ION’s 2016 bike wear collection combines surf-inspired styles with the ease of usability you legitimately expect from high-tech products. There are brand new, highly functional bikewear styles, refined gloves, enhanced protection products and a range of newly developed backpacks. These highlights frame the new product range – and selected styles will be available from Fall 2015.
The new collection sees three lines for women and four lines for men, plus gender-specific outerwear styles. Materials, fit and styling make clear the intended use of each line. With one exception – ION’s Roam & Luzid series has a casual look, but offers top-level performance. As such, they are the most versatile series ION has to offer and look good both in urban surroundings and on the trail.
The whole collection will be presented at Eurobike next week and during Interbike in September.
And these are the highlights:
TRANSOM 16 BackpackWearing the brand new TRANSOM backpack will blow you away, literally. ION has solved the problem of limited ventilation in full-contact carrying systems on backpacks in general – and protection packs in particular. ION did this by engineering a backpack feature called Air_Condition system (patent application pending) that allows cooling ventilation at the back by shifting the backpack away from the hips when going uphill. On the descent, just release the system and pull the backpack tight. This ensures a close fit to the back when you need it. ION offers the optional SAS-TEC protection plate for all ION backpacks in two sizes (S/M, L/XL). The protection plate fits into the SAS-TEC Spine Plate Interface and meets the requirements of the EN certificate 1621-2, Level 1. Another new feature is the V-String_Carrying_System to hold the backpack in place, even when upside down. Available in two versions with a 16l or 24l capacity, these backpacks can accommodate all your gear for a whole day: up to 2l in the water reservoir, tools, pumps, tubes, additional rain jacket and jerseys for changing, protectors, energy bars and candy. And of course you can attach your helmet, too. Still not enough space? No worries, the Flex_Panels on the sides hide extra volume and allow to pack even more… By the way, the slick design has a special coated, lightweight ripstop fabric that enables you to easily remove what your rear tire has deposited on your rucksack.
K_LITE Zip KneepadsION always strives to make good products even better. The brand new K_LITE Zip is based on the regular K_LITE kneepad but has been upgraded with a zipper to get into the pad quicker. The Quick_E function makes for a light, breathable and pedal friendly kneepad with a very slim outline, easy handling and great comfort. In order to offer good impact protection the K_LITE Zip combines thin SAS-TEC padding with hidden hardcaps to distribute loads in case of a crash. The unique Snug_Loop construction – an internal neoprene strap running from the back of the calf over the kneecap back to the calf again – keeps the pads in place. Even if you ride for hours. An additional Thigh_Match velcro strap at the top (and bottom) plus the 3D patterns cut of the K_LITE Zip also ensures a secure fit even when pedaling.
In Short_Protect HOWLERSome situations call for protection shorts. Others don’t. To protect you when ripping down and keep you cool when riding up, bikewear & protection brand ION is introducing the lightweight In Short_Protect Howler. Removable paddings made from Air_Prene neoprene on the outsides of the In Short_Protect Howler cushion impact energy at the thighs and hips. And when riding uphill you can easily take them out and store them in the backpack. For additional comfort this protection short comes with a low profile, high performance La Fonte Rekord chamy using SAT Shock Absorption Technology. Featuring ION’s Anti_Smell Sanitized® treatment for longlasting freshness.
GAT GlovesThe GAT gloves are a minimalist’s best friends. The palms of these light gloves is made from a single piece of material to give you an excellent feel with no irritating seams. ION calls this construction Thumb’s up_Panel, which is made from Holy_Cow synthetic leather. It makes for a better fit with fewer wrinkles when grabbing the bar. At the back of the hand a rugged Comb_Mesh fabric offers a stretch fit and very good breathability. Overinjection_Protection reinforces the gloves’ material on the outer fingers to prevent damage when brushing against trees, rocks or bushes. The Digital_Tip enables the use of Strava/your GPS or to answer a call with gloves on. Additional features including the Silicone_Print on the fore and middle finger for perfect brake lever control, Nose_Charmer panel to take care of sweat, etc. and Neoprene_Cuff for a great fit at the wrist round off the all-new GAT gloves.
