First ride with Fox's new XC and gravel helmet – the Crossframe Pro
Fox Racing has launched the Crossframe Pro which expands the brand's helmet lineup with this new versatile model aimed to challenge in the best gravel bike and cross-country MTB helmet markets. The Crossframe Pro is also Fox Racing's first visorless option to date and has numerous premium features like improved fit, breathability and safety technology including MIPS crash protection.
I had met up with Jarred and Thomas, the US Director of Cycling and EU Product Managers at Fox Racing at Eurobike earlier this year, and they showed me a prototype of the Crossframe Pro along with the new prototype of the new Fox Speedframe RS helmet. In what has been a busy time at Fox Racing, having launched its first-ever shoe range with the Fox Union MTB shoes, and recently the Fox Union Canvas shoe, they had promised me a first look at the Crossframe Pro helmet before the new model launched.
Promises were delivered and I was able to get my hands on a Crossframe Pro pre-launch and have been out riding the new helmet and exploring the new features to see how it matches up with some of the best mountain bike helmets on the market.
The first thing that jumps out when unboxing the Crossframe Pro is the visorless aggressive curved peak-shaped design, and the unique look gives it an eye-catching vibe. However, Fox Racing say the design isn't just to make the Crossframe look nice, it has a purpose, which is that there are plenty of ventilation channels, allowing for maximum cooling performance. During my first few rides, it was completely delivered and the venting seemed optimized along with the molded EPS providing efficient cooling on some testing gravel bike climbs.
Another feature that I liked, in fact loved, was the two rubberized TPU vent inserts that are for keeping sunglasses stored securely when not in use. They are significantly grippy compared to other helmets like the Kask Elemento that left sunglasses storage as an afterthought. On the Crossframe Pro over pretty rough ground and in the rain, there was no movement and no rattling, my glasses perfectly held in place. My first impression is that these runner ports are superbly well-designed.
Safety features
Inside the Crossframe Pro, the safety features are built around a MIPS protection system with a low-friction liner that is designed to reduce the rotational forces transferred to the head in the event of a crash and direct impact on the head. MIPS Technology is pretty much standard on most mountain bike helmets these days and is the best mountain bike safety you can get for head protection. There is also a dual-density Varizorb EPS foam for improved protection on high and low-speed impacts impact protection and a safe and secure fit is achieved with a BOA fit system and a Fidlock magnetic SNAP helmet buckle.
The BOA fit as well as keeping the helmet safely fitted also makes on the fly micro adjustability on and off the bike super easy, even with gloves and it allows for a perfect custom fit every time you ride. Another performance feature is the Iconic+ liner which is removable, washable, antimicrobial and manages odor. It also wicks moisture away from the head working alongside the optimized venting with channels.
Pricing and availability
I will be fully testing the Fox Racing Crossframe Pro over the next month or so and will drop a review very soon. In the meantime, the Fox Racing Crossframe Pro is available now and is priced at $219.95 / £189.99 / €199.99, and comes sized S, M, and L. It comes in color choices of White, Vintage White, Black, Black Camo, Purple and Olive Green. For more information please visit Foxracing.com.
