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1. Flexion channel designed directly through the protection shell allows the guard to bend with the knee during flexion, eliminating the resistance that flat rigid shells create at the joint during riding
2. Dual strap closure