Test/product presentation: Even if it doesn't seem that long ago that racing bike pros went out without helmets on big tours, it's hard to imagine life without them. It doesn't matter whether it's about modern cycling for racing cyclists, leisure sports or everyday life. If you look at the topic from the performance side, it quickly becomes clear that there is hardly a supposedly small adjustment screw that has such a big impact on overall performance and speed as a helmet. As the name suggests, the Abus Gamechanger also wants to make things happen and not only make drivers faster, but also equip them with more safety and comfort. You can find out how to do this here!
The development of the new Abus Gamechanger was primarily geared towards performance and aerodynamics. For this, the German manufacturer had teamed up with the leading WorldTour team Movistar and was able to test all changes under racing conditions on this basis.
Abus Gamechanger - Multi Position Design
One of the highlights of the Abus Gamechanger is the so-called multi-position design. This is said to have completely redefined aerodynamics, as the helmet has been optimized for every air flow and for real racing conditions. This means that you want to achieve optimal aerodynamics with the Gamechanger at every flow angle. For this purpose, the engineers, designers and athletes worked together to develop a unique flow pattern, which is intended to ensure optimal aerodynamics. According to the product developers, it should even be possible to save more than two-digit watts at racing speeds, depending on the flow angle.
Keep a cool head despite the closed front
But aerodynamics and speed are not everything. Especially if you overheat too much under the helmet, your own performance can suffer greatly and the aerodynamic advantages would be gone very quickly. For this purpose, the Abus Gamechanger was equipped with the so-called Forced Air Cooling Technology for a pleasant head temperature. Ventilation openings have been installed in the largely closed front so that the air can circulate ideally and you don't sweat too much.
Safety thanks to Abus Multi Shell In Mold construction
With so much performance and aerodynamics, hardly anyone talks about what a helmet primarily stands for. Namely protection and safety! Here, too, Abus is at the forefront and, with the Multi Shell In Mold construction, ensures the highest level of protection when it really counts. A durable combination of the multi-part outer shell and shock-absorbing helmet material (EPS) is used here to give us the best possible protection in an emergency.
Abus game changer in practice
So much for the features on paper. Of course we wanted to know how the Abus Gamechanger could be driven in practice. We weren't able to test the aerodynamics under laboratory conditions, but at higher speeds in the lower links, you could pretty much feel how the air was being directed over the helmet and then down your back. In addition to the air flow over the helmet, you can also feel the air flowing through the helmet, which ensures good ventilation and prevents you from sweating too much. Thumbs up for that, especially with an aero helmet! The weight of 270 grams is just as positive, which is definitely impressive for a helmet in this category and contributes positively to the overall performance.
The fit of a helmet is always particularly important to us. With its universal shape, the Gamechanger should be able to cover a variety of head shapes. The right size can be found quickly and easily thanks to the finely adjustable dial. However, we noticed that the Abus helmet has no clips to adjust the strap on the sides around the ears. The length of the strap can only be adjusted on the chin. But we really like the fact that the straps don't flap stupidly in the wind and are even skin-friendly and pleasant to the touch. When it comes to fit, Abus has also taken pigtails into consideration. A recess is used here on the back of the helmet, which offers enough space for long hair.
Another great feature on the back is the so-called airport, which serves as a glasses holder. This allows the cycling goggles to be attached to the helmet and stowed away quickly and fairly securely.
