ABUS "Made in Italy" Event
16.10.25 08:57 352025-10-16T08:57:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenCoffee, pasta, and head ventilation - at the ABUS event in Wiener Neudorf, everything revolved around Italian helmet artistry, German fine-tuning, and Austrian hospitality.Plus: First photos of the new gravel helmet Taipan.16.10.25 08:57 2202025-10-16T08:57:00+02:00
ABUS "Made in Italy" Event
16.10.25 08:57 2202025-10-16T08:57:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenCoffee, pasta, and head ventilation - at the ABUS event in Wiener Neudorf, everything revolved around Italian helmet artistry, German fine-tuning, and Austrian hospitality.
Plus: First photos of the new gravel helmet Taipan.16.10.25 08:57 2202025-10-16T08:57:00+02:00
Under the motto "Made in Italy," ABUS Austria invited selected specialist dealers to an exclusive event at the company headquarters in Wiener Neudorf in October. The program included not only new products and technical discussions but also a joint road cycling tour and an emotional presentation by Lukas Kaufmann about his RAAM experience. Bikeboard.at was, of course, there live.
And if you want to check out the new Taipan gravel helmet right now, click here for the Taipan special.
ABUS milestones of cycling
That ABUS has long had more than just reliable bicycle locks in its range is evident from a look at the current helmet portfolio. The German manufacturer has developed into a serious player in the high-end segment in recent years - with models that are sporty, technical, and visually on par with the established competition. This is no coincidence: the list of supported and contributing athletes reads like a who's who of international cycling:
Alejandro Valverde - World Champion 2018
Richard Carapaz - Giro Winner 2019
Annemiek van Vleuten - Tour de France Femmes 2022
Mathieu van der Poel - World Champion 2023
But ABUS has made a name for itself not only on the heads of professionals. Since 2016, the premium helmets have been manufactured in Italy - at Maxi Studio SRL, about an hour's drive from Venice. The factory has been part of the ABUS Group since 2021 and remains the centerpiece of the "Made in Italy" initiative to this day.
Handmade with passion - Helmets from Italy
Made in Italy is more than just a geographical indication of origin for ABUS. It is a promise of quality. Together with an EPS producer near Treviso, helmets are created at two locations that are not churned out on an assembly line but are handmade. Technological precision meets Italian passion here, or in other words: by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.
The list of "Made in Italy" models is impressive:
AirBreaker 2.0 (new for 2026)
GameChanger 2.0, 2.0 RF
GameChanger TT 1.1
StormChaser ACE
PowerDome
WingBack
Taipan (new for 2026)
ABUS "Made in Italy" Production 2.0
To streamline processes, increase capacities, and shorten distances, a new 8,000 m² production building is currently being constructed. In the future, design, development, manufacturing, and other business areas will be brought together under one roof—or better said, under one helmet.
Technological precision meets Italian passion.
ABUS "Made in Italy"
Three Helmet Highlights for 2026
ABUS presented its three new models for the 2026 season on-site - all "Made in Italy" and focused on aerodynamics, comfort, and safety, one of them brand new, two already reviewed by us.
#1 ABUS AirBreaker 2.0
The successor to the popular AirBreaker has not only been visually updated but also technically improved:
• 30% more ventilation thanks to optimized channeling
• ActiCage + Injected Carbon for additional safety
• Eyewear port as standard
• Ponytail-friendly adjustment system
• Aerodynamic straps
• Sizes: S (210g), M (220g), L (230g)
• Five colors: Velvet Black, Shiny White, Graphite Silver, All In Purple
• Three MIPS Air Node variants in black, white, and gray with Fidlock magnetic closure
• Price: € 299 (standard) or € 349 (MIPS)
You can already find our detailed review on Bikeboard.at!
Ventilation - Aerodynamics - Safety - Lightweight
Abus Airbreaker 2.0
#2 ABUS Taipan: The Gravel Specialist
Out of everyday life, into adventure – whether it's a sunrise ride, crossing the world, or a dusty after-work loop. The new ABUS Taipan is designed to handle it all: clip in your glasses at the front, attach a helmet lamp, and after an epic Gobi crossing, remove the pads, wash them, and you're good to go.
The slightly wider inner shape of the helmet provides space for thicker pads and more comfort – even when the ride gets bumpy. And even if it gets noisy uphill and your heart rate is maxed out, the Taipan stays cool. 18 ventilation openings, aerodynamic flow straps, and the clever air channel system ensure you don't overheat.
The Acti Cage provides stability despite generous ventilation and headlamp compatibility, the polycarbonate lower edge protects against scratches, and a reflective sticker helps you "be seen." A magnetic, lightweight USB-C rear light weighing only 20 grams (ACE Urban-I 4.0 / Taipan), which can easily be clicked on at the back, is included depending on the variant or optionally available for retrofitting.
ABUS Taipan Features
• Adventure-ready with 6 mm comfort padding (removable and washable)
• Eyewear port
• Headlamp-compatible despite robust ActiCage
• USB-C rechargeable LED rear light with magnetic attachment
• Six colors: Gray, White, Silver, Blue, Green, Beige
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Price: € 199.95 (Standard), € 229.95 (incl. LED rear light)
Co-developed and tested by Paul Voss, the man who won the Traka and the Red Bull Rio Grande Gravel, and is also a two-time German Gravel Champion. So, he knows exactly how gravel feels.
Coming soon in a review on Bikeboard.at - stay tuned!
Comfort - Safety - Visibility
ABUS Taipan
#3 ABUS GameChanger 2.0 RF (Round Fit Edition)
The popular aero helmet now also comes in a Round Fit version (also called Asia Fit) with an optimized fit for particularly wide oval-shaped heads.
• Only one size (M/L: 57–61 cm)
• Black, White, Gray, Pure-White
• MIPS version available (Black, White)
• Price: € 299.95 (Standard), € 349.95 (MIPS)
For anyone who found the previous (long oval) fit too tight around the temples: The GameChanger RF promises noticeable relief while still offering a secure fit with full aerodynamic performance.
Gamechanger 2.0 Features - Asia Fit
ABUS Gamechanger 2.0 RF
Welcome to ABUS Austria
Welcome to ABUS Austria
ABUS Ride
After the theory came the practice - a joint ride with ABUS guides, PowerBar support, and star participants, all in line with the motto:
No Race - don't touch the leader - just have fun.
Showers, refreshments, and a small goodie bag included. The weather? Golden. The mood? Equally so.
Lukas Kaufmann: RAAM presentation with goosebump factor
The crowning finale was delivered by Lukas Kaufmann, who this year achieved 2nd place in the Race Across America. In his presentation, he took the guests on the nearly 5,000 km long odyssey through heat, hunger, and hell.
Captivating, motivating, brutally honest – and a tribute to what is possible with determination and watts.
Conclusion of the day
The "Made in Italy" event by ABUS Austria was more than just a product presentation - it was a harmonious mix of expertise, exchange, community, and emotions. The new helmets spark a desire for more, and Lukas showed us that limits exist only in our minds.
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