Source: http://dirt.mpora.com/news/leatt-dbx-comp-neck-brace.html (Dirt Magazine)

June 23rd, 2010 @ 4:58 PM | Author: billy

Leatt have just produced a mountainbike specific neck brace the DBX Comp which is based on the original GPX Club. The guys over at Hotlines have just sent one down to us to have a gander at.

The DBX comes in two models the DBX Ride at £229.99 and the more adjustable DBX Comp,which is what we’ve got here, is £349.99.

One of the main differences over the GPX is the low-profile shape which apparently is “designed specifically to meet the specific range-of-motion needs of cyclists”

The other key features are:

• The brace is constructed from glass-injected Nylon, whereby microscopic glass beads are infused into the plastic to increase its bond-strength. This makes for a controlled, stronger brace, without compromising the wearer’s safety.

• Certain parts of the brace are constructed from carbon-fiber that is reinforced with Kevlar®. This helps prevent the parts from shattering and sharp edges to protrude.

• At the back of the brace, fitting firmly on the muscles surrounding the spine, sits an engineered thoracic member that keeps the brace in position during an impact. This strut is designed to snap off at a certain force (roughly, one third of the force it takes to injure the spine).

• The rear-upper support acts as a crumple-zone, giving way under a severe load.

• A unique cut-out section ensures the brace and helmet helps avoid contact with the collarbone.

• Rounding off the construction of the brace is shock-absorbing Bio-foam. Biomechanically designed to help cushion the chin and contain the brace material in an accident, Bio-foam is also fully replaceable and machine-washable.

• The brace features two red-coloured clips that identifies emergency openings to paramedics.

• Leatt-Brace® is the only neck brace system that is CE certified (according to Personal Protective Equipment directive 89/686/EEC) and every product has been chemically tested and certified, so it is free of lead and other harmful additives.

• Maximum adjustability on the DBX Comp brace is achieved through six independent adjustment points and the brace is adjustable to suit most individual rider’s needs.

• Weight: approximately 790g ± 50g.

Ours tipped the office scales at 844g, we’ll let you know how we get on with this one and if it’s any better than the GPX.

Pete from Hotlines has sent us a series of top tips for achieving the perfect fit from the Leatt DBX brace (presuming you’ve used this sizing chart to buy the right one)

1. Using a 3mm Allen key, slacken off the bolts enough to allow you to move the plate into its lowest position. This will allow the greatest range of movement without compromising the safety of the brace.

1a. Repeating the above process for the front plate. Again, this will allow the maximum range of motion.

2. When fitting the Thorasic plate, position it with the two plates outboard of the carbon insert. This will effectively move the upper part of the rear plate further away from the base of the helmet, improving clearance and improving freedom of movement. A wedge is supplied in the box to angle the Thorasic so that it makes proper contact with your back.

2a-b. With the Thorasic in its most inboard position, fit the brace around your neck and allow it to rest freely on your shoulders. The brace is supplied with a 10mm spacer pre-fitted. With the brace on, breath in until your lungs are full. If the brace is sized properly, it should just start to squeeze against you when your lungs are full of air. If the brace is too big or too small, remove the spacers by using a 3mm Allen key to release the spacers. A 0mm, 10mm (pre-fitted), 20mm and 30mm spacer are supplied with every brace to get the perfect fit.

3-5. To further increase the clearance on the rear plate, by loosening the same bolts as in part 1. This will loosen off a plastic nut with a metal thread. This nut has a stud that is used to keep it running in the bolt holes. This stud is fitted between the bolt and the brace. By flipping the nut so that the stud is above the bolt, you can achieve an additional 2mm clearance at the bolt which equates to the almost 1cm at the end of the rear plate.

Dean at Five Ten had a few new offerings on display and was telling us that the much in demand Minnaar shoe is only about a month away from stores. The Minnaar and the Hellcat will be Five Ten’s first SPD compatible shoe offerings for those of us out there that do like to clip in while we ride. The demand has been high for this shoe, so expect the first ones to disappear from shelves quickly.

Minnaar Outer

Minnaar Sole

Hellcat Outer

Hellcat Sole

The other new offering from Five Ten is the Spitfire and its bold color way – Wild Blue Yonder.

Minnaar – $129 USD msrp
Hellcat – $119 USD msrp
Spitfire – $95 USD msrp

fiveten.com

The same run recorded from multiple angles and shown in sequence.

Nice track too!

Mt Bike Helmet, Bike Frame, and Handlebar Looking Back Views from GoPro on Vimeo.

This video medley shows 3 different mounting views on our buddy Craig Sanchez as he throws it down yet another good times run in Northern CA. Notice the stability and the good low light performance in the woods. It was about 4:30 PM. Massive improvement in low light performance (and stability) over the previous Helmet HERO model.

Long live the wides…long live GoPro.

Bell Drop Jimbo Choke

Remedy Carbon White/Gold Collage

Remedy White/Green Zombies

Check out the importer Madison for more: HERE

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.

Changes from the D2 to the D3:

- Added EPS foam for more protection. Approximately 1/4 inch more all around.

- Added more vents for air flow. The D2 features 8 vents, the D3 has 20.

- Aerodynamics have been increased for less wind resistance.

- All screws, bolts, and buckles are Titanium.

- 3 years in development.

- Only 100 grams heavier than the D2.

- Is going to cost $450 American.

- Released in October 2009.

Source: MTBcut.tv

Brendan Faircloughs Megacam.
Demonstrating what the POV.1.5 can do at altitude and a sneek peek at the chaos of the Mega Avalanche.