TECH-AIR MX System with dedicated MTB Downhill Algorithm

August 27, 2026

Building on 26 years of experience in airbag technology, Alpinestars introduces the MTB Downhill Algorithm to the Tech-Air® MX Airbag System, a groundbreaking addition to its protective mountain biking lineup.

Initially developed and tested in pre-production form by Alpinestars professional athletes, Tech-Air® MX is now available with a dedicated Downhill Algorithm, downloadable through the Tech-Air® App. Designed specifically around the demands of modern downhill mountain biking, the algorithm is engineered to recognize the unique dynamics of high-speed descents, technical terrain, and loss-of-control events. Upon the detection of an MTB Downhill crash situation, the System will automatically deploy a protective Airbag, providing upper body protection to the rider.

DOWNHILL RIDING MODE: DEVELOPED FOR THE DEMANDS OF MTB

Downhill mountain biking presents a unique set of challenges. Riders tackle steep, gravity-assisted descents at high speeds, navigating berms, drops, jumps, bumps, and rapidly changing terrain that can include loose gravel, rocks, and mud across woodland and open-country trails.

Unlike motocross, where higher speeds and greater acceleration and braking forces are typical, downhill riding is characterized by frequent changes in rider body position, varied terrain features, and lower overall vehicle mass and operating speeds. Crashes are often initiated by a loss of rider control or terrain-induced instability, followed by direct impacts with the ground or surrounding obstacles.

The Tech-Air® MX MTB Downhill Algorithm has been specifically optimized to recognize these conditions, detecting loss of rider control, terrain-induced instability, and impact scenarios associated with downhill crashes.

TECH-AIR® MX WITH MTB DOWNHILL ALGORITHM AIRBAG SYSTEM

Alpinestars has been pioneering electronic airbag protection in motorcycle racing for more than two decades. The Tech-Air® Race System was introduced to MotoGP in 2009, building on extensive road-racing data collected since 2003. Continuous development, supported by data gathered from Alpinestars’ global roster of professional racers, has driven the evolution of Tech-Air® technology.

The Tech-Air® Off-Road System has similarly established a benchmark for protection in extreme off-road competition, including at the Dakar Rally since 2019, supported by data collected from World Rally Championship racers since 2014.

For the Tech-Air® MX with the MTB Downhill Algorithm, Alpinestars has applied the same rigorous data-driven R&D approach to mountain biking. Development has been supported by data collected from professional athletes since 2022, helping engineers create a sophisticated crash-detection algorithm tailored to the dynamic and unpredictable conditions of downhill riding.

The result is a compact chest protector incorporating a fully autonomous Airbag System, designed to be integrated seamlessly into a rider’s standard kit and worn either over or under compatible equipment.

Activation is simple. Attaching the left buckle to the chest protector closes an internal magnetic switch, automatically activating the Airbag System. Detaching the buckle automatically switches the System off.

ADVANCED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND CRASH DETECTION

The Tech-Air® MX with the MTB Downhill Algorithm is a fully autonomous Airbag System equipped with six integrated sensors, including a tri-axial accelerometer and tri-axial gyroscope. The sensors continuously monitor rider movements in real time, transmitting data to the System’s control unit hundreds of times per second.

Developed using thousands of hours of riding and crash data, the System’s sophisticated algorithms analyze rider movement and identify crash events, enabling rapid deployment before impact or during a dangerous riding event.

When a crash is detected, the Airbag System deploys in approximately 32–45 milliseconds, depending on the size of the chest protector. Once inflated, the airbag delivers impact absorption equivalent to up to an 82% reduction in transmitted energy compared with conventional passive chest protectors.

The airbag also extends protection into the shoulder zones during deployment. Because these areas contain no passive protection elements in the normal riding configuration, riders retain a full range of motion and unrestricted movement during normal riding.

In a crash, rapid deployment provides extensive coverage across the shoulders, chest, and back.

CUSTOMIZABLE RIDING MODES

The Tech-Air® MX System comes preloaded with a dedicated MX Mode optimized for motocross tracks. Additionally, it offers two customizable modes—MY RIDE 1 and MY RIDE 2—configurable via the Tech-Air® App. Riders can select from five Riding Modes tailored to specific disciplines: the default MX Mode, MX RACE, ENDURO, RALLY, and the new DOWNHILL MTB Riding Mode, each with an algorithm fine-tuned for crash detection in varied conditions. Riding Modes can be switched effortlessly using the LED display button or the Tech-Air® App, providing flexibility for different riding scenarios.

QUICK AND EASY GAS INFLATOR REPLACEMENT

The System features a quick-release cover designed to simplify gas inflator replacement. The System is certified for up to six deployments before servicing is required, provided the airbag itself has not sustained damage.

LONG BATTERY LIFE

The Tech-Air® MX System with the MTB Downhill Algorithm is powered by an integrated, certified lithium-ion battery.

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours on a full charge.
• Recharge time: Approximately 4 hours.
• 1-hour charge: Approximately 8 hours of riding time.

With its combination of rapid crash detection, autonomous deployment, extensive upper-body coverage, and a dedicated MTB Downhill Algorithm, this Airbag System brings Alpinestars’ proven airbag technology to the unique demands of downhill mountain biking.

TECH-AIR® APP AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATES

Bluetooth connectivity enables seamless software updates via the Tech-Air® App, which also allows riders to monitor System status, battery life, and ride data through an enhanced Google Maps integration (subject to network coverage). A fully charged battery supports approximately 30 hours of active ride time, with an integrated LED display showing operational status, battery life, and selected Riding Mode.

SUPERIOR PROTECTION

The Tech-Air® MX provides CE L1 passive protection for the chest and back, with CE L1 active protection on the back when the airbag is deployed. Certified to Category II of the 686/89/EEC European PPE Directive and EN1621-4:2013, the System guarantees impact protection within 40 milliseconds to 5 seconds of full-pressure inflation, covering the rider’s shoulders, chest, and back.

AVAILABILITY

The Tech-Air® MX Airbag System with the new MTB Downhill algorithm launches on August 26, 2026 in Europe — available online at alpinestars.com and at authorized Alpinestars dealers in the coming weeks. The System will be available in the United States by the end of the year.