Protective cycle jerseys

[steveindenmark]

After watching all the TDF test dummies and then having my spill and getting my arms to look like the TDF crash dummies, it got me thinking. With all the advancement of materials these days has one been invented that a long sleeve cycling jersey could be made of that would both alluviale gravel rash and keep you cool?

I dont mean the hard armour to be worn under something but a normal jersey.

I wear a thin glove at work which I can run a stanley knife over and I wont get cut. Its too thick for a cycle jersey. But it is a start.

 

[Drago]

I got several pairs of slash proof gloves with a woven Kevlar lining which for all the world looks like machine knitted wool. Use a finer yarn and fit panels onto the elbows, shoulders etc and bada bing!

 

[buggi]

I once saw a substance that is soft and pliable until you hit it with force (like a hammer) when, under the stress, it becomes rubbery and hard. It was on one of those inventor/gadget type programs and the thinking was that it could be developed to be used as protective phone cases etc. The transformation in the molecules was instant when the force was applied, the guy testing it wrapped his hand up in it and used the hammer on himself! So I would say the technology must not be far off, if not for cyclists, definitely for motorcyclists

 

[raleighnut]

Would this work

 

[raleighnut]

Less than £40

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...kZ6ACQ&usg=AFQjCNF7y0hD1Ax3P-Ww68THVtbyxdl5iA

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I once saw a substance that is soft and pliable until you hit it with force (like a hammer) when, under the stress, it becomes rubbery and hard. It was on one of those inventor/gadget type programs and the thinking was that it could be developed to be used as protective phone cases etc. The transformation in the molecules was instant when the force was applied, the guy testing it wrapped his hand up in it and used the hammer on himself! So I would say the technology must not be far off, if not for cyclists, definitely for motorcyclists

Sounds like a non newtonian fluid type thing.

Gemtly poke a finger into custard for example, you get a custardy finger. Stride hard across a swimming pool of the stuff and you'll walk on it like a yellow footed messiah.

 

[Origamist]

Santini used to have the Dfend range. These jerseys had strategically placed material that would not tear and protect the rider from road rash. I don't know of a jersey that is wholly made out of abrasion resistant material, but I suspect a lack of breathability would be a problem.

There is also the Dyneema fabric that was used by the Giant-Alpecin team at this year's TdF.

 

[mythste]

I once saw a substance that is soft and pliable until you hit it with force (like a hammer) when, under the stress, it becomes rubbery and hard. It was on one of those inventor/gadget type programs and the thinking was that it could be developed to be used as protective phone cases etc. The transformation in the molecules was instant when the force was applied, the guy testing it wrapped his hand up in it and used the hammer on himself! So I would say the technology must not be far off, if not for cyclists, definitely for motorcyclists

Tech 21 use it in their phone cases. It's sort of an extension of the cornstarch/water thing we used to do as kids. Non Newtonian I believe is the term.

 

[User269]

There's only one thing for it.

 

[Drago]

Don't mountain bikers wear armour? How about some of.that?

 

[benborp]

I once saw a substance that is soft and pliable until you hit it with force (like a hammer) when, under the stress, it becomes rubbery and hard. It was on one of those inventor/gadget type programs and the thinking was that it could be developed to be used as protective phone cases etc. The transformation in the molecules was instant when the force was applied, the guy testing it wrapped his hand up in it and used the hammer on himself! So I would say the technology must not be far off, if not for cyclists, definitely for motorcyclists

I use non-newtonian suits for stunt work. Basically they are Lycra body stockings with pockets to take shaped panels of non-newtonian plastic. They are very useful in terms of taking an impact like a baseball bat hit on a big muscle group or helping reduce fatigue from taking repeated falls (allows a bit more splat as well), but if you're going to break a large bone from an impact the suit isn't going to make much difference. Protuding knobbly bits like knees, elbows and also the shin are protected to some extent from fracture but it will still hurt.

Oh, they are very sweaty.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Don't mountain bikers wear armour? How about some of.that?

There's a lad across the road from me who wears mountain bike armour, He only does that downhill stuff though. He says that climbing the slightest hill knackers him out.

 

[steveindenmark]

As I mentioned in my OP, Im not thinking about body armour of any description. Just a material that a jersey can be made of which will reduce or prevent road rash. The working glove I wear is very soft and light. Maybe if it were mixed with other materials it could work.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Scott have a range of protective clothing called Pro Tec. It was featured briefly on the GCN cycling show on Youtube this week. Looking at the Scott website, it's short-sleeved jersey and bib shorts only.

 

[sidevalve]

The prob is that it is 'road rash' not just 'bump' protection. M/cycle leathers are designed to be 'sacrificial' and they also include kevlar and high density pads as extra protection on knees elbows etc. On a bike the speeds may be lower [but 30 is still easily done down hill] but likewise leathers are way too heavy and anything thinner just won't do the job if you end up sliding along the tarmac.