MTB helmets & protectors: New protectors - the most exciting helmets & protectors from Riva

Three days of Expo, numerous exhibitors and one or two new products: We show you protector waistcoats from Bluegrass, helmets and knee pads from Poc as well as the two new helmets from Rudy Project - plus the alleged all-round talent First Degree Seeker (shoe).

Bluegrass: 3 new waistcoats

Bluegrass is starting the new season with three new protector waistcoats and clearly differentiates the upper body protectors according to their intended use.

Venture Vest - for Trail & Enduro

The Venture Vest is designed as a protector waistcoat for long trail and enduro days. Visually and functionally, it is based on trail running waistcoats and combines a level 2 back protector with a level 1 certified chest protector. It is worn over the jersey.

Arto Armour - for gravity adventures

With the Arto Armour, Bluegrass is targeting gravity riders. The protector waistcoat not only protects the chest and back, but also the shoulders and elbows and is worn under the jersey. As a result, the fit is correspondingly slim. The back protector of the Arto Armour also fulfils the high protection level 2, while the chest, shoulder and elbow protectors are certified to level 1.

Arto Vest - Light version for downhill & park

The Arto Vest takes over the important protection of the Armour version, but without shoulder and elbow protectors. Apart from that, it is almost identical to the Arto Armour. It is aimed at riders who are looking for the lightest and most inconspicuous protection possible under their jersey for enduro or park use. Keys or a lift pass can be stowed in a small back pocket.

Poc: pads, helmet & clothing

The Swedish label has revised its protectors and helmets for the new season. The popular Torso Vest comes with new straps without press studs and a slightly different design - not yet visible in the photo. The logo: more discreetly positioned. The protection level remains at 1 - the only point of criticism in previous tests. The reason: level 2 would make the material more uncomfortable.

The Knee and elbow pads VPD have been revised. Striking: long socks with silicone strips on the inside - for better grip. "The sweatier they are, the better they hold," says POC marketing man Christopher. The protectors have two VPD layers on top of each other, which twist to better absorb impact energy - MIPS for the joints, so to speak. Prices: POC VPD Knee 150 euros, POC VPD Elbow 130 euros.

Rudy Project Terraform: Helmet with safety peak

Rudy Project presents the Terraform MTB helmet in two versions - both with a crash chip and their own anti-rotation force concept. There is also a new goggle.

The central element of both helmets is the crash chip. This is not a sensor that recognises falls and reacts automatically, but a chip that first responders can use to access emergency contacts, address, blood group and other data via smartphone.

With Rudy Project, the app takes care of the actual detection: it registers a strong impact and then sets itself on alert. The smartphone user receives a notification and is prompted to respond. If there is no response, the app assumes that a serious fall has occurred and starts the emergency call procedure.

Both helmets are NTA 8776 certified. The Terraform weighs 400 grams, costs 180 euros and comes as an open-face helmet. The Pro version with additional cheek protection weighs 500 grams - in other words, what is also known as a jet helmet. The Bluegrass Terraform Pro costs 260 euros. Both models integrate the digital emergency system. Over 77 per cent of the total weight of the Terraform is made from recycled materials, and 81 per cent in size L.

First Degree Seeker: Bike & Hike

The Austrians have a new shoe in their programme. The Seeker. The shoe should not only cut a fine figure on the bike, but also when hiking. Developed for a wide variety of terrain, the Seeker is an all-rounder for tours on and off the bike.

Lightweight, robust, breathable and grippy - this is how First Degree describes the characteristics of the new model. Particular attention is paid to comfort: the centrepiece of the Seeker is the newly developed Venom Sole. It works with a so-called Power Link, which stabilises the heel and efficiently directs power transmission to the forefoot. The result: more pressure on the pedal with less effort.

The design should also pay off off the bike. According to the manufacturer, the system supports natural movement when walking, while a TPU heel cage provides additional support on uneven surfaces. The setup is complemented by a grippy outsole. Price: 139.95 euros - available now.