The technological evolution of the trial
motorcycle
sector does not only attend to mechanical concepts, but at the same time there is also an important technification in everything that involves the
equipment of the trial rider
.
Let’s face it. Trial has usually been mistakenly conceived as a discipline that is not very dangerous given that there is hardly any speed, although this theory does not cancel out the real risks that can be behind a fall with a trial bike. The geology of the environment, the bike itself or simply bad luck can cause an injury.
Professional riders and the current regulations are not the best example, since except in a few cases, they hardly protect themselves beyond the helmet and boots. Basically because they don’t want to give up the agility and maneuverability of a natural body. Riders such as Jorge Casales or Benoit Bincaz always ride with a back protector, while others such as Toni Bou or Adam Raga are starting to use protections on elbows and knees.
The high technical level of these riders and the constant help of their backpackers mean that the training environments are very controlled and there are hardly any injuries historically. While it is true that
Toni Bou has recently fractured three vertebrae
as a result of a heavy crash in the X-Trial of Le Mans.
In the case of amateurs, although we do much easier areas, we have neither the knowledge nor the means to feel safe in each obstacle. All the more reason why it is necessary to protect yourself properly.
BACK & CHEST PROTECTORS
In trials it is relatively easy to land on your back after a fall, but also on your chest if you hit an obstacle. Until a few months ago, the solution was uncomfortable enduro and motocross armor that considerably limited mobility. Virtually all major brands of trial equipment now offer optimal safety solutions for this need.
We have tested the
Hebo XTR vest
for several weeks, which incorporates both a back protector and a chest protector. Both are easily detachable if you prefer to use only one of the two.
It is very easy to wear, like any other garment, either over a t-shirt or directly on the body. It has several advantages. The first one is completely breathable and provides freshness. Then, the material of the protector allows that when the body enters into heat, it adapts to the anatomy of the body, losing that initial rigidity when it is cold.
Digging deeper into its protections, we see that simulating an impact against an obstacle, the material deforms to absorb this element and returns to its initial ergonomics after a few seconds. Another important detail is that the back and chest protections are, as you would expect, different from each other. The one on the back is wider and lower, while the front one is somewhat narrower at the top, right at the point where the movement of the arms coincides.
Finally, the protector has a comfortable elastic band at the bottom that guarantees an optimal fit of this component in all circumstances.
The
Hebo XTR wall protector vest
is available in three size groups: XS-S, M-L and XL-XXL. Its official price is €83 and it is available on
the Trialworld Store
on promotion.
CHAQUETA HEBO XTR JACKET
For lovers of other offroad or bike specialties, the
Hebo Jacket XTR is
also available, which is conceptually identical to the vest, but with additional protections on elbows and shoulders. Sizes are also XS-S, M-L and XL-XXL. The Hebo XTR jacket is available at a price of €149.9 and can be purchased
here
on sale at the Trialworld Store.
OTHER TRIAL PROTECTIVE VESTS
In addition to Hebo, there are other manufacturers of back and chest protective vests for Trial. Specifically, we can find them in the Mots and Jitsie catalogues.
The
Jitsie Chestback Dynamic Trial back protector
is available at a price of €116
The
Mots back protector
is made with BeCool technology and available at a price of €119.8
