Complementing the futuristic Predict bike prototype, which it is showing at the Eurobike event in Frankfurt from June 24 to 27, Canyon Bicycles GmbH revealed a Stingr AR (augmented reality) smart helmet prototype. It offers a glimpse into how future wearable tech can make a significant impact on rider safety and performance for any other bike as a stand-alone device.

Along with the Predict bike prototype (see our coverage here), the helmet innovation reinforces Canyon’s long-term commitment to performance, safety, and digital integration. The overall goal of the helmet visor is to provide intelligent, context-aware insights, rather than simple data and alerts, and to allow the rider to give commands or to toggle through data views without needing to take their hands off the handlebars.

The new concept is built on the architecture of the company’s existing Stingr aero helmet, delivering the premium head protection and aerodynamics riders expect, packaged into an attractive aero helmet shell with state-of-the-art features.

Data visualizations such as road hazards, the behavior of other road users, group-ride dynamics, and advice on riding behavior can be displayed on the helmet’s HUD (headup display) on the inside of a retractable visor. They are primarily projected into the rider’s peripheral vision to minimize cognitive load and keep the user’s primary focus squarely on the road ahead. Any alerts are designed to escalate in scale, including both customizable haptic sensations and warnings appearing centrally on screen.

Its primary function, setting it apart from other eyewear data systems, is to provide instantly visible alerts about the behavior of other road users—such as brake light activation and crash detection—through the Canyon Predict system, including prediction, distance, terrain, and group ride assists.

When multiple Canyon helmets are within range, they automatically form a low-power mesh network. Each helmet shares its state—related to position, speed, braking, and hazards—so every rider in the group benefits from the collective awareness of all riders. Functionality includes braking cascade, forward hazards, rear vehicle warning, crash alert, formation-adaptation, and audio message broadcasting.

For performance-minded riders, on-visor metrics delivered either with or without the Predict system can include data such as speed, distance, time, cadence, power, elevation, and gradient. The possibility also exists for heart rate to be measured directly from the helmet and for other Bluetooth or Garmin ANT+ protocol compatible bike metrics, such as gear usage and battery levels, to be measured.

The motorized visor and HUD display’s transparent OLED panel act simultaneously as a protective visor and a HUD driven by a micro-motor, retracting/storing or deploying it on command. Every time the visor retracts into the helmet, it passes through a stationary wiper blade that cleans the exterior surface. The wiper is passive, having no motor or electronics, which means no additional power consumption is needed for cleaning.

Via voice control, a rider can speak commands without needing to remove their hands from the handlebars. The system uses a custom wake word, “Hey Canyon,” followed by a command, all processed entirely on device with no cloud dependency.

Voice commands are provided through a near-ear audio system. Its microphone allows all functions of the helmet to be accessed without the rider needing to take their hands off the handlebars. A rider can also operate the helmet by using touch buttons on the outer shell. The audio system also allows for warnings or notifications as well as route guidance (e.g., turn-by-turn directions, distance to destination, and elevation info), group messaging, or hands-free calling when connected to a smartphone.

The helmet operates completely independently of a phone during a ride. Once sensors are paired via a one-time setup via a companion app, the helmet maintains direct connections and displays all metrics on the HUD autonomously. A phone or bike computer can add optional extras, like navigation and notifications, but is never required for core cycling data.

To see Canyon’s Stingr Smart technology in action, as well as the Predict bike prototype, visit the company’s booth at Eurobike in Messe Frankfurt from June 24 to 27.