Now available for amateur racers too: Alpinestars launches an airbag vest for downhill riders

Cyclists know that the ground is unforgiving. Crashes hurt. And for downhill riders and bike park freeriders, crashes often end up in hospital. Alpinestars, renowned for its airbag technology from the world of motorsport, wants to change that. The company is now launching its MotoGP-tried-and-tested vest, complete with dedicated software for cyclists. This software has been trained using numerous crash algorithms from downhill cyclists and is now designed to deploy at exactly the right moment, even before the cyclist hits the ground during a crash. That’s the theory, at least.

Coming soon

The Impact vest is the same as that used in MotoGP or for off-road riding, except that the software is specifically designed for downhill riding. If the system detects a crash, the airbag deploys in 32 to 45 milliseconds – depending on the size of the chest protector. When inflated, it reduces the impact energy transferred by up to 82 per cent compared with conventional passive chest protectors. It protects the shoulders, chest and back. Price: 599.95 euros.

26 years’ experience with airbags, now for the trail

Alpinestars has been developing airbag systems since 1999. The Tech-Air® Race System made its debut in MotoGP in 2009, whilst the off-road system has been supporting riders in the Dakar Rally since 2019. For the new MTB downhill algorithm, the company has drawn on the same sources: Since 2022, data from professional athletes has been collected, analysed and translated into an algorithm that recognises the specific dynamics of downhill riding – high-speed descents, technical terrain and loss of control.

The algorithm is now available to download free of charge via the Tech-Air® app and can be activated on existing Tech-Air® MX systems.

How does the system work?

The Tech-Air® MX is a compact chest protector with an integrated, fully autonomous airbag system. Six sensors – a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis gyroscope – continuously monitor the rider’s movements and transmit the data to the control unit hundreds of times per second.

If the system detects a fall, the airbag deploys within 32 to 45 milliseconds – depending on the size of the chest protector. When inflated, it reduces the impact energy transferred by up to 82 per cent compared with conventional passive chest protectors. It protects the shoulders, chest and back.

Activating the system couldn’t be simpler: fastening the left buckle activates an internal solenoid switch – and thus the system. Unfastening it switches it off again.

For everyone, not just professionals

Although the algorithm was developed with the needs of professional athletes in mind, it is designed for everyone: whether in a bike park or on the trail, whether you’re a professional or an ambitious amateur. Anyone pushing their limits in downhill riding should be able to benefit from this technology.

The system offers a total of five riding modes: the pre-installed MX mode, MX Race, Enduro, Rally – and, new for this version, MTB Downhill mode. Two further slots can be customised via the app.

Battery, app and certification

The built-in lithium-ion battery lasts for up to 30 hours; one hour’s charging provides around 8 hours’ riding time. The system can be managed via the Tech-Air® app using a Bluetooth connection – including system status, battery level and riding data with Google Maps integration.

The system is certified to CE Level 1, as well as to EN 1621-4:2013 and the European PPE Directive 686/89/EEC. Up to six deployments are possible without the need for maintenance, provided the airbag itself remains undamaged.

What the experts say

The reactions from the professional ranks are unequivocal. Loïc Bruni, a multiple downhill world champion, sums it up:

“It took me a while to get used to riding with the airbag – for all the wrong reasons. The first time I had a proper crash whilst using it, I literally came away unscathed. A few months later, it may well have saved me more than that during my big World Cup crash.”

“Nowadays, I feel almost naked without an airbag. That’s the best sign of just how much you get used to it – and how much confidence you gain in the system.”
Rosa Jensen from the GEN-S Development Team adds:

Availability and price

The Tech-Air® MX Airbag System with MTB Downhill Algorithm is available in Europe from today – at alpinestars.com and from authorised dealers. Price: 599.95 euros >> e.g. available here

Editorial assessment

The concept seems sound. Anyone who follows the Downhill World Cup knows that the system works in practice. It’s a bit unnerving, though, to imagine the system triggering during a minor crash when you’d normally have come away unscathed. We’ve ordered the impact vest and will be testing it precisely in situations like these to identify any weaknesses. I’m looking forward to it.
Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor