Product news: The Koblenz-based direct-to-consumer brand Canyon is expanding its portfolio and introducing the Deflectr, its first dedicated mountain bike helmet primarily aimed at trail riders. Instead of relying on licensed products for rotational impact protection, Canyon presents its own proprietary RLS technology, which immediately caused a stir in the Virginia Tech rankings. We took a closer look at the details of this new half-shell helmet.
Safety through controlled movement: The RLS system
Technically speaking, Canyon has departed from the classic single-mold construction with the Deflectr. The helmet features a double-shell design. The key innovation, however, lies in what's between these two shells: a sliding layer membrane. This membrane consists of a layer of polycarbonate spheres. The idea behind this is to reduce rotational forces, which are often more critical for the brain in a fall off-road than a purely linear impact.
In the event of a crash, these spheres allow for controlled movement between the two helmet shells. If a defined impact energy threshold is exceeded, the polycarbonate spheres can detach from the membrane at the affected area. Their rolling motion allows the shells to shift more easily against each other. This system is designed to significantly reduce the rotational energy that would otherwise be transferred unfiltered to the head. That this works not only in theory is confirmed by the renowned safety ranking from Virginia Tech: The Deflectr debuted with the top rating of 5 stars and currently holds first place in the ranking at launch.
Fit and ventilation: HighBar instead of tangled straps
Besides safety, comfort plays a crucial role on the trail. Canyon takes a modern approach here, foregoing traditional strap systems. Instead, they use the HighBar system, version 1.5. This is a rigid plastic bar that encircles the chin and is finely adjusted via a dial at the back of the head. The HighBar system has already been used on Canyon's road helmets and has proven its worth.
While this solution may be visually polarizing, it offers functional advantages: The fit is generally very defined, and the often annoying flapping of straps at high speeds is completely eliminated. Furthermore, Canyon promises improved comfort and optimized compatibility with goggles in the new version 1.5 – a point often criticized in earlier versions of such systems. Extra-large vents on the top are designed to provide the necessary cooling on long climbs, while precisely shaped intake and exhaust channels direct airflow through the helmet at higher speeds.
Features for everyday trail riding
Beyond its basic protective function, the Deflectr proves to be a well-designed companion for trail riding. The visor is adjustable to three positions. This is practically a must these days to create space for goggles when they're not needed. But Canyon has also considered riders who wear traditional sports glasses: The visor and front section are designed so that the glasses can be securely stowed at the front of the helmet – a small but essential detail for everyday use.
The integration of the Canyon rear light system is particularly interesting for those who ride to the trails at dusk or in traffic. The Deflectr is compatible with a magnetic rear light that attaches directly to the helmet. Positioning it on the head has the advantage over mounting it on the seatpost that the light cannot be obscured by a loose rain jacket or a lowered dropper post, significantly increasing visibility.
Canyon Deflectr: Weight, price and availability
Despite its complex double-shell construction and RLS system, the Canyon Deflectr remains pleasingly lightweight. In size M, the half-shell helmet weighs approximately 326 grams. This places it competitively among lightweight trail and all-mountain helmets, and it shouldn't become a burden even on long rides.
The Deflectr is available now in three colors: a simple "Black," a sandy "Desert," and a greenish "Metallic Olive." Canyon is asking €159,95 for the Deflectr. Considering the technology used and its ranking at Virginia Tech, the helmet is positioned in the mid- to upper-price segment, but remains below the price tags of some high-end competitors.
The helmet can be ordered exclusively via the Canyon website or the Canyon app.