Canyon CFR Helmets

Canyon CFR helmets, these two new helmets feature innovative HighBar closure.

Just released are these two Canyon CFR helmets, the Disruptr and Stingr. Known for their bikes, Canyon also have their own range of clothing. What has been missing until now, are helmets. So let’s take a look at these two new CFR helmets designed for high performance road racing, cross-country and marathon or gravel racing.   

What is CFR?

CFR, or Canyon Factory Racing, “is the pinnacle of the company’s research and development expertise“. The CFR range uses “the finest materials, the highest quality production, and input from industry experts and professional riders”. Straightaway you know that these Canyon CFR helmets are going to be premium items.

HighBar

Both the Disruptr and Stingr use a HighBar closure, rather than traditional straps. What is a HighBar closure you ask? It’s a new form of helmet retention that was primarily designed to ensure correct positioning. Look around and you’ll often see riders with ‘wonky’ helmets. While it may look comical it can actually be a safety issue, with the helmet not covering important areas of your noggin.

The HighBar seeks to get rid of that wonky helmet wear by replacing flappy straps with rigid bio-plastic. The system consists of two parts, the first clips to the helmet and is rigid, with a hinge. Attached to this is an arm that pivots on the hinge and attaches to the other strap via a ratchet. You pull the lower arm down in front of your face and under your chin. The ratchet lets you adjust the fit and the whole system means the helmet sits properly on your head.

While there are various advantages claimed for the HighBar system in aerodynamics and thermoregulation, I think hygiene is probably the most useful. While I rarely reach 50kmh – where you’ll save 10-20watts – I do get sweaty straps! These new straps make keeping your helmet clean a lot easy, as they’ll only need a wipe.

Disruptr CFR

Canyon describe the Disruptr as a “pro-level helmet performance – keeping you cool and comfortable when you’re riding at your limit.” They say it’s been designed with aerodynamic experts to create a slippery shape that will keep you cool. It’s not just about speed though, the Disruptr also uses the Mips system to protect you. Mips is a added roll-cage for your head, helping to dissipate rotational forces in a crash.

As well as crash protection, Canyon have added a magnetic attachment point for a light at the rear of the helmet. The Disruptr comes in white or black and three sizes with minimal logos; so it won’t clash with your team kit. Claimed weight is 250 grammes and is available on the Canyon site for £289.95.

Stingr CFR

The Stingr CFR is the firm’s full on aero-helmet road helmet. While it still has plenty of ventilation, it’s focus is more on racing than all day rides. The work that Canyon did on the shape has resulted in a claimed saving of 10-20 watts; at 60-70kph. Apparently that equates to a 33 second advantage over 100km. As your helmet plays a big part in the way you interact with the airflow, it makes sense to make it as aerodynamic as possible. You might as well save a few watts here that won’t cost you any physical effort.

Safety hasn’t been forgotten on this aero helmet and you’ll find the Mips system inside. Also available in three sizes and two colours, the Stingr weighs 273g. You can buy the Stingr CFR from the Canyon website for £289.95.

We’ll see if we can get either of these Canyon CFR helmets to review and let you know how they perform. It will also be good to get a feel for the HighBar system and how it works. For instance, how will it work with sunglasses? It doesn’t look like you’ll be able to put the arms over the straps, are we going to be terminally unfashionable?