"Picture this: professional cyclists bombing down a mountain pass at 50 miles per hour, bodies tucked into aerodynamic positions, with nothing but Lycra and a helmet between them and the asphalt. It's always seemed a bit absurd when you think about it. These athletes regularly exceed city speed limits for cars, yet their protective gear situation hasn't evolved much beyond what casual weekend riders wear. That disconnect between velocity and vulnerability is finally being addressed, and the solution is surprisingly elegant."
"The technology works through a deceptively simple setup. TPU tubes are sewn into channels within specially modified bib shorts, the standard uniform for serious cyclists. On the rider's back sits a small pouch containing the system's sensors and processors, along with a replaceable CO₂ cartridge that costs about €35. When the sensors detect a crash, those tubes instantly inflate to provide impact protection for vulnerable areas like the hips, pelvis, ribs, torso, collarbone, and neck."
Professional cyclists commonly reach speeds around 50 mph while wearing only Lycra and helmets, creating a mismatch between speed and protection. Aerobag is a wearable airbag system tailored for pro cycling that integrates TPU tubes into modified bib shorts. A small back pouch houses sensors, processors, and a replaceable CO₂ cartridge costing about €35. When a crash is detected, tubes inflate instantly to shield hips, pelvis, ribs, torso, collarbone, and neck. The system preserves aerodynamic fit and freedom of movement. Netherlands' WorldTour Team Picnic PostNL is testing Aerobag in training with potential race use.
Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News
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