I always wondered why Kevlar fabrics are not used in bike jerseys and shorts. It does wonders in jeans for motorcycling

 

I'd imagine because the current Kevlar fabrics breathe about as well as a sandwich bag.

 

Interesting concept.
I'm still hoping to avoid "road rash".
I can't remember the last time I laid my bike down at speed. Perhaps when I was about 10 yrs old (sent my brother to the hospital, but I was unscathed).

Kevlar would help, but I think most of the scratches occur where there is no clothing. Bare arms, legs, hands, etc. I actually ride with jeans, but it seems that I'm in a minority riding a road bike with jeans.

I'm much less worried about low speed road rash than broken bones, head, and etc.

There might be some benefit of elbow and knee protection for crash prone races, but still the application would be limited.

 

but I think most of the scratches occur where there is no clothing. Bare arms, legs, hands, etc. ..... but still the application would be limited.

I think the point of this development is that those areas covered by clothing stay covered by clothing. Lycra does not do a very good job of this.

i.e.
https://velocompare.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/crash10_2275093k.jpg
https://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/61/3f/48/613f480d8c17321499b0e076491be130.jpg
https://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02213/Mark_Cavendish_2213185b.jpg

 

Ok,
So those racers don't look very pretty with various parts hanging out. However, most of the scratches appear superficial and would heal in a few days.

One of the big points of the Lycra and bicycle clothing is that it is tight fitting and stretchable. Is the CF and Kevlar as stretchable? I suppose one could design a weave so that some of the fibers zig-zag to give it some stretchability. If the crash tears the lycra, but leaves the CF/Kevlar, then the clothing might hang limply, but hopefully reduce some of the road rash and gaps in coverage.

 

No sir. While some of those "scratches" appear "superficial" they are not and will not heal right up. Road Rash is a burn wound. The severity depends on the depth and size. Think of it as sliding on a chees grater. That's what the asphalt does to your skin. I've hit a few times with some very large scars left for memories. The riders you see you go down in races that forge on are hard as all f'n hell! They are pushing their physical limits for hours at a time with 2nd degree burn pounds opened up. For me, even the more "superficial" patches always seem to catch a few pebbles or glass or something...

Lycra is useless in a crash. Kevlar is plastic chain mail so it won't really stretch. I can't imaging CF will stretch even the slightest either? I think the idea is to put some plastic skid plates in high likelihood contact areas. Like a skateboarders wrist guards.

sign me UP! Thanks for the post mrcreosote!

 

As a motorcyclist who wears ATGATT, this is really exciting news. I always feel naked on the bike. Can't wait to invest in a full set of this kit when it's available.

 

CF shorts could bring heightened literalness to the term assplode.

 

And ball busting.