ABUS TimeShifter – The Fastest ABUS Helmet Ever

Scientifically developed, validated by pro riders. The challenge: Speed is relative.

Developing a time trial helmet is one of the most complex tasks in competitive cycling. Aerodynamic efficiency depends on many factors, resulting from the interplay of body measurements, riding position, arm position, head movement, and external conditions such as wind and course profile.

There is therefore no single helmet that is universally the fastest option for every athlete under all conditions. Models that perform well in individual tests can lose significant performance when rider positions change or with different rider types.

ABUS deliberately chose not to make generalised wattage claims. Instead, the new TimeShifter was developed and validated through a multi-stage process involving 112 CFD simulations, 194 wind tunnel runs, and 39 velodrome tests. The goal was not to create a helmet for a perfect lab position, but the fastest ABUS helmet for the widest possible range of riders and real-world racing situations.

“We didn’t want a marketing claim, but an honest answer to the crucial question: how can we develop the fastest ABUS helmet for the majority of riders?” says Lennart Bechheim, Product Manager at ABUS.

Swiss precision meets ABUS security

A key component of the development process was the partnership with aerodynamics specialist Swiss Side, a technology partner with roots in Formula 1 and extensive experience in high-performance cycling and triathlon.

This collaboration enabled an objective, data-driven evaluation during every stage of development, from the initial CAD geometry to the final production prototypes. CFD analysis, wind tunnel testing, and velodrome testing were systematically combined to draw reliable conclusions about real-world performance gains.

“Thanks to Swiss Side’s know-how and expertise, we were able to make measurable progress. When we realised that, for a very large proportion of the athletes we tested, no other helmet was faster, that became the turning point for us,” says Lennart Bechheim.

Multi-Position Approach – Developed for Real-World Racing Conditions

In time trials, head and arm positions are never static. Fatigue, course profile, and race dynamics lead to constant changes in position, directly affecting aerodynamics. To simulate this reality, ABUS developed the TimeShifter using a reproducible dummy setup with four realistic riding positions:

• Head Up and Head Down

• Flat Arms and Angled Arms

The goal was to achieve “robust” aerodynamics – a helmet that delivers consistently low drag numbers across a realistic range of head and arm positions.

The result: a significant aerodynamic improvement compared to the GameChanger TT 1.1, with projected savings of 10.5 to 14.7 watts at 50 km/h, while also improving cooling performance by up to 13%. Velodrome testing confirmed significant double-digit watt savings at 50 km/h with a very high level of repeatability.

Scientifically Quantified Time Savings

Swiss Side conducted performance simulations using real-world course profiles, including the 2024 Olympic Time Trial in Paris and the 2024 Challenge Roth. Results:

Olympic Time Trial (approx. 38 km):

• 34–42 seconds faster than the GameChanger TT 1.1.

Challenge Roth (180 km):

• 2:00–3:57 minutes faster than the GameChanger TT 1.1.

(The exact time savings depend on wind conditions. Data is based on simulations using the Swiss Side Performance Platform.)

Proven in the pro peloton and long-distance triathlon

The TimeShifter was tested in professional racing from the very beginning. Movistar athletes including Cat Ferguson and Ivan Romeo were closely involved throughout the development process in the wind tunnel, on the track, and in race environments. Marlen Reusser relied on the TimeShifter during the World Championship time trial, taking the title in 43:09 with a winning margin of nearly 52 seconds. German triathlete Jonas Schomburg achieved the fastest bike split at Challenge Roth 2025 wearing the TimeShifter.

“I love how comfortable it feels, and the results speak for themselves. The helmet is incredibly fast,” says Marlen Reusser, 2025 World Champion.

“The TimeShifter showed what it’s capable of in Roth, and it was an incredible feeling to cross the line with the fastest bike split,” says Jonas Schomburg.

Dual Visor Concept – Two Styles. One Goal: Individual Fit.

The TimeShifter is the first time trial helmet to feature two interchangeable visor shapes – Narrow and Wide – developed during the final phase of the project. Both alter the helmet’s effective width and shape, helping optimise the interaction between the rider and helmet. Wind tunnel testing with professional athletes showed that, depending on shoulder width and cockpit setup, visor choice can deliver measurable marginal gains.

ABUS recommends aero testing to validate the ideal visor choice for individual riders. However, both visors deliver aerodynamic benefits without compromising field of view or ventilation.

• Two sizes: M (54–58 cm) and L (57–61 cm)

• Colours: Velvet Black and Polar White

• Identical aerodynamic outer shape in both sizes; size adjustment via the helmet’s inner shell

• Dual Visor Concept (Narrow & Wide, magnetic, available in clear, tinted, and mirrored finishes)

• Cut Visor for athletes using particularly low or aggressive TT positions

• Forced Air Cooling System (CFD-optimised)

• In-Mold construction (EPS + PC)

• Zoom™ Spin adjustment system

• Magnetic FIDLOCK buckle

• UCI-compliant and TÜV-certified (CE 1078)

• Weight: 480 g (size M) and 505 g (size L)

Shifting Aerodynamic Limits

The ABUS TimeShifter isn’t just a successor, it’s a statement. For data-driven development. For transparent performance. For measurable speed. The TimeShifter is the fastest ABUS helmet ever, developed for the realities of time trials and a wide range of athletes, riding positions, and race setups.