28 Jun 2012
SAFER IN THE SADDLE WITH DYNEEMA®
Cycling is one of the world's most popular sports, practiced in many forms: road racing, track cycling and BMX, to name but a few. During a bicycle race, speeds of up to 110 km/hr can be reached during a typical downhill descent - and the danger of a serious crash is always present. Common crash injuries include serious cuts and bruises on arms and legs, causing discomfort, limiting a cyclist's performance and possibly elimination from the race.
Improving outfits
Most common cycling outfits are made from a combination of regular polyester and Spandex. While providing a good fit and freedom of movement while cycling, these fabrics do not provide any protection in the event of a crash. Because it is our mission/vision to improve People’s lives and safety, DSM developed cycling outfits with integrated protective parts using.
A logical step was to explore the possibilities of using DSM’s UHMWPE fiber, branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is 15 times stronger than steel while still being lightweight, flexible, cool to wear and extremely durable. The applications for Dyneema® are very broad, and range from sailing lines to body armor. In sports, Dyneema® had already been applied successfully in skating suits for the Dutch Olympic short track speed skating team, to protect the skaters from severe cuts from the sharp blades in the event of a crash. Other applications include fencing and diving suits, as well as Reebok ice hockey socks and protective motorcycle clothing.
Super strong shorts
Together with BioRacer, a Belgian producer of cycling outfits, and the Royal Dutch Cycling Association (KNWU), scientists from DSM succeeded in integrating Dyneema® in new generation cyclists’/riders’ bib shorts, with a clear benefit: in the event of a crash, the Dyneema® fiber offers much better protection because the fabric does not tear as rapidly as regular polyester.
The new shorts feel soft on the skin thanks to the microfiber structure of Dyneema® and are cool to the touch. The feedback received from cyclists of the Dutch national team is very positive. The shorts feel just as comfortable as the polyester versions, with the added benefit of being protected in the event of a crash. During the London 2012 Olympics, cyclists from the Dutch national team will use the new performance apparel with Dyneema® during both the road race and the track cycling events.
For DSM, an innovation such as this offers tremendous value. Olympic athletes and coaches are always looking for improvements that can help them in their quest for gold. Partnering with them offers DSM unique insights and experiences, which allows us to continue pushing the bar.
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Notes for editors
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals.
Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.
Key Points
- Dyneema® is used in everything from ice hockey socks to motorcycle gear.
- Key benefits of Dyneema® in protective apparel: light, cool to the touch and flexible – yet super-strong and protective against cuts, abrasion and tear.
Quote
“Dyneema® is used in a growing number of sports related applications. Especially for protective clothing, our material offers a unique combination of super strong properties and extremely light weight, to deliver safety, protection, weight-saving and performance benefits.This particular application shows how, through innovation and partnership, we are able to develop practical solutions that deliver real benefits for sports men and women around the globe.”
Gerard de Reuver,
President DSM Dyneema.
Quote
“It’s really going to help us when we crash. I crashed recently a couple of weeks ago, and I actually had a lot of skin off, also in the places that are reinforced now in the new knicks. It’s not going to be everywhere just yet; you’ll still hit your knees, your elbows, and all that sort of stuff. But at least it’s going to be helping me not get all this skin off on my thighs and that’s already going to be a big difference.”Koen de Kort,
Member of Dutch National Team and Argos-Shimano cycling team.
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Editorial enquiries
Nathali Donatz
Dyneema
Anouk Luykx
EMG
Related links
HOCKEY SOCKS From pee-wee to the professional-level, ice hockey is a fast, exciting and dangerous game. Sharp skates, a rock-hard puck and heavy-duty wooden sticks can do much damage to vulnerable areas like ankles - which is where specialist socks made with Dyneema® came into play: Stronger than steel, lighter than water.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR We believe that motorcycling should be a liberating and enjoyable experience. Which is why super-strong, flexible Dyneema® is now being integrated into everyday clothing to protect motorcyclists from serious injury. After all, why be encased in leather body armor when you can wear jeans instead?
FENCING SAFETY: AN INTERVIEW WITH AMY HYMAN Fencing is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Considering that its heritage is in combat fighting and duelling, fencing is actually an extremely safe sport. There are strict rules that have to be followed at all times and fencers are required to wear protective clothing certified by the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Protective fencing uniforms made with Dyneema® provide puncture resistance and keep athletes safe from harm.