First Look - ION bike protection gear

Published: 2nd May 2013 | By AngusMcIntosh

ION releases its protection gear range featuring the “K_PACT” kneepad, “E_PACT” elbowpad and two crash shorts: “CLASH” for men and “FRANTIC” for women. All products stay fresh lon- ger due to their integrated “ANTI_SMELL” technology – an anti-bacterial treatment of the fabrics by Sanitized, a Switzerland based company.

A SAS-TEC main cushion-padding in the kneepads, a sophisticated construction of the elbow- pad (combining a memory foam padding and a hidden hard cap) plus a unique stamping pattern of the crash pants for maximum flexibility make all the difference to existing protection con- cepts.

After a good session in the bike-park, heading back home in the car, even the best standard protection usually reveals itself: A foul, sweaty smell is an unpleasant co-driver.

Sanitized vs. Smell:

A bad smell is primary caused by bacteria growth. Bacteria proliferate very fast in warm, moisty or sweaty environments. Without disinfection their number doubles every 20 minutes. To fight these invisible enemies, ION uses a weapon that has been almost unknown in the cycling industry before: A built-in Sanitized® hygiene & protection technology named Anti_Smell.

Sanitized® is an innovative Swiss antimicrobial material treatment that has proven its efficiency over the years in other applications, especially in the medical sector. Sanitized® prevents bacteria growth and odor development very effectively. ION, who is renown for wetsuits, already has been using this technology with a great success in their premium range of neoprene surf products.

The safety of Sanitized® is proven by strict tests that meet highest international standards and requi- rements. The used Sanitized® product is certified by OEKO-TEX 100, classes I-IV and Allergy UK. In addition, it is bluesign® approved, which guarantees a very ecofriendly production.

ION BIKE PROTECTION K_PACT

The K_PACT uses a proven sleeve construction, with Velcro straps on top and bottom including silicon prints on the inside for maximum slip resistance, even in extreme action. SAS-TEC, a German manufacturer of protection foams and pads, has a strong background in motorcycle gear (e.g. BMW uses it in all race clothing), but also earned some great reviews in the bike media in recent years. The asymmetrical side padding made of thinner Leightweight_EVA protects against lateral impacts and top tube contacts. Having a long-time experience in tailoring surf wetsuits and neoprene workmanship, ION’s pads promise to have a good fit and state of the art construction. The P_Type neoprene is the very same one ION uses in their wetsuits, but it is perforated for additional ventilation and breathability..

FEATUrES
Anti_Smell: Sanitized® treated material & fabric mix - no bacteria, no odor, no mildew - consistent fresh- ness for every ride
ionic_fit: adapted to the neutral riding position

MATErIALS
Power Aramid: high quality and durable
P_Type Neoprene: perforated but durable with perfect stretch . SAS-TEC® main padding
Lightweight_EVA side padding

ION BIKE PROTECTION E_PACT

Constructing the E_PACT, the main intention was to create a slim, lightweight and very comfy pad that you never think of when riding. First step to achieve this goal: a strong prefit. The ionic_fit concept means an almost 90 degrees prefit and a maximum of very thin mesh lining on the inside that goes all around to the edge of the padding. The result: absolutely no tweaks in the crook of the arm and great ventilation. The hidden hard cap is bent around proven HD_memory foam. This padding is also used in ION’s Kitesurf harnesses, easily adapts to the body contour and has great shock absorbing characteristics.

FEATUrES
Anti_Smell: Sanitized® treated - no bacteria, no odor, no mildew - consistent freshness for every ride . ionic_fit: adapted to the neutral riding position
PP Hard_Cap: almost unbreakable

MATErIALS
Power aramid: high quality and durable
P_type neoprene: perforated but durable with perfect stretch
HD_memory foam: extremely high damping characteristics.
Lightweight_EVA: light and flexible where you need it.
Fine_mesh: elastic and breathable mesh for best possible ventilation

“FraNTIC” and “ClasH” crash shorts

The crash pants use HD_memory foam, which is pimped with a unique four-way stamp pattern. The result is a so called flex_protection padding that offers flex in all four directions and a great freedom of movement. Combined with light mesh fabric, breathability is outstanding. To protect hip, thigh, and tailbone areas in the best possible way, ION decided to offer two different fits, one for women and one for men - “FrANTIC” and “CLASH”.

FEATUrES
Anti_Smell: Sanitized® treated - no bacteria, no odor, no mildew - consistent freshness for every ride
ergonomic_fit: adapted to the neutral riding position
ION flex_protection: breathable & flexible padding made of HD_memory foam
Interface® chamois: E.I.T. Super-Tri pads pads with a very slim profile and an all-way stretch fabric plat-

MATErIALS
fine_mesh: light and breathable
HD_memory foam: extremely high damping characteristics

The K_PACT retails for 69,90€ and the E_PACT for 59,90€ The “FrANTIC” (women) and “CLASH” (men) crash shorts for 79,90€.

All ION bike protection gear is available in three sizes: S, M and L.

ION bike gear is be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Po- land, Hungary, Slovenia, Israel, South Africa, Japan, Australia and Brasil.

For the full product portfolio check out: www.ion-products.com
All the latest news about ION bike and riders: www.facebook.com/ion.bike

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First Look - ION bike protection gear

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