bike helmet. This means that the view is not obstructed by protruding plastic, even in very low riding positions.

This also creates space for large (sunglasses). Even the largest goggles in the tester's repertoire fitted under the helmet. However, on very rough descents, the frame of the goggles knocked against the top of the helmet. On the other hand, the bike helmet is cut quite low at the neck, as is usual for MTBs - good for protection in the event of a fall. But in this case, it was also not at all annoying in a low riding position.

Speaking of fit: the Fox Crossframe Pro in M is supposed to be suitable for heads with a circumference of 55 to 59 cm. That's perfect for my head. Especially as the fit of the Fox helmet suits my rather oval skull very well. With the BOA-Rentention System, it can also be adjusted in very small steps, which is also possible in both directions while riding without any problems. But as always, it's best to try the helmet on, leave it on your head for 15 minutes and see if it feels tight. Finally, try it out with your favourite sunglasses.

In contrast to cross-country, where every gram less is worth many euros, gravel bikers don't pay quite as much attention to the pounds. Maybe that's why the Crossframe Pro weighs 329 grams in M. In the broadest sense, comparable helmets from the road bike sector come in at 250 to 280 grams. For MTB helmets, however, this is still a very good value. Curiously, Fox states 370 g (with a tolerance of ±40 g) on its website. It's rare for a standard helmet to be lighter than the manufacturer specifies.

The head is not only characterised by the Mips rotation systembut also protected by a good layer of Varizorb dual-density EPS, which, according to Fox, is supposed to disperse impact forces over a larger area. Fortunately, we didn't have to test this under real conditions.

>> MIPS helmet and co: How do rotation systems work in bike helmets?

The extra: functioning "glasses garage" and "Schnappi"

Let's not kid ourselves: Many helmets promise a sunglass holder in the ventilation slots, but in practice this is often useless. This is not the case with the Fox Crossframe Pro. At least five different pairs of goggles - inserted upside down, of course - fitted in perfectly and stayed in place, which is also due to the rubberised inserts.

The helmet fastener from Fidlock is not quite so rare, but all the more attractive. The magnetic "Schnappi" can be opened with one hand, even when wearing thick winter gloves. The buckle closes almost automatically when the two ends of the straps come together.

We tested the Fox helmet in the colour purple. This colour should at least fit in most MTB wardrobes. If not, the US company also offers a whole collection of matching bike clothing to go with it.

But the helmet is also available in white, vintage white, black, black camo or olive green. The price of just under 200 euros, which Fox is charging, is probably justified. also in comparison to other helmets in our test series. The Crossframe Pro makes a high-quality and durable impression. It is deliberately not polished to a mirror finish in the key areas. This means that after one season, the helmet may not look as if it has just rolled around in the boot.

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All details about the Fox Crossframe Pro bike helmet

• MIPS protection system reduces rotational movement
• Inner shell made of Varizorb dual-density EPS for optimised impact protection by dispersing the forces over a larger area
• Magnetic Fidlock snap fastening buckle
• Removable, washable Ionic+ liner with antimicrobial effect
• Optimised ventilation with 19 openings for efficient cooling
• BOA adjustment system
• TPU ventilation inserts for secure storage of the sunglasses
• Colours: White, vintage white, black, black camo, purple, olive green
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Weight (BIKE measurement): 329 grams (size M)
• Price (RRP): 199.99 euros >> e.g. at Alltricks available at a reduced price

Conclusion on the new Fox Crossframe Pro bike helmet

The new Fox Crossframe Pro manages a balancing act between MTB and gravel helmets, albeit not quite as difficult. Anyone who rides both types of bike, perhaps on the sporty gravel route to work, but prefers to chase through the undergrowth at the weekend on an XC bike, will find a well-ventilated, very well-fitting (always an individual impression) helmet that is also visually convincing (except in purple). The Fox helmet can already be found for around 140 euros, which is a very good price for the product on offer. We can only say more about the safety of the Fox Crossframe Pro after our extensive laboratory tests, when the crash values have been determined. - Marc Strucken, BIKE tester

The video of the new Fox Crossframe Pro helmet (Youtube)