In 2006, the Fox Flux broke ground as one of the first mountain bike helmets designed for more aggressive trail riding. Which was great, but times have changed. We’re all riding more aggressively, chasing enduro segments and sending XC bikes off ever larger jumps. Because we can. Bikes have evolved. It’s time the Flux did, too.
The Flux has been in their line for 12 years, virtually unchanged the entire time, so it was long overdue for an update. Their open-framed full face ProFrame was a huge success for them, so they borrowed some of the key features from it to create their new reference trail helmet. Key features include large, wide open venting, a massive range of adjustability, quick-connect magnetic buckles, and sleek modern looks. Two models will be available, one with MIPS protection and additional upgrades, and one without. First, the MIPS model…
The Retention mechanism wraps almost all the way around your head and is very flexible, so you won’t get any pressure points. It has two connection points on the front and four in the back to let you customize the fit, particularly helpful if you’re between sizes or have an oddly shaped noggin. It comes with two sets of X-Static pads, both the same size, so you can replace it as needed.
Two different densities of EPS foam are co-molded into a single piece during construction. They call it Varizorb, and it’s designed to help spread impact forces across a larger area. This cutaway shows them in two different colors for visualization, but retail models are all black.
The Flux uses an internal reinforcement cage molded into the EPS. This helps keep the helmet intact in the event of a major wreck.
The straps end in a magnetic buckle, which holds securely but is quick and easy to hook and unhook. We’ve all been there at the start of a climb, settled into a rhythm, only to realize we forgot to re-buckle our helmet. This one lets you do it one handed so you can keep rolling.
Visor is adjustable and holds in place, swiveling far enough up to rest a set of goggles underneath if that’s your style.
Retail is €145 (£115), and there’s a new XS/S size to better fit kids and smaller adults, plus the usual S/M and L/XL. Actual weight on our scale for the S/M was 400g.
Also in the line is a standard non-MIPS model that shares all features except the MIPS and comes with a standard padded liner and buckle. That one’s €95 (£80), weight is 367g on our scale. US$ pricing TBD. Available now.
2018 FOX PROFRAME GETS NEW COLORS
The Fox ProFrame full face helmet gets color updates to go with it’s impressively ventilated design. Weighing in at a claimed 750-ish grams, it not only works well with sunglasses and lets you hear your surroundings, it has a DH-certified chin bar. It comes with multiple pads so you can customize the fit and a magnetic buckle. Retail is €270.
