Specialized and D3O® Unveil the Traction D3O® Knee Pad: Innovatively Designed for Unrestricted Movement and Powerful Pedaling.

(Huntington Beach, CA) For the first time, impact protection leader D3O® has teamed up with Specialized to create a knee pad that offers pedal-friendly protection. The Traction D3O® Knee Pad delivers the perfect combination of impact protection, comfort, and freedom of movement, allowing mountain bikers to push their limits without compromise.

Developed over four years in collaboration with Specialized’s Body Geometry team, this knee pad is engineered to move naturally with the rider. Featuring D3O’s advanced impact protection technology, the precision-shaped design expands and contracts with your legs as you pedal, ensuring a secure, non-slip fit without restricting movement.

Engineered for Performance

The Specialized Body Geometry team used X-ray technology to analyze knee movement throughout the pedal stroke. These insights guided the creation of a new D3O® Impact Printed pad shape, designed to mirror the knee’s natural movements and direction changes according to the anatomical map. The pad’s open lattice structure maximizes breathability, 90% of testers in final field trials reported feeling cooler compared to competitor pads.

Despite its ultra-pedal-friendly design, the Traction D3O® Knee Pad meets the stringent EN1621-1 Level 1 certification for motorcycle impact protection, proving that superior protection doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort.

Protection That Moves with You

Traditional knee pads often shift out of place or feel restrictive, particularly on long rides. The Traction D3O® Knee Pad eliminates these issues with a design that stays secure, breathes exceptionally well, and helps support pedaling. Key features include:

• D3O® Impact Print technology that flexes naturally with knee movement.
• Compressive four-way stretch fabric for moisture-wicking, cooling comfort.
• Abrasion-resistant front panel for durability on tough trails.
• Elasticated cuff with silicone gripper for a secure yet comfortable fit.
• Seamless back and subtle articulation to prevent bunching behind the knee.

“This collaboration combines Specialized’s deep understanding of rider biomechanics with D3O’s expertise in material science and protection,” said Adam Turvey, Principal Designer at D3O®.

“The result is a knee pad that not only protects but supports and enhances pedaling so mountain bikers have the comfort and confidence to go further and push harder.”

Designed for trail and enduro riders, the Traction D3O® Knee Pad is built to be so comfortable that riders forget they’re wearing it even on long rides.

“At Specialized, we utilized our Body Geometry team’s extensive knowledge of human physiology to develop a knee pad that’s more pedal able, breathable, and comfortable than anything else on the market,” said Max Rye, Apparel Product Manager at Specialized. “Working with D3O allowed us to create a knee guard that expands and contracts with the rider’s natural motion, enhancing comfort while still providing certified impact protection. This knee guard is a game-changer for mountain bikers.”

The Traction D3O® Knee Pad launches May 20th and will be available at select retailers and Specialized.com for an MSRP of $120.

For more information, visit D3O.com or Specialized.com.

Media Contact:

Serena Thynne
Global Head of PR, D3O
serena.thynne@d3o.com

About D3O

D3O® is the global leader in protection against impact, shock and vibration. Working with world-class brands including Formula 1 teams, adidas, the U.S. Department of Defense, and NASA, D3O provides protective solutions across multiple industries, from sports and motorcycling to defense and electronics. D3O partners with leading mountain bike brands including Specialized, Fox, Oakley, Troy Lee Designs, Ride Concepts, Dakine, Enduro, Scott, Canyon, Decathlon and Giro. The company recently trademarked the colour orange for the exclusive use in protection for motorcycle, reinforcing its role as a trusted ingredient brand in the protection industry.
About Specialized

“At Specialized, we are riders. That simple fact has guided every decision we've made since 1974. When quality tires weren’t available, we set out to make the best. When people wanted to ride cruisers in the dirt, we created the first production mountain bike. When road cyclists wanted to go faster, we doubled down on carbon and built our own wind tunnel. And when we saw kids struggling to focus in school, we launched Outride to help promote better health through cycling.
 
Specialized. Made for riders, by riders.”