Canyon is expanding its cycling product range into the head protection space with the launch of two new CFR-branded helmets designed for high performance road racing, cross-country or gravel racing.
CFR, or Canyon Factory Racing, is billed as the pinnacle of the company’s research and development initiatives. The two new CFR Road/Gravel and Aero Road helmets – Disruptr and Stingr – incorporate an innovative fit system from HighBar. According to Canyon, this not only improves the rider experience, but boosts aerodynamic efficiency too.
Wind tunnel tests on the HighBar strap vs a conventional strap reportedly show a 7-watt saving at 50 kph and an even greater 10-20 watt saving at speeds of 60-70kph.
Canyon’s Stan Mavis, Global Director Gear, said “Your helmet can play a major role in aerodynamics, it’s one of the first things to hit the air when you’re riding. Whilst the helmet form has seen shape changes over the years, the design of the helmet strap hasn’t seen any real innovation for over 100 years.
“That’s why we decided to collaborate with world-leading experts to create a line of helmets that would set a totally new standard for helmet performance, completing the Canyon offer from head to toe.”
Working with technical partners HighBar and Mips, Canyon developed an innovative new fit system that keeps the rider cool and offers a protective fit.
The all-new HighBar system, launching on Canyon helmets for the first time, is claimed to ensures perfect positioning. As Canyon points out… ‘Gone are misaligned Y-shape straps – with a ratchet dial to offer easy, one-handed adjustment and a perfectly customised fit every ride.
‘As well as the fit, Highbar’s innovative arms provide valuable gains in aerodynamics and temperature regulation (up to 4.8 degrees cooler than traditional webbing straps). Plus, wind tunnel tests have shown the HighBar System can also reduce sound levels at the ears significantly (6-7.5dB) compared to conventional helmet straps.’
Canyon noted that the Stingr CFR’s aero-optimised shape, combined with the aero gains of the strapless HighBar retention system, has been tested to save a 10-20 watts at 60-70kph, or 33 seconds over 100km.
The Disruptr CFR has also been optimised for aerodynamics, but features a greater focus on ventilation for all-day riding.
In addition to the cooling effect of the HighBar strap, thanks to both wind tunnel trials and computational fluid dynamics testing, Canyon created two vent designs that are claimed to be significantly cooler than competitors’ helmets.
Stan Mavis at Canyon added “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, cooler, and ready for the world of bike racing in all its forms.”
The new helmets are already being worn by Canyon athletes such as multi-time world champion triathlete Jan Frodeno, gravel racers like Jasper Ockeloen and Unbound 2023 winner Carolin Schiff, and Olympic MTB athlete Luca Schwarzbauer.
The helmet also featuring in Canyon’s recent ‘Find Your Freedom’ campaign with global sports star LeBron James.
