Alpinestars have been making kit for motocross and 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.
Carbon Bionic Neck Support
The top product at the Alpinestars stand at this year's Eurobike show was the Carbon Bionic Neck Support. As with other neck braces, including the Leatt Moto GPX Club Neckbrace, it works by providing a load path for the energy that compresses the neck during a crash. It is also supposed to reduce the chance of muscular injury by keeping the head from moving too much.
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. Shoulder height can be finely adjusted, too, for a more custom fit.
Opening at the front, it can be dismantled 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.
MTB Bionic Jacket
The MTB Bionic Jacket has been designed to be used (although it 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.
Moab knee guard
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 sweat to a minimum.
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. Retailing at €119.95, they come in black/grey/white or white/black/red.
MTB Techstar long-sleeve jersey
We reckon the €44.95 long-sleeve jersey is going to be a big hit. Panelled to fit when riding, it has unobtrusive shoulder seams that won't interfere with a neck brace.
Gravity 3/4-length jersey
The 3/4-length sleeve jersey costs €39.95 and is made from a light polyester microfibre material, with mesh panels in all the right places for maximum ventilation.
Gravity shorts
The Gravity shorts look sweeter than a sugared bratwurst. There's lots of built-in adjustability and they're vented where it matters. We can't wait to try a pair and go riding. RRP is €89.95.
We'll have a review of items in the new Alpinestars line-up very soon. Let us know what you think about the new range in the comments section below.
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