By Matthew Cole
Carbon Bionic Neck Support (Matthew Cole/BikeRadar.com)
Alpinestars have been making kit for motocross and motor car racing drivers for years, and they’ve now decided to try their hand at making protection and clothes aimed at downhill mountain bike riders.
The top product at the Alpinestars stand at this year’s Eurobike Show was the Carbon Bionic Neck Support – a support to reduce the risk and severity of injury, most likely during downhill racing. As with other neck braces, including the Leatt Moto GPX Club Neckbrace the Carbon Bionic from Alpinestars works by providing a load path for the energy that compresses the neck during a crash.
Much research and development has gone into the creation of the new support, for example the rear stabiliser is designed to bend and fracture if too much load is channelled into it. The neck support is also supposed to help with reducing possible muscular injury, keeping the head from moving too much in the event of a crash.
Shoulder height can be finely adjusted too for a more custom fit.
Opening at the front, it can be dismantled very easily should it need to be during an emergency.
The Carbon Bionic Neck Support costs €549, and a cheaper non-carbon version will set you back €249.
Keeping with the theme of protection, Alpinestars have a range of knee and elbow protection too. With some cool graphics and the company’s distinctive ‘astar’ logo, we think they look pretty cool.
The €79.95 Moab knee guard has been designed with help from the company’s knowledge in the world of MotoGP, so these guys definitely know what they’re doing. Plenty of venting should keep the sweat to a minimum.
The MTB Bionic Jacket has been designed to be used (although doesn’t have to be) with the Bionic Neck Support. It has elbow and shoulder protectors, as well as a ventilated chest and ergonomic back protector which follows the curve of the back. It’ll be €229.
MTB Techstar pants
The MTB Techstar pants have been built with maximum movement in mind. There’s plenty of adjustability with a TPR rear yoke, d-ring adjusters, movable internal foam pads and stretch elastic inserts in the crotch-based region. Retailing at €119.95, they come in black/grey/ white or white/black/red.
MTB Techstar longsleeve jersey
We reckon the €44.95 long sleeve jersey is going to be a big hit. Panelled to fit a riding position, the jersey also has unobtrusive shoulder seams that don’t interfere with a neck brace system.
The €39.95 3/4 sleeve jersey is made from a light polyester microfibre material and has mesh panels in the right places for maximum ventilation.
Yes, these Gravity shorts look sweeter than a sugared bratwurst. There’s lots of built-in adjustability on these €89.95 shorts and they’re vented where it matters. We can’t wait to try a pair and go riding.
