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At least in films and series, a cliffhanger is a dramatic ending that is intended to arouse curiosity about the sequel. However, when you fall off your mountain bike, you want to know that everything went well thanks to your helmet. We put the Abus Cliffhanger through our lab to find out whether a happy ending is likely. The integrated MIPS system should of course also ensure a happy ending, in addition to the low-slung helmet shell. Abus wants to offer a reliable and lightweight companion for trail and enduro excursions with the helmet manufactured in Germany. Project one has already been successful, because at 353 grams, the Cliffhanger is one of the lightest models in the test.
Easy to customise, slim fit
The features are quite impressive and range from the easily adjustable visor and a Fidlock magnetic buckle to the automatically height-adjustable headband. Only the ear dividers are fixed and cannot be adjusted to individual requirements. However, this would be an advantage, as the Y straps are very close to the ears, which may not suit every wearer.
>> You can find an overview of the 15 bike helmets tested here: 15 MTB helmets tested: how safe these MIPS helmets for trail and enduro are
Thanks to its circumferential headband, the lightweight Abus Cliffhanger securely on the head even in rough shaking passages. Caution: The Abus is rather elongated and oval and is less suitable for wide heads. It is nice that the height of the helmet can be adjusted automatically and over a wide range. However, the adjustment system slips back into the starting position very easily by itself. A more stable locking mechanism would have been better here. The dial is also difficult to reach in the upper positions and is so flat that it is easy to pinch your hair. Good: The adjustment system is designed so that plaits can also fit through.
Positive: The helmet is also easy to ride with goggles. The visor flips up smoothly and leaves plenty of room for moto-style goggles. The Abus Cliffhanger is particularly easy to close with the Fidlock magnetic buckle.
Abus Cliffhanger in the laboratory
On our test bench, the Cliffhanger proves to be solid and - fortunately - does not live up to its name. The Abus does not achieve top marks, as there is still room for improvement, especially in terms of rotational protection. The MIPS Evolve Core does not seem to be optimally integrated into the helmet.
The three large openings at the front and the deep channels ensure very good ventilation. The Abus Cliffhanger is one of the best in the test alongside the Bluegrass Rogue Core.
The values of all tested helmets at a glance
Info & Price - Abus Cliffhanger
- Price169,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 353 gram
- Sizes: S 51-55; M 54-58; L 57-61
- Made in: Germany
- Colours: 6 colours
- Rotation systemMIPS Evolve Core
- EquipmentMIPS; Fidlock buckle; infinitely height-adjustable; visor adjustable; fixed Y-belts; pigtail-compatible; goggle-compatible
Measured values
- Residual force on linear impact: 104,7 g
- Risk of concussion: 24 %
Evaluation and conclusion
Abus continues to manufacture the Cliffhanger in Germany. The helmet with a rather narrow fit can be adjusted to fit the head perfectly and sits securely and wobble-free even on rough terrain. In the upper positions, the dial is difficult to reach. Large ventilation openings and deep channels ensure optimum ventilation on the ascent. The Cliffhanger absorbs impacts well, but the rotation protection is only moderate. Top features: the low weight and the easy-to-use magnetic buckle.
Stefan Frey
Editor
