MTB Protectors that Stay Fresh – Protecting riders and nature

We had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Franz, Product Manager for Contact Points and responsible for the Protection-gear at CUBE. As a passionate cyclist, Daniel spends as much time as possible on two wheels, whether on the road, gravel, or enduro trails. His passion for bikes & great design is a key reason he’s part of the CUBE family today.

Daniel takes us behind the scenes of the development process, the philosophy & concept, and he explains what makes these protectors best-in-class. 

Daniel, how did you get started at CUBE, and what does your role as Product Manager for Contact Points involve?

I joined CUBE after completing my bachelor’s thesis and now work as a Product Manager for Contact Points. Our team focuses on those components where there’s a direct connection between the rider and the bike – primarily saddles and grips. Like contact points, body protectors are all about riding comfort. Thanks to my ergonomics experience and personal interest in the area, I was given the opportunity to oversee CUBE’s protector development, too.

What did the development process of protector gear look like?

The first step is always research: What does the customer need, what is available on the market, and where is their potential?

Then comes the concept and design: what should be improved or solved with the new protector, which protector insert is suitable, which protection class should it fulfill, and which materials are suitable? This is also where the first prototypes for fit and function are created.

Then, it is onto the fun part: Testing. Different riders, from amateurs to professionals, ride the samples and provide feedback. The feedback is collected and implemented in new samples. After a few loops and the testers’ satisfaction, the process continues in the office.

The refinement stage involves turning the results into a specific product. The dimensions and sizes are finalized. At this point, the features are defined, the exact material areas are determined, and seams are skillfully positioned to meet all requirements.

The final steps are packaging, pictures, online content creation, and so on.

What was especially important to you during the development process?

Understanding the customer’s needs, I think that’s always the key to a good and successful product. You can’t be riding around in knight’s armour. But, at the same time, a comfortable cotton tee doesn’t protect anything. So, finding the perfect in-between, that’s especially important.

Has customer behavior influenced the choice of materials or construction techniques?

Of course, the research also includes feedback on previous products. So we take criticism seriously and try to make the best of every product. We want our customers not only to be safer on the road, but also to have pleasure wearing them.

How did the finished protectors turn out?

The latest CUBE Protector range includes two knee protectors, an elbow protector, and a protector shirt. These are aimed at anyone who wants to ride anything from local trails to crossing the Alps but still values comfort and ventilation. One of the knee protectors emphasizes protection a little more (X Actionteam), and the other is geared towards pedalling comfort (X NF). 

What makes CUBE protectors different?

The elaborately developed fit guarantees extremely high wearing comfort and no slipping of the protectors. The high sleeve of the knee protectors ensures a good grip without having to build up uncomfortable pressure. Our x NF knee protector has been scientifically proven to have the same properties as a compression sleeve. Overall, we pay a lot of attention to riding comfort.

Tell us more about NF ergonomics – that’s your own concept, right?

Yes, that’s true. NF ergonomics stands for Natural Fit ergonomics. It is all about ensuring equipment complements the body’s natural performance characteristics. Analyzing human anatomy and biomechanics, as well as scientific studies, we optimized every aspect of our products in relation to the body. For instance, on our knee protectors, the silicone prints are aligned with the knee’s skin tension lines and muscle fibers. This guarantees improved comfort, supports blood circulation and outstanding performance.

And what role does Polygiene play in the CUBE protectors?

In addition to comfort and protection, we wanted to improve ease of use and durability. By using Polygiene, we achieve exactly that: odors are prevented, and bacterial growth is prohibited. The main benefit is that it has a way less unpleasant smell, even if the protective gear is left inside a closed bag. Also, the need to wash the gear after every ride is not there; it’s usually enough to let the gear air dry. Less washing means less stress for the material, therefore more longevity and, in addition to that, a benefit for the environment. And who would say no to a protector that smells nice despite several days of use?

To what extent does sustainability play a role in your protectors?

We care about the environment that we live in. I love spending time outdoors and I greatly value nature. So, it only makes sense to take great care of what’s out there. Using Polygiene is one of many steps to ensure the future of the world we live in.

Finally, where will you be using your CUBE protectors this year?

We’re lucky to have beautiful surroundings and a ton of fun trails around here in the Fichtemountains. It’s where most of our new ideas are born and our products are perfected, and I spend a lot of time riding there. The Bikepark Ochsenkopf is also opening new downhill trails soon, so I’ll spend a lot of the upcoming season exploring them!

We want to thank Daniel for taking the time to speak to us about CUBE’s new range of MTB protectors. 

You can find CUBE bikes and gear in most stores. Additionally, they are available online at various cycling retail sites, such as bike-discount and bike24.