The products listed below were ridden extensively and thanks to the test rider's riding skills, there were no crashes over the handlebars or other falls. The tests therefore relate purely to workmanship and riding comfort.

First impression
Especially in the summer months, people like to ride without a backpack. This leaves the back unprotected. Alpinestars has come to the rescue with the Paragon Bib, a pair of cycling shorts with a removable back protector and impact-absorbing pads on the hips. The pants are equipped with a thick seat pad. Not everyone likes such voluminous pads, but the protector bib is used when riding primarily downhill and therefore standing up. They are not designed for touring. The three pockets above the hips are practical for carrying a mini tool, a pump and a spare inner tube. The workmanship of the shorts looks very high quality.

In use
The shorts fit comfortably without being restrictive. The back protector feels a little stiff at first. Once the body has "warmed up" after a few minutes, you hardly feel it anymore. This generally applies to the Bib. You don't notice that you're riding a version with additional protection, only the seat padding could be a little thinner.

Conclusion
The Alpinestars Paragon V2 Bib is a comfortable companion for shuttle tours, enduro races or bike park rides with a hipbag or "topless". Nothing pinches, nothing bothers, but in the event of a fall (hopefully) your hips remain unscathed and your back intact.

Price: CHF 300.00

Manufacturer/distributor:
Alpinestars / Bus Sport
www.alpinestars.com / www.bussport.ch

Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro helmet

First impression
The DBX 3.0 Enduro has a technical appearance and is not too bulky - whether with or without the chin guard fitted. The visor is easy to adjust and a goggle can be easily parked on the helmet. The magnetic Fidlock chin lock is handy and can be easily operated with one hand. The workmanship is of high quality. The simplicity of the chin bar assembly is particularly pleasing. Inserting the cams into the openings provided and fastening them with the two metal buckles takes just a few seconds with a little practice. Mounting and dismounting can be done easily on the head. The temple is rather narrow and seems a little soft. However, it does not restrict visibility in any way. Interesting for enduro racers: there is a hose holder for hydration systems on the inside of the chin bar.

The helmet is equipped with Leatt's 360° Turbine technology. Ten blue "Töggel" are designed to reduce harmful rotational moments and the risk of concussion. The "Töggel" are made from impact-absorbing foam.

The helmet is available in three colors from simple to bold, so there is something for every taste. Three sizes are available.

In use
Thanks to its good fit and light weight (770 grams), the helmet sits well on the head. Depending on the shape of the head, the strap presses against the side of the jaw. This can be adjusted by using pads of different thicknesses. The 18 ventilation openings do an exemplary job, keeping your head reasonably cool even on sweaty uphills without a headwind. As mentioned at the beginning, the bracket is easy to attach.

Conclusion
The Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro is a good all-rounder and impresses with its ease of use. If you don't necessarily need a downhill helmet but want additional protection on rough descents, this helmet is a good choice. The 770 gram weight is not a record, but is still pleasantly light to wear.

Price: CHF 289.90

Manufacturer/Distributor:
Leatt / Intercycle
www.leatt.com / www.intercycle.com

Uvex Quatro Integrale helmet

First impression
The name suggests that this helmet has a chin bar, but this is not the case. It is a classic all-mountain helmet. It is pulled down low at the back of the head for a high level of protection. The visor can be adjusted in two stages. The Uvex "360° Anatomic IAS System" can be individually adjusted to the circumference of the head using a dial at the back of the head. The system runs around the entire circumference of the head and not just the rear part as with most helmets. Thanks to eight grid positions, the head height can also be adjusted. Two sizes and four colors are available. The workmanship is of a high quality, as expected from a product in this price range.

In use
Thanks to the good adjustment options, the Quatro Integrale sits on the head without slipping and without leaving pressure marks. The six grid points on the chin fastener allow for easy fine adjustment. The ventilation system works perfectly downhill or when there is sufficient wind. On sweaty climbs, you notice that there are only a few ventilation holes at the top and the heat builds up in the helmet. Unfortunately, a goggle cannot be parked in the high visor position either, there is simply not enough space.

Conclusion
The Uvex Quatro Integrale, produced in Germany, is impressive thanks to its good adjustment options. Its fit is impeccable. Anyone who sweats a lot would be well advised to attach the helmet to their rucksack when climbing.

Manufacturer/distributor:
Uvex
www.uvexsports.ch

Giro Aether Mips helmet

First impression
Mips with a difference. This model features the new "MIPS Spherical" system, consisting of two shells that can move against each other. These are designed to absorb the rotational forces that occur in the event of a fall and provide additional protection for the head. The classic system uses a thin, movable inner shell. The cross-country helmet weighs around 270 grams and has a high-quality finish. The lowest ventilation slots are fitted with rubber pads so that cycling goggles can be parked without slipping if required.

Conclusion
The Giro Aether Mips is a great helmet for cross-country use, whether for hobby riders or racers. It also makes a good "roadie" trap. The tested neon-colored model is ideal for maximum visibility. If you don't like it quite so conspicuous, you can rest assured that the helmet is available in four other subtle colors and in black. However, the price is proud.

Price: CHF 369.00

Manufacturer/distributor:
Giro / Chris Sports
www.giro.com / www.chrissports.ch

iXS Trigger knee shin guards

First impression
The iXS protectors are visually appealing. Not the usual black for once, but not colorful either. The subtle shades of gray go well with any outfit. The Xmatter protective foam is ergonomically pre-shaped and can be conveniently removed for washing. Hard plastic is sewn onto the shin for additional protection. Flat pedal riders will appreciate this. There is deep padding on the side of the knee. In general, the product is very wide and is designed to offer maximum protection. The pads are securely fastened with two soft Velcro fasteners. The Swiss manufacturer iXS offers the Trigger in five sizes from S to XXL, which is not commonplace.

In use
Fresh out of the box, the knee/shin pads are a little scratchy and uncomfortable at first. After two rides and a wash, the comfort is much better. Even on long days in the saddle, they fit perfectly and don't slip at all. However, they are too bulky for long pedaling passages and get in the way. Despite ventilation holes in the hard foam, it quickly gets sweaty uphill.

Conclusion
Thanks to their robust construction, the iXS Trigger knee/shin guards are predestined for wild descents. It's better to keep them in your backpack on the way up the mountain.

Manufacturer/distributor:
iXS / Intercycle
www.bike.ixs.com / www.intercycle.com