ION 2016 Products at Eurobike

The ION Stand

ION are relatively new to the MTB scene, but they have exploded onto the market with a plethora of innovative ideas and designs. 2016 looks to be no different and with two Eurobike Awards to their name it would see the judges agree that this brand is blazing a trail right through the industry. Alongside the stylish and technical clothing that the brand has become synonymous with you will also find a large protective range and also totally new for 2016 some well thought out riding packs.

The Howler and Clash in short protection pads. The Howler on the left features removable pads, so you get two in shorts in one…

We’ll start with the protectives though, the highlight here has to be the K_Lite Zip knee pad, which won an award this year, whats clever about it? The clue is in the name, in addition to providing excellent protection the pad simply zips right off your leg. On those long hot climbs you can quickly zip the pad off and strap it to your pack, on the descents quickly zip it back on and you are good to go. There is no need to take your shoes off and risk getting wet socks while you are riding around on hot days… The zip itself is very minimal and should prove to be comfortable to wear, we’ll get these tested as soon as we can.

The award winning K_Lite Zip kneepad!

One of the highlights of the show as far as the bags go is the all new ION Transom back pack, this could be set to be a game changer for those long days out in the saddle where you need to carry a fair bit of gear with you… ION started with a SAS-TEC Back Protector, nothing too special there you could argue as that is the route a lot of pack manufactures have gone down this year. What they did next is pretty mind blowing…

The Transom Pack with integrated back protector.

The pack sits on your back and only connects with your shoulder blades via two comfortable pads. The hip belt looks pretty substantial and then you realise the hidden secrets of the Transom. When the pack is on your back there are two handles on the hip belt that you can pull back, when you do this the whole bag lifts about 4 inches away from your back. This means you get total airflow when climbing up the hills, and because of the hip belt and shoulder straps the pack is still stable.

The shoulder blade mounting system is adjustable…

The quick release handles that engage the Air_Condition System!

When you get to the descents, simply pull the handles forwards and the whole pack locks down on your back in full attack mode ready to tackle the terrain. Dubbed the Air_Condition System by ION, this has to be the most innovative idea we have seen for a pack since forever, currently available in 16 and 24L sizes the Transom can swallow a tone of gear and keep you cool on the climbs whilst offering a high level of protection too.

Subtle hints on how to ride feature on the hip belt!

In addition to the Transom pack there is a Rampart model as well, this features the SAS-TEC spine plate as well as being able to carry your helmet too, available in 8 and 16L sizes it doesn’t feature the Air Condition System but they are still well thought out bags for shorter rides.

The Rampart Pack with back protector…

There are also new gloves in the range, the GAT gloves feature protection for your outside fingers from rocks and trees, as well as a digital tip so you can easily update your Instagram account while you are riding. The digital tips feature across the range and there is also an extensive women’s collection too. Stylish designs and colours are what you get with ION and regardless of your gender and riding style they have something to suit you!