The Fox Crossframe Pro provides the security and safety of a brand famous for its gravity-style riding helmets, along with the ventilation and comfort needed to make it suitable for longer rides. The helmet has a slim appearance with a peaked look, and claims to be lightweight and well-ventilated, although this is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Read on to see how it compares with the best mountain bike helmets.
Fox Crossframe Pro helmet – Technical details
The Crossframe Pro helmet is the lightest and most versatile helmet from Fox. It is suitable for all kinds of riding, including trail riding, cross-country, gravel, and even some road riding. The helmet is available in three different sizes: Small (51-57cm), Medium (55-59cm), and Large (59-63cm) and is available in seven different colours to suit all preferences. The Crossframe Pro is equipped with Mips rotational protection and is manufactured using a dual-density EPS construction method, ensuring optimal safety and protection.
It features a rear cradle that can be adjusted using BOA adjustment, a snap-lock four-position height adjustment, and a Fidlock Snap buckle retention. With its 23 vents, the helmet is designed to provide lots of ventilation and two TPU inserts fitted to the front vents securely hold a pair of glasses when not in use.
Fox Crossframe Pro helmet – Performance
The Boa adjustment is simple to use but the rear cradle is something to try and get the fit right before riding. During the first few rides, I experienced some discomfort from the side straps rubbing, and they are a little fiddly to use and adjust but the wide section beneath the year means there is plenty of clearance when they are set correctly. The Fidlock Snap buckle is great and intuitive and remains secure and quiet during use. It’s easy to operate with just one hand, even on the coldest days when you can barely feel your fingers.
One frustration with the fit and the straps is the small excess strap retention as it is too slack and occasionally moved back down towards the Fidlock clamp while riding. It will be possible to create some form of mod to prevent it from happening but it shouldn’t be a requirement for a new helmet.
Fox claims it’s a lightweight helmet but that will depend on your point of reference. The claimed weight is 330g (+/- 30g) for the small, up to 390g (+/- 40g) for the large. The actual weight of the medium test helmet is 336g. If you are used to more cross-country-orientated helmets, the Crossframe might feel weighty giving away 50-100g over some brands and models. Once worn, the weight is not noticeable and feels very well balanced around the full circumference.
The vents are functional but you need to be moving at a good speed to feel any significant airflow and for harder-effort rides or on warmer days, sweat started to become a problem.
Fox has effectively covered one vent and inside there is a TPU gusset with a specific design to hold the glasses in place. I tried several different glasses, some with straight arms and others with bends and they all worked well, giving a secure fit with no knocking or movement while riding.
Fox Crossframe Pro helmet – Verdict
Does the helmet look good? Everyone will have their opinion but I think it looks great. If you are looking for a helmet for more cross-country and gravel riding but don’t want the “roadie” look, it is one of the best currently available.
The 100% Altis Gravel helmet is similar in some ways but I found the Fox Crossframe more comfortable and better ventilated. The 100% is £90, which is less than half the price of the £190 Crossframe. The Altis Gravel doesn’t have Mips but it does have a different rotational protection system making the price difference harder to justify.
The Fox Crossframe Pro may be a difficult purchase to justify due to the cheaper options available in the market. However, I think it looks great and, while it may not be the ideal choice for racing, it stands out as one of the most comfortable helmets for general riding. It balances the weight well across the head, making it a great option for riders looking for comfort and style.
You might also like:
- What is a Mips helmet? Is it safer, what does Mips mean?
- Is big travel necessary for UK trails?
- Gravel bike vs mountain bike: what are the differences?
Product purpose:
Versatile, lightweight trail helmet
The all-new Crossframe Pro Helmet is bred for elevated heart rates, flat-out sprints, and everything in between. Lightweight, versatile, and crafted with Mips® and BOA®, this helmet is ready for any trail that you are.
Build extra:
• Mips® added protection system has been proven to reduce the rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by absorbing and redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain
• Dual-density Varizorb EPS provides improved protection by spreading forces of impact across a wider area
• FIDLOCK SNAP helmet buckle provides quick and secure entry and exit, even while wearing gloves
• Strap divider adjustment for repositioning the angle of the chinstrap
• Removable, washable Ionic+® liner is anti-microbial and manages odor while wicking moisture away from the head
• Optimized venting with channeled, in-molded EPS provides efficient cooling
• BOA® Fit System with micro-adjustability allows you to fine-tune your fit on the fly
• Rear cradle adjustment for setting the BOA dial to an ideal position
• TPU vent inserts to keep your sunglasses securely stored when not in use
Size
• Sizes: small, medium, and large (see size guide for measurements)
How to Dial Your Fit
• BOA® dial: micro adjustments – counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten – allows for a precisely dialed fit. Adjust while wearing the helmet.
• Back cradle: four points of adjustment move the cradle up or down your head to ensure the best fit possible.
• Liner: two liners are included with the helmet – a preinstalled standard pad set and one additional standard pad set. For a more snug fit, there’s an optional thick liner set sold separately.
Product construction
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Overall performance:
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Product dislikes:
The straps have plenty of adjustment, but the method to hold the excess out of the way is poor.
