New Canyon CFR Helmets Introduce Innovative Retention System

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Canyon launches two new CFR helmets, the Disruptr CFR and the Stingr CFR, that both use the all-new HighBar closure system.

Although there are some familiar aspects in these the helmets, HighBar is a sea change for how you keep a helmet on your head. Velo’s Alvin Holbrook first took a look at the system earlier this year at Sea Otter, where the US-based company debuted the unique design.

It really does require you to wear your glasses under your straps though.

The HighBar closure system

In exchange for breaking the rules of road cycling style, Canyon is solving a safety problem. Most of the helmets we report on in our cycling accessory reviews don’t have much new to offer in terms of safety.

There’s an occasional blip about rotational impact protection, and there are a few that don’t have Virginia Tech testing, but for the most part safety is not so much the selling point of most helmets. With modern helmets the exciting details are all about things like cooling and aero efficiency.

Despite that, HighBar thinks that not enough people are wearing helmets correctly. Instead of a traditional strap system, the HighBar closure attaches to the helmets with solid plastic. As the attachment comes down, it connects to a pivot point just in front of the ear. From there it continues under the chin where you’ll find a ratchet dial for adjustment.

On the safety side, this system ensures that your helmet is always in the correct spot. There’s Mips Air Node crash protection but just as importantly, you’ll never see someone using a HighBar helmet with the front of the helmet tipped back and away from the forehead.

Even if that’s not you though, it still means never having to go through the hassle of getting the strap divider in the right spot on your cheek or dealing with the chin strap constantly needing adjustment.

Given the focus of Canyon CFR on high performance, HighBar has advantages on that front as well. According to the brand, “Highbar’s innovative arms provide valuable gains in aerodynamics and temperature regulation (up to 4.8 degrees [unit not specified -ed.] 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.”

Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics

While there’s no doubt that HighBar makes sense for entry level helmets, Canyon is taking the technology in a different direction. These two helmets have CFR branding.

According to Canyon “CFR, or Canyon Factory Racing, is the pinnacle of the company’s research and development expertise.” Which is obviously marketing speak but it still hints at the idea behind these helmets.

HighBar already makes claims about aerodynamics but Canyon continues that trend with the rest of the helmet. Of the two helmets, the Disruptr CFR has some aero optimization but “features a greater focus on ventilation for all-day riding.”

That means those looking for every aero advantage will want to choose the Stingr CFR. That helmet, according to Canyon, uses an “aero-optimized shape, combined with the aero gains of the strapless HighBar retention system” to save “10-20 watts at 60-70 kph, or 33 seconds over 100km.”

Of course, as with any modern helmet, Canyon is talking about both aero and cooling, or thermodynamics, for both helmets. On the thermodynamics side, Canyon claims that “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 significantly cooler than competitors’ helmets.”

Canyon then goes on to discuss the Canyon athletes already wearing the helmets. The name dropping includes “Canyon athletes such as multi-time world champion triathlete Jan Frodeno, gravel racers like Jasper Ockeloen, Unbound 2023 winner Carolin Schiff, Petr Vakoc, former multi-time triathlon world champion Jan Frodeno and Olympic MTB athlete Luca Schwarzbauer.” There’s even a shout out to LeBron James as part of the “recent Find Your Freedom campaign.”

Disruptr CFR or Stingr CFR?

The two helmets are available today in sizes small, medium, and large, from canyon.com. For those that would rather try them on first, Canyon helmets can also be seen in-person at the brand’s Factory Service locations in Europe and North America.

No matter which helmet you choose, the MSRP is €299.95  with a weight of 275 grams, in white, black, and gray (Disruptr only) color options. That leaves the choice a matter of what you prefer to focus on.

The Disruptr CFR is the one that focuses on ventilation and usability first. There are more vents but there’s also a “magnetic port in the rear to take a Canyon rear light with five modes and up to 30 hours’ run time.” Meanwhile the Stingr CFR “is a race-ready aero helmet built for top steps and personal best.”

Which really means less vents and better aerodynamics plus no light option.