Dainese has been around for almost four decades and is the most prominent designer and manufacturer of protective gear in motorcycling. Dainese has been an important force in the development and implementation of safety standards. It also maintains sponsorship deals with several top racing teams. People are often surprised by the breadth of Dainese product development. You can search the company online to see a video of the D-Air racing airbag or the prototype space suit they created in collaboration with MIT.
Dainese was interested in downhill/freestyle MTB riding in the early 1990s. While the sport was very similar to motocross, there were also important differences. Mountain bikers valued freedom of movement above all else. Dainese turned to nature as inspiration. He took cues from the lobsters’ carapace and the armadillo and studied human motion. Dainese used advanced plastics, silicone, leather, and carbon fiber in surprising ways to create the perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility in certain areas. The evolution of Dainese freeride/downhill armor is highly praised by riders who have used it. They praise its light weight, excellent fit, and wide range of articulation.
The manufacturer took Nicolas Vouilloz’s win at the 1999 World Downhill Cycling Championship as an indicator of its success. Dainese’s race program is a great place to test new ideas and keep them on the cutting edge of sports development. For the 2009 season, two Commencal USA riders will be sponsored by Dainese and BTI in the USA. They now offer protective gear for skiing, snowboarding and water sports. This division is called No Impact.
Dainese’s motorsport popularity has enabled them to open 16 niche shops at sixteen locations around the globe. Dainese will be relying on the expertise of independent shops for the distribution of bike-specific gear in America. The distributor’s long history in the downhill/freeride category as well as its status as a top-tier supplier to US bike dealers is recognized by the recent agreement with Bicycle Technology International.
BTI’s 2009 wholesale Dainese apparel and protective equipment includes armor, gloves and shorts. This is approximately 95% of the manufacturer’s range. BTI’s Dainese collection can be found at www.bti.usa.com Dainese products can be purchased at retail in participating bike shops across North America.
Dainese’s global manufacturer website is www.dainese.com for motorsport, bicycle and other human-powered activities.
Contact Seth Graves for more information on this product line, or call BTI 800.558.8324.
