DH Helmets and Kits at Interbike
By David Peacock
Interbike brings an unimaginable amount of downhill bikes and products to Las Vegas. I just spent three days in a hazy stupor trying to find the gems on the show floor, and here are a selection of products coming out in 2013 that might turn some heads.
Dakine has always been a leader in freeride, all mountain and adventure apparel and bags. This year, though, they've stepped a little outside their comfort zone, and the results look awesome. They've got a new set of shorts and jerseys that look and feel more like race kits, and less like all-mountain shred gear. Don't worry, you'll still be able to get the classic Dakine stuff, but this provides thicker, tougher clothes that fit more like a TLD kit. Louder colours, matching gloves and great quality mean I'm excited to see how the new stuff performs.
One of the most anticipated helmets at the show was the new Fox DH helmet. No word on the weight as of yet, so we can't tell you how it compares to a D3, but the carbon version was on display in several different colour options, so they'll have one to match your kit.
Six Six One and ONE Industries had a great booth at the back of the show, handing out free energy drinks and keeping people awake in the tradeshow. ONE has been sponsoring the Athertons and a number of other top riders for a couple of seasons, and their gear is very focused on racing, while the Six Six One helmets seemed to be aimed more at the freeride market.
Oneal had a small booth with a lot of loud helmets packed into it. This Iron Maiden edition full face was a personal favourite...
Royal Racing is known for being the number one DH clothing company in the UK and a big player on the WC circuit, sponsoring Steve Peat, Aaron Gwin and a host of other top racers. The gloves they had on display were very thin, cuff-less and stretchy. They seemed like the perfect alternative for riders used to riding without gloves or those who prefer a "phantom glove". They've definitely pursued the one-color look for their kits, keeping the graphics and logos more subtle than some other companies.
Finally, Urge was there to display their Downomatic line of full face helmets. The lid comes in at 955 grams, has circular venting and all of the padding is machine washable and easily removable.
There's a lot more to come from Interbike, so stay tuned for the rest of the goods. In the mean time, what do you think about the new Dakine gear? Yay or nay? And the Fox helmet?
