Damp leaves, wet roads and poor visibility on cloudy days - when these factors come together, commuters and city bikers know that it can quickly become dangerous on the roads. AGU has addressed this problem and is setting new standards in the field of cycle clothing with the introduction of the Commuter Impact Suit. The combination of rain jacket and trousers with integrated impact protection is aimed specifically at riders of e-bikes and speed pedelecs who commute between home and work at high speeds. According to the Dutch manufacturer, this is the first protective clothing that has been specially developed for this growing target group. The special feature: the combination of waterproof properties, good visibility and strategically placed protective elements on areas of the body that are particularly vulnerable in the event of a fall.
At the heart of the new Impact Suit are the RE ZRO protective elements, which have been placed in the areas of the body most at risk of falling. These pads are located on the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees - precisely the areas that typically hit the ground first in the event of a fall. The pads are characterised by their flexibility and low weight and are designed to adapt well to the body. In the event of a fall or accident, they absorb the impact and thus reduce the risk of abrasions or joint injuries. This technology represents an interesting middle ground between completely unprotected everyday clothing and specialised motorbike protective clothing, which would be too bulky and impractical for many bike commuters. Integrating the protective padding into rainwear is a logical step, as the risk of falling is increased in wet conditions anyway and many commuters already wear specialised cycling clothing in such conditions.
In addition to the special impact protection pads, AGU has equipped the Impact Suit with abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric, which is intended to provide additional protection in the event of a crash. This choice of material is based on the manufacturer's experience in WorldTour cycling, where cycling shorts made of Cordura are already being used successfully. The material is known for its high friction resistance and should help to ensure that the fabric remains intact in the event of a crash, minimising damage to both the skin and the clothing underneath.
Despite the integrated protective functions, the Commuter Impact Suit remains true to its main purpose as rainwear. The suit is completely waterproof with a water column of 10,000 mm and has taped seams to prevent moisture from penetrating. At the same time, AGU promises high breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h. These values are in the middle range for cycling clothing - they are not as high as for premium sportswear for intensive activities, but significantly better than for simple rain jackets.