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.