BOA® Proves Performance Gains in Cycling Shoes and Announces New FS2 Helmet Fit System

Celebrating 25 years of innovation, BOA® works closely with world-class cycling brands to improve performance through superior fit in footwear and headwear, including the all-new FS2 dial platform for helmets. BOA® supports cyclists in having a better start and a stronger finish.

For road cyclists and mountain bikers, this translates into improved speed, power transfer, energy efficiency, stability, and control, which accumulate over time to result in faster times.

Insights from BOA®'s Human Performance Fit Lab (HPFL) reiterate the value of a superior fit in all disciplines. Compared to traditional laces, the BOA® Fit System and BOA®-powered wrap structures allow for more efficient acceleration, providing a net power gain of 3 watts at the start of a ride and 7 watts at the end, reducing the rider's finish time by up to 1.5%. This effect exceeds the difference in aerodynamic drag with shoes. Furthermore, a firm and uniform fit improves stability and control, helping riders maintain higher speeds across various terrains and long-distance rides. These gains resulted in a 1 minute and 30 second reduction in time during a 1-hour ride on a 21.5km climb with an average gradient of 7.5%.

Compared to traditional laces, the BOA® Fit System offers the following benefits:

- Road Cycling: Up to 3% improvement in power transfer, up to 1.5% improvement in energy efficiency, and up to 3.5% improvement in speed.
- Downhill Mountain Biking: Up to 3% improvement in power transfer, up to 4% improvement in stability and control, and up to 3.5% improvement in speed.

Building on this proven performance, BOA® has further evolved the fit for cycling helmets with the next-generation dial platform, FS2. FS2 is designed to realize Dynamic360™ micro-adjustability and precision fit in both tightening and loosening directions. With 40% finer adjustment than traditional helmet fit systems, FS2 allows athletes to micro-adjust their fit with sub-millimeter precision even while riding.

Developed after extensive testing at BOA®'s HPFL, FS2 provides a more uniform fit and reduces pressure points, offering a sophisticated and personalized fit experience. The highly adaptive, low-friction, lace-based system wraps evenly around the head, balancing tension and reducing peak pressure to achieve a 6% stronger hold than traditional helmet fit systems. The design with split yokes and frontal guides secures the occipital bone and stabilizes the sides of the head to provide a true custom fit for various head shapes, with additional vertical adjustment for even finer control. Unlike traditional helmet fit systems where pressure is concentrated at the front and back of the head, FS2 realizes a safer and more uniform fit by evenly distributing tension across the entire head. The FS2 dial platform is made using 36% recycled materials.