Alpinestars Unveils Airbag System for Downhill Mountain Biking, Already Proven in Competition

Alpinestars, the well-known body protection manufacturer, has introduced a downhill mountain bike-specific algorithm for its motocross-derived back and chest airbag system. This new DH profile is tailored to the unique crash forces and impact patterns encountered in downhill racing.

Although the product officially became available to consumers today, it has already proven itself in real-world race conditions. Riders from the Specialized team—Jordan Williams, Loïc Bruni, and Rosa Jensen—have all used the Tech-Air MX Airbag System during both competition and practice sessions.

The arrival of this airbag coincides with a growing trend in downhill mountain biking: the adoption of motocross-inspired protective gear. Recent DH helmet releases from POC and iXS now carry motocross safety ratings, a clear sign that the speeds and impact forces in downhill riding are approaching those seen in motocross.

The new MTB Downhill profile can be integrated into the Tech-Air app and used alongside various other motocross-oriented profiles such as MX, MX Race Enduro, and Rally. This development mirrors similar advancements in road cycling, including Van Rysel’s airbag skinsuit.

**Built for Downhill, Not Just Motocross**

The Tech-Air MX Airbag System is not a brand-new product. It has an established presence in the motocross world and benefits from 26 years of airbag development by the Italian company Alpinestars.

Since 2022, Alpinestars has been gathering data from mountain bikers and repeatedly modeling their crashes to better understand the distinct forces involved in mountain biking compared to motocross. This research included rider-sourced data and simulated crash scenarios—such as going over the bars, losing control, and failed jumps—using sensor-equipped mannequins to comprehensively map forces unique to downhill riding.

While downhill speeds are generally lower and acceleration and braking forces less intense than in motocross, riders are far more dynamic on the bike, traverse more varied terrain, and experience more low-speed falls. Consequently, an algorithm built around motocross crashes would not function accurately on a mountain bike.

**How It Works When Things Go Wrong**

When a crash is detected, the 1.6kg system—integrated into a Level 1 chest and back protector—inflates airbags around the chest, back, sides, and shoulders in less than 40 milliseconds. This is reportedly four times more protective than passive impact protectors. Alpinestars claims the airbag “delivers impact absorption equivalent to up to an 82% reduction in transmitted energy compared with conventional passive chest protectors.”

The airbag features six built-in sensors, including a tri-axial accelerometer and a tri-axial gyroscope. These sensors monitor activity hundreds of times per second.

After deployment, the airbag can be repacked up to six times, provided there is no damage. The system offers approximately 30 hours of ride time on a full battery. Charging takes about four hours, but just one hour of charging can yield up to eight hours of battery life—ideal for a race weekend. A magnetic switch in the protector’s buckle activates the system, while a Bluetooth connection allows for monitoring, updates, and loading the DH profile.

**Already in Action**

The Specialized Gravity team has been using the system, with multiple deployments already this season.

Williams stated: “Tech-Air keeps us riders safe and keeps us winning. I will never race without it.”

Bruni was initially uncertain but said: “The first time I had a proper crash while wearing it and walked away with literally zero damage, I finally understood how important this technology is for our sport. A few months later, I can almost say it saved me during my huge World Cup crash. I’m incredibly thankful for it and glad to see so many World Cup riders now adopting it. Like my mum always says: safety first.”

The Tech-Air MX with Downhill Algorithm airbag system is currently available in Europe, with limited shipping destinations at present, priced at £569.99. Other regions, including North America, are expected to be covered later this year.