2008 Fox Rampage Review

Published on July 2, 2008

It’s not often someone can say they have properly crash tested a lid. Probably because nobody wants to deliberately risk personal injury. However, this is one product which gets my whole hearted approval.

The 2008 Rampage is made from the same mould as the 2007 version. Its fiberglass shell houses 11 vents for keeping your head cool. New for 2008 is the new ’suede micro fiber’ lining, designed to wick away moisture. This is genuinely an improvement on last years model, as the padding doesn’t seem to end up as sodden as with the 07 model.

The lid exhibits Foxes MX background in design, and feels solid and confidence inspiring. However, it weighs in at only 1.2kg (or 2lbs 10oz). Also the gloss finish of my 2008 lid is much less prone to scratches than my 07, so take that into consideration if choosing one of the three designs.

I bought a 2007 Rampage lid shortly before going to France last year. During the course of a very wet week of riding I had several crashes which I would deem as ’severe’. One on Chevannes in Les Get resulted in me getting sparked out for several seconds, and another on Mont Cherie which resulted in the jersey I was wearing actually disintegrating as I tumbled down the shale mountainside. These were just two highlights in my catalogue of crashes whilst riding in the Alps. In each case my Rampage lid did exactly what its supposed to; it kept my head safe.

Costing only £95, it falls into the cheaper end of the full-face scale, but its quality and features suggest a lid which should cost more. For more information hit www.foxeurope.com.