THE LATEST TRI GEAR

£ 179.99 The name promises much but can this Abus deliver?

Can the Abus GameChanger change the helmet game? We find out

Exactly how much the GameChanger lives up to its name is debateable seeing as it bears an uncanny resemblance to Specialized’s Evade helmet. The shape, lines, vent placement and rear ports of the new Abus lid all look familiar, and the similarities aren’t limited to the exterior. Even the slim internal padding around the forehead is comparable to that found inside the Evade.

Yet there’s one clear difference between the two helmets: the size. The GameChanger is smaller and the reason for its decreased size is to cut down drag. According to the Abus website, the GameChanger’s design “features a significantly reduced surface area exposed to the wind in all conditions. [Offering] optimised aerodynamics, regardless of head tilt and inflow angle. It offers 23% less frontal surface area than our current top helmet.” This also means Abus’s lid is a little lighter than Specialized’s; 273g for the medium (52-58cm) compared to 278g for the equivalent Evade. The differences in size and weight aren’t much but they result in a lid that feels like less of canoe when it’s on your head. Yet the GameChanger isn’t exactly great to wear. It’s adequate but the bare polystyrene interior and slightly wobbly fit mean you never forget you’re wearing it. And that’s a problem because while it looks like the Specialized Evade, what it could really use is comfort that’s similar to the Kask Protone and stability that’s similar to the Giro Synthe. Especially as it already shares a price tag that’s similar to all three. RB zyrofisher.co.uk