Tee LS HELIUM / Tee LS HeliaAmongst all ION products the Scrub series is the line that embodies Surfing Trails the most. For 2016, ION has revised its Tee LS Helium to improve wear comfort. The torso front section is made from all new Drirelease® Jacquard Mesh fabric and offers the look and feel of cotton but with high-performance functionality. It dries four times faster than cotton, yet provides a casual look, while its outstanding breathability prevents you from overheating. A small Ticket_Port at the left sleeve and the integrated Clear_Optics glasses wipe complete ION’s new Scrub jerseys, which are available with shortsleeves or ¾ sleeves. All tops match with ION’s top-of-the-line Avic & Nia shorts.
Tee LS HELIXION adds a new longsleeve style to its Traze series for Allmountain & Enduro riding. The all-new Tee LS Helix has a Regular_Fit to meet the demands of style-conscious All Mountain riders and Enduro racers and is partly made of Nano Bamboo Charcoal Polyester (34%), which has a cooling effect for additional climate comfort. The additional Sanitized® treatment of the jersey makes for long-lasting freshness and ION’s Clear_Optics glasses wipe is ideal for cleaning your shades & goggles. Coming in two colors – black & crimson red – the black version will already be available from Fall ‘15. When it comes to colors: the Tee LS Helix perfectly matches ION’s Bikeshort Vertex and features the same style as the Tee SS Strait.
Tee Full Zip SS AERATORWhen the pace hots up, ventilation is mandatory. With its fully zipped, high-end short-sleeved jersey made of Channel Flow Lite fabric, ION is offering a high-performance jersey that delivers outstanding climate comfort. The bonded Thermo_Mapping panel design allows for nearly unobstructed thermo regulation and the Channel Flow Lite fabric features great moisture wicking properties. As such, the Tee Full Zip SS AERATOR offers fast drying characteristics in a sportive Thight_Fit cut. Three pockets at the back, with an additional zip pocket in the left one and a Phone_Pouch in the right. Further features include: integrated Clear_Optics glasses wipe and Reflective_Details for additional safety on evening rides.
Bikeshort AerationWhenever you want to hit the road or marathon distance in style – for racing, training or just for the sake of it, you’d better head for ION’s bikeshort Aeration. It’s made from elastic 4Way_Stretch but it still allows an aerodynamic silhouette with a Slim_Fit – even when the Vent_Zips on the sides of the thighs are open. Mesh inserts underneath these zippers and the Jet_Stream ventilation holes on the inner side of the legs give extra airflow on hot summer days. They will definitely let you cool down. With one zipper pocket for storing smaller items and a Flex_Waist for a better fit.
Bibshort AerationA firm favorite from the ION range – with both cross country and road racers. These top-notch bib shorts are made of breathable, moisture-wicking 4way-flexible Channel Flow Lite. Channel Flow Lite features a unique fabric structure with fine channels on the inside that absorb sweat quickly and let the skin side stay dry. Keeping the rider pleasant and comfy at all times. For the chamois, ION chose La Fonte Vortex padding from Italian manufacture La Fonte. Fine tuned Thermo_Mapping inserts at the sides for extra ventilation and a perfect second-skin fit make the bibshort
Aeration very comfy on longer riding days.
Insulation Jacket AERIAL / RADIANTThe advantage of riding on cold winter days: the trail is yours alone. For support in colder temperatures, ION’s AERIAL & RADIANT insulation jackets have Primaloft Silver linings that will keep you warm on even the frostiest rides. Thermo_Mapping prevents you from overheating when running at operating temperature. The front has a Primaloft fill to protect exposed areas against the wind and the cold. The sleeves block out the wind and the back is made from brushed Technostretch fleece to let heat escape. No need to say that this also works for after-ride gatherings... On the front, the sleeves and the lower back, a durable water repellency treatment protects from rain showers, while the Wind_Hater on front, sleeves and base fights wind chill. With two zipper pockets for keys or a phone. Thumb_Holes, Reflective_Details, Adjustable_Hood round off things nicely.
For further information check
ion-products.com. The new collection will be online beginning of September.
MENTIONS:
@IONbike
Anyone use this or similar who can speak up?
I love packs, and carry one on nearly every ride regardless of season, weather or ride duration. The harness system pictured here, looks to do what I want it to do, (support the load on the hips, not be a heat trapper, allow the upper body to move relatively independently of the pack/hip belt) but the limited water capacity has me wondering. I've drained well over 3 liters (100 oz.) on long and/or hot rides.
The Ergon packs with the FLINK link are the best carrying packs I've ever owned. Will need serious convincing before trading them in for something else (we have 5 of them in the family).
Lots of wet winter riding and commuting here. Might consider one of the jackets for sure!