Useful for all BMX and off-road riding, the protectors are an essential part of any rider's equipment. Knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors... bicycle protectors protect, along with the helmetthe most exposed parts of the body in the event of a fall. The challenge facing these products is twofold, since they must provide maximum protection while remaining flexible enough not to impede movement during effort. To achieve this, manufacturers are working on super-intelligent materials, whose applications are not limited to sports equipment alone, since they are also used in industry and military equipment. SAS-Tec and D3O technologies in particular are used by brands specializing in protection for mountain bikes and BMX.
D3O technology
D3O technology is a must-have for protective equipment in many fields, including several sports (skiing, motorcycling, mountain biking, etc.). The British company D3O works with a polymer compound to form an intelligent shape-memory foam that modifies itself according to stress.
- how does the d3O work?
At rest, it offers a suppleness that doesn't hinder the athlete's movement, while its molecules harden under the slightest impact, ensuring effective shock absorption.
A Shock absorption
B Outer surface
C Inner layer
D Molecules in motion > Soft, flexible material
E Molecules get stuck > Molecules in motion
F Impact energy is absorbed and dissipated > Matter becomes soft again
sas-tec technology
Developed for motorcycling, skiing and mountain biking - all sports requiring effective protection - technology from German company SAS-Tec is based on viscoelastic memory foam, which absorbs successive heavy impacts with 50% greater efficiency than conventional rigid protection.
- Above all, this foam is flexible when at rest, allowing it to follow the slightest movement of the mountain biker.
A Soft, flexible material
B Hardens under impact
C Material becomes soft again
fox f3 technology
New proprietary FOX F3 Armor technology, CE certified. A flexible material that adapts to your body shape and joints for perfect comfort and support, while offering maximum protection.
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Perfect fit
Your body heat softens the F3 to adapt perfectly to your morphology.
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Impact-resistant
The F3 absorbs impact in the event of a fall, offering total protection and optimum mobility.
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ce certification
CE certification EN1621-1 level 1 coverage
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Ease of use
F3 inserts are removable and easily repositioned for easy maintenance and machine washing of protectors
poc vpd technology
The Swedish brand has developed VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) technology for maximum rider protection. Made from viscoelastic polymer, it makes the protectors both comfortable and high-performance. When worn, they follow the rider's movements perfectly thanks to their flexibility, but in the event of impact they harden and absorb the forces perfectly.
- VPD System The Swedish brand has developed VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) technology for maximum rider protection. Made from viscoelastic polymer, it makes the protectors both comfortable and high-performance. VPD System technology can be found on the manufacturer's vests, elbow pads, knee pads, shin guards and shorts.
Three ranges of protections use this technology:
The VPD System for protection and freedom of movement.
VPD 2.0, with the brand's highest level of protection.
The VPD Air is the lightest and most breathable with a good level of protection.
Leatt 3df technology
Drawing on unique know-how and recognized expertise acquired in its research and testing laboratory, South African brand Leatt has developed its own technology for rider protection, known as 3DF.
