Article by Jeff Valliere
Fox Racing Crossframe Pro ($220)
Sizes S-M-L
13.25oz/374 grams (size Med)
Pros: Protective, well vented, comfortable, easy to adjust secure BOA Fit System, Mips, eyewear integration, versatility, uniquely innovative design, Fidlock magnetic buckle
Cons: none, but a visor would be nice
Introduction/Fit/Style: The Crossframe Pro is Fox’s newest top end mountain bike helmet, offering full coverage protection, white also being sleek enough to double as a gravel helmet. It features Mips impact technology, the BOA Fit System and a Fidlock snap magnetic strap.
The Crossframe Pro is not ultra lightweight, but considering all of the features and protection that it offers (at 13.25 ounces in my size medium), it is overall a fair trade off and a reasonable weight for all but the most hardcore racing.
The Crossframe Pro is stylish, with a very unique shape/design, is well ventilated and has an exceptionally safe/secure feel to it.
I always wear a size medium in all brands/types of helmets and that is the case here with the Crossframe Pro, with the BOA Fit System dial really snugging up the helmet, while still allowing plenty of room underneath if I want to add a beanie or cycling cap.
The design is uniquely modern, innovative and the Graphite Grey colorway is particularly sharp in person, subtle and understated. It also has grippy TPU inserts for sunglasses in the front to keep them from sliding out.
Features:
The Crossframe Pro is very well thought out and loaded with the latest technology to provide a very functional, stylish with a high level of protection if the worst should happen.
With 22 vents, the helmet is exceptionally well ventilated and has an airy and breezy feel.
TPU eyewear integration slots are handy for those long climbs on hot days, as it is easy (and secure) sliding them into the front and locking the glasses in securely (although doing so took a bit of practice).
One of the main highlights of the Crossframe Pro is the BOA Fit System, that is easy to use and has positive incremental clicks to tighten or loosen, providing the perfect fit quickly and without fuss. The dial is a good size (not too small or overly large) with a positive grip.
The BOA single lace is thin, flexible and minimal, ringing the helmet 360 degrees with semi internal routing in the front. The single lace BOA Fit System and all of its components is exceptionally comfortable and secure and goes essentially unnoticed.
The cable and BOA fit system is minimal in design, but is very comfortable and durable. I have owned a lot of helmets with adjustment dials, but the BOA is by far the best, offering the smoothest, most micro precise and comfortable fit.
The MIPS system consists of an inner plastic liner which rides independently from the rest of the helmet, with the intention being to reduce the rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. I have not yet tested this out (and hope not to), but it makes sense and now insist upon it in all helmets I review..
The 22 vents provide ample ventilation and a refreshing, breezy feel even on hot days.
This is the first helmet that I have owned and the first time I have seen the Fidlock buckle, which relies on magnets and a unique shape to stay secure.
It took me a few tries, but the action to secure and release quickly became second nature. It is particularly handy if you need to remove and put your helmet on mid ride (on a long climb for example, or for removing an errant bug on the go).
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Crossframe Pro is technologically advanced and one of the more unique looking helmets. It is ideal for both mountain biking and gravel riding, utilizing MIPS, the BOA Fit System, Fidlock. It has generous coverage around the sides and back for a high level of protection on trail or road. It is not the lightest helmet out there, but given all the protection, I find it to be a fair trade off and it does not feel heavy on the head.
The BOA Fit System provides an incredible fit that is very secure and easily adjustable. The ventilation is very good on hot days.
I find the helmet to be quite versatile, ideal for mountain biking, but also good for gravel riding and commuting as well.
The Crossframe Pro is available now
FOX RACING
BACKCOUNTRY
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder (where he met John Tribbia, fellow RTR reviewe) and raced as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.
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