CALPE (Spain) – After the footwearCanyon also enters the helmet segment head-onThere are two products and both are CFR family, so we're talking about high-end. Canyon CFR Road, more traditional and CFR Aero with an aero impact that is not hidden.
Canyon helmets are the first to integrate the HighBar technologyThis is an innovative rigid/semi-rigid system that replaces traditional buckles. Just like for shoes, there is also the collaboration of Eric Horton, a leader in product design in the cycling and action sports sector, and also in Swiss Side. Let's go into detail.
Canyon and Swiss Side for helmets
«We started immediately with the CFR project – says Horton – an acronym that identifies the Canyon's top of the rangeThis also helps us understand the positioning of a series of products which, although new they want to be anything but a testCFR helmets were developed with the involvement of Swiss Side and HighBar system It has demonstrated superior efficiency to classic buckles.
«We are talking about better aerodynamics which allows you to save 7 watts at an average speed of 40 kilometers per hourIf we translate these watts into seconds meters, it means save 36 seconds and about 500 meters. It's not a small thing. Efficiency also means a better thermoregulation, because it is possible to contain the increase in temperature, saving 4,8°C».
How helmets are made
Why a rigid buckle? It's not just about proposing something different, although it's fair to consider that Canyon's CFR helmets are the first to use this solution. All develops around HighBar which does not compromise on safety and is 50% more efficient than a soft buckle, even in terms of overall stability of the helmet. The two highest supports are atanchored directly inside the mold of the helmet and are a rigid composite structure.
The lower part is a sort of softer rubber that rotates on two slots and adapts to the shape of the face with a rotor. The rigid part is detached from the skin and ears (a solution that allows for unexpected ventilation and freshness), the softest one is almost imperceptible in contact with the skin. It doesn't get wet, it doesn't get dirty, it doesn't absorb anything and is not affected by sweat. Overall they are all the fluttering of the common buckles has been eliminated and also the noises created by the wind.
La Road version is the one with the most vents and on the back it has a slot where you can mount a magnetic LED that increases visibility. CFR Aero version it is the one that pushes towards extreme aerodynamic concepts, capped in the upper section and more elongated towards the rear. Both helmets have the rear cage also adjustable in height, with HighBar which develops with the same design and concept.
Feeling during adjustment
When wearing the helmet with HighBar, it is necessary find the right degree of fitting with rear adjustment, which is used to stabilize the helmet. Only then can the front HighBar system be lowered. The rotor is easily adjustable even during activityBoth helmets adopt the Mips Air Node solution, integrated thanks to the padding.
