Fox has gone visorless with the new Crossframe Pro, a lid targeted at XC and the rapidly growing gravel scene. Despite losing the peak, this lightweight helmet packs mountain features into a compact and extremely comfortable package.
It comes with a MIPS Evolve Core liner, micro-adjustable BOA retention system, FidLock magnetic clasp and dual-density Varizorb EPS foam. This combines two densities of EPS foam connected with a conical interface, which Fox claims spreads forces over a wider area.
Weighing 350g in a size medium, it doesn’t quite delve into the realm of featherweight XC and gravel lids, but it’s not porky either.
Once on, the helmet feels snug, light and airy. It has rubberised vent inserts to hold your sunnies and a removable and washable Ionic+ liner that is also said to be anti-microbial. We can’t comment on how inhospitable the liner is to microscopic bugs, but it does an excellent job of moving moisture away from your head while riding.
Fox Crossframe Pro on the trail
The Crossframe Pro is one of those helmets that you forget you even have on. The weight is hardly noticeable, and once your fit is dialled in with the BOA retention system, there is no movement or noise from the helmet or MIPS liner. Surprisingly, it has remarkably similar coverage to the Speedframe, they even share a similar vent arrangement though the Crossframe has a few extras. The Crossframe looks deceivingly smaller due to the lack of a visor, however side by side there is not much in it.
Worth noting, is that the fit of the Crossframe is tighter than the Speedframe, and slightly rounder. For my 57.5cm noggin, I felt like I was close to the max size for the shell, even though the medium is said to cover 55-59cm diameter heads like the Speedframe. So, make sure you try one on before buying. If you are at the higher end of the size range, you may need to size up.
Who is the Crossframe for?
For a gravel or XC helmet, there is a lot to like about the Crossframe.
It’s lightweight, has excellent ventilation, and you hardly notice when you have it on. With coverage verging on what the Speedframe offers, it’s a solid option for riders who spend hours in the saddle on their gravel bikes and those who are not drop bar singletrack adverse too. Here is probably where it is best suited, it can comfortably double as your gravel and XC helmet.
If you are tossing up between the Crossframe and Proframe helmets for more XC and light trail use, the key differences are the fit, lack of a visor, the lighter weight and extra vents found on the Crossframe.
