From XC-trail to Downhill: Racer has you covered

Racer Gloves has been in the protective gear game a long time. The French company started with ski and motorcycle gloves way back in 1927. Fabric and protective technology have come a long way since then, and the sport of mountain biking was invented along the way.

Racer combines the newest developments in protective materials, like D3O impact protection, with 90 years of experience making gear to survive in harsh outdoor conditions. Throughout Racer’s line of mountain bike gear, attention to detail and quality construction make for functional equipment built to last more than a few crashes.

RELATED: Review: Racer Motion knee pads

From ultra-light to full downhill-level protection, here’s four of the top pieces from Racer’s mountain bike line:

Racer's Motion top has a full length zipper for easy removal, placed to the side for increased comfort

It comes as a long sleeve, with easily removable sleeves so you can wear it as a short sleeve, or with your own preferred elbow protection

The lightweight mesh top has EVA protective material on the chest

Removable D3O shoulder protection makes the Motion top easier to wash

D3O back protection is also easily removed for washing.

Racer's Motion top fits a full size water bladder in the back

Exit ports and shoulder loops allow you to securely route the water hose on either side of your body

There's also two pockets on the back of the Motion top for tools, keys and other small items. One on the side

And another pocket on the lower back.

The removable sleeves come off easily via a zipper, which is lined with fabric on either side to prevent catching on skin or your jersey

The extra layer adds protection, but minimal bulk

Ok, it looks a little weirder without the top, but it's designed to go under a jersey

Racer Motion top – D3O gilet

The Racer Motion vest offers full torso protection for downhill, BMX and enduro. Based around a lightweight and breathable mesh fabric, the Motion top uses D3O impact material and EVA foam to provide back, shoulder, chest, and removable elbow protection. D3O’s flexible material hardens on impact, combining mobility with protection. When you need to wash the Motion top, the back and shoulder D3O pads are removable. The elbow sleeves are easily removable for washing, or to match the Motion vest with your preferred elbow pads.

Designed to carry your ride essentials with out, the Motion top fits a full size water bladder, with stealth routing for the hose, and has two smaller pockets on the back and side for tools, keys and other items. A full length zipper runs to the side of the EVA chest protection, making the vest easy to put on and remove comfortably.

Racer Motion knee pad

The Motion pads are longer than some other knee pads, adding some shin and thigh protection

Smaller pads protect from side impacts

The main D3O pad is removable, making the Motion knee easier to wash

A full zip makes the Motion knee easy to remove, while velcro straps add smaller fit adjustments

The back of the Motion knee is a lighter, mesh material to help keep your knees cooler

Racer Motion knee pads

The Motion knee pad is Racer’s enduro and downhill friendly knee pad. A full length zipper makes it easy to put on or take off the knee pads mid ride, without having to take off your shoes. A removable D3O foam pad means the Motion knee is machine washable. Smaller pads on both sides of the knee offer protection from side impacts. Read the full review of the Racer Motion knee pad for more info.

While lightweight, Racer's elbow pads still provide a substantially sized protective pad

D3O material is fused directly to the pad body

Racer Smart-Skin elbow pads

On the more minimalist side of Racer’s protective line, the Smart-Skin elbow pads offer lightweight protection, combining comfort with flexible D3O Smart-Skin padding. The impact-resistant material is heat fused to the mesh material that makes up the rest of the pad. Anti-slip silicone strips keep the elbow pads in place.

While designed primarily for trail and XC use, the Racer Smart-Skin pads, which also come in a knee pad, are also great for BMX and dirt jump use as their slim profile fits under tightly fitted jeans.

There's more D3O out back for tailbone protection

Silicone material makes sure the pads stay where they're useful when you start sliding across the ground

The added thigh protection is minimal, but a nice touch.

Racer Profile under-shorts

Racer’s Profile short is a lycra short to go under your normal riding baggies, offering protection for your hips, tailbone and thighs. Again using D3O’s flexible impact resistant material, the shorts are comfortable while riding while still providing protection when you come off the bike. Most riders know the distinct, and lasting discomfort of landing on your hip when you crash, or even bouncing hard off a tree. Racer’s Profile short is an easy, and light way to add protection that fits under your normal riding shorts.

To find out more about the full line of Racer protective wear, head to the company’s website.