Opinion

Not just for downhillers – the Abus HiDrop full-face helmet

2.4.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

As you get older, your bone density decreases. This makes it all the more important to have the most comprehensive protection possible while riding a mountain bike. In addition to protectors, I’ve also recently started using the HiDrop full-face MTB helmet from Abus. For good reason.

«It gets a bit chaotic for a bit from here.» Flashback to summer 2023. On the go with my e-MTB, I stand atop Blauen mountain (page in German) with weak knees. A risky section of trail lies ahead of me, peppered with stones and roots. There are three of us, and my buddy Pascal, who knows the area best, explains what to do next. Chaotic.

While the other two master the section quickly and without any major problems, I fly out of the saddle involuntarily twice. I’m scared, I’m tense, my position on the bike isn’t quite right, so it simply can’t go well. During the second fall, I land head first on the trail, maybe half a meter in front of a large, jagged stone. A little further and I’d have hit my face on it. «Speed is your friend», shoots through my head. Someone once gave me this advice for biking. Jerking on the brakes going downhill rarely works out.

HiDrop full-face helmet from Abus

That was almost a year ago, but the experience still sticks in my craw. Since then I’ve always been mountain biking with protective gear. However, a classic bike helmet protects the head, not the face. One possible solution to this problem would be to simply stop falling. I’m working on it. Another option is called HiDrop and comes from Abus.

Bike helmets

CHF189.–

Abus HiDrop

It’s a full-face helmet with an additional chin guard to protect the face. These helmets also meet stricter safety standards than conventional bicycle helmets. As a rule, bikers use them for downhill rides, in bike parks and on enduro trails (article in German).

Technologies

ABS shell with a core made of EPS and EPP
Meets the ASTM F1952, ASTM F2032, EN1078, CPSC, AS/NZ standards
Breathable, insertable cheek pads
Breakaway visor, canopy breaks off on impact
Design suitable for glasses

I still get nervous on downhill sections like these and sometimes fly out the saddle voluntarily. Especially when it’s still damp, like here.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

Sections like this are good for me to ride. — I still get nervous on downhill sections like these and sometimes fly out the saddle voluntarily. Especially when it’s still damp, like here.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

What about Crosscountry?

However, I’m neither a downhiller nor do I jump through the air in bike parks. Bone density and so on. I basically just ride cross-country. And although this helmet isn’t purposely made for this discipline – it weighs 1070 grammes in size M, after all – it also works for cross-country after some initial familiarisation. For comparison, the Ravel from Alpina, which I usually wear on my gravel bike, weighs 290 grammes.

Then there’s the goggle, as the HiDrop isn’t equipped with a visor. The obvious choice here is to use the Abus product. In my case, it’s a model from the Buteo glasses series. That one in turn adds an extra 140 grammes to the bike. In addition to the HiDrop, this goggle is also compatible with the CliffHanger and MoDrop.

Sports glasses

CHF53.–

Abus Buteo

Infra Red, Infra Red

Technologies

Double-layer anti-fog glass
40 mm silicone-coated goggle strap for a non-slip fit
Special foam plus fleece layer for better wear comfort
Removable nose guard for a comfortable and secure fit
Available with clear and mirrored, tinted lenses

Made for each other: Abus HiDrop and the Buteo.
Source: Patrick Bardelli

An option for me

As already mentioned, the combination of helmet and goggle still feels strangely unfamiliar on the first few metres of the first ride. I naturally work up quite a sweat on the uphill sections with this brick on my head, despite the E-assist. On the other hand, it feels all the better in the other direction, i.e. downhill. The feeling of increased safety is transferred to my driving style, without becoming reckless. Once again, the memory of last summer is still very much with me. But there are two or three places that I pass with more conviction than usual. It feels good.

Putting the HiDrop back on my bald head after a short photo break, on the other hand, doesn’t feel so good. Wet, cooled upholstery on skin is pretty icky. Three turns later, however, this is no longer an issue. Back at home, I’m even surprised at how quickly the inside of the helmet is dry again. It happens in a flash.

Will I bring this helmet with me on every ride? Probably not. It’s too heavy for that. However, if the forecast is «chaotic» once again, the HiDrop from Abus will be my first choice.

Header image: Patrick Bardelli

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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Not just for downhillers – the Abus HiDrop full-face helmet

HiDrop full-face helmet from Abus

Technologies

What about Crosscountry?

Technologies

An option for me

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