Why all MTB riders should wear a back protector: CE1 vs. CE2

[@mtadams2009]

I stalled I a short climb I have done at least a hundred times at a place I ride every week. I went to put my feet down and there was a short drop off of a foot or two, I landed on bolder and thought I broke my ribs, I broke four vertebra in my lower back. I am lucky that I did not due more damage. I am doing better 10 weeks later and will ride this spring, I will have some from of back protection and I don't care how hot it is, I am lucky I am still walking and I know it. I love Arts and its my go to on like shop, thanks

[@ZOMLUVER]

I had a nasty fall yesterday and am super lucky that I came out with a sprained ankle and not a broken back after that wipeout. I for sure will invest in a full-face and back protector, no questions asked.

[@artscyclery875]

Happy you're ok!

[@rogerbuck1649]

Never thought about back protection .I need a new pack anyway. Ordering mine now ! Thanks !

[@artscyclery875]

Nice Roger, which pack did you go with?

[@RolandAshcroft]

I was more interested in the scientific part of it as impact dissipation of the material used .

[@MrTeskio75]

On the camelback: the back protector seems to do not have any serious fixing to stai in position if you fall ... and moreover seems really short in length (not protecting the lower part of the column)

[@artscyclery875]

The Camel Bak protector comes in two different sizes. There's a waist strap and two chest straps mounted to the adjustable shoulder straps. The fit is very adjustable and you can make it fit super snug if desired.

[@mtadams2009]

I injured my lower back this summer, four vertebrae and I was thinking the same thing.

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

I came to a complete stop, teetered on the top of a burm, fell off and got a grade 3 ac separation. There is no fix for that injury. I spoke to a harvard professor. Said there are 32 procedures for that, none are required and he advised not having surgery. Fek.... those ligaments just cant be fixed. So i took 3 years off, got into body building, got strong again and now i can ride again.

[@artscyclery875]

Yup many of us here have dealt with AC separations. Are you feeling solid on the bike again?

[@ghar7566]

Yeah agree, it’s a nasty injury! Mine took well over a year to heal

[@MrMarfy131]

Nowadays back protectors have great values of impact protection. Breathability is also better. You can buy protective level 2 and breathable options like dainese pro armor. These camelback backprotectors are super protective with only 5kN of residual force 1/10 of original force! But these camebacks, are too short to cover lumbar area. I would rather look at komperdell backpacks with basicaly the same impact values, but with better coverage. I have to say another thing. Most of the injuries to spine are not direct. What can you do? Protect shoulders, torso and neck. Also better bail strategy should be in place. Because no protector ever will save you from twisting injuries. Stay safe, ride within your abilities and abilities of your bike. Progress slowly, learn how to fall and risk will be much lower.

[@bbarker5766]

In August of 2001 I had an accident where I got tossed from my dirt bike only going about 15mph. I was tossed over a hill and hit a tree with my back and fractured T5 and T6. I was wearing my full chest/back protector and a camelback water system when this happened. So even though I do appreciate all of these products and think they have good reasons to be used there can still be spinal injuries that nothing will protect you from. The doctor said that I could have been wearing an army tank and I still would have broke my back just because I hit just right. Do I endorse this type of protection.... You're damn right I do but don't think it can stop every injury to your back because you can still get head injuries even though you're wearing the best helmet you can afford!! Ride safe...

[@choanlpoto]

Yeah back injury doesnt only came from direct hit on the back. I broke t6 t7 on a dirtbike otb at high speed, i hit torso first and the vertebrae broke under compression load. A friend of mine is paralized after a head first hit, the spine broke under hyper extension load! So yes protection are important but the risk is still huge.

[@ziqijia5203]

Why the derivation for the chain wheel so complex? Different from my mechanics of materials college text book.

[@TonyStark-mp6zv]

I would've loved to also see you guys crash with these protectors to have a more authentic review

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

The problem will al this stuff is heat. Sure if its 50 degrees, low humidity and down hill then heck ya. But 90f at 70% humidity just on a flat will kill you fast. What we really need is a temp control system with built in knee, elbow, shoulder , spine and brain protection that weighs next to nothing.

[@artscyclery875]

Seems like a 'cool' idea ;), have you seen any pad systems incorporating this technology for other applications outside of bike?

[@Serckep]

Just get a motorcycle kit, many of them are now open comb pattern, such as the Dainese Pro Armor. Should breathe well

[@sportshighlights8708]

Does it matter if its hard or soft...

[@sportshighlights8708]

I have ce lvl2 but its soft (foamy)

[@Chubby_Lemon]

@@sportshighlights8708 i think its probably viscoelastic, so it stiffens up depending upon impact. best of both world

[@Statek63]

The watermelon test looks quite visual but it's not much representative for back shape IMHO. Our backs are more flat and not ball-shaped.

[@artscyclery875]

Truth, we like the visual representation though, if only there was a flat watermelon....

[@tomassantos4229]

Art's Cyclery are you guys seeing the background at 0:54 im this video?????? Use it on your perfile pick. I was looking até the video trying to find out what it was about, you dont want that, you want me to click right away when i understand that it is from you guys

[@artscyclery875]

Hi Tomas, 0:54 is a portrait shot of Trevor and the mountain in the background. It that what you're referring to?

[@tomassantos4229]

Art's Cyclery it can be, i was just talking something like that view in the background, but more important something that SCREAMS cycling, not just a black background and white words, it's to Basic you know

[@whiteshark1058]

What helmet are you wearing?

[@Juano182]

Giro Switchblade

[@EastbayGolfer]

Always wore one motorcycling. Small investment can pay big dividends.

[@artscyclery875]

Totally agree. What protector are you using on your motorcycle?

[@EastbayGolfer]

Alpinestar CE2 certified but I'm not as concerned with weight nor venting as I would be on a bike.

[@mat467]

Does this prevent paralysis and spinal cord injury ?

[@Coerced]

In some cases it might, although crashes that are hard enough to snap your back most likely still will no matter the protection you wear.

[@cougar231000]

If you crash and roll on rocks definitely yes, but they have no business in protecting from spinal compressions...

[@burgundypoint]

Why doesn't the US have safety standards for this?

[@ergiel]

Because US believes that regulation is bad :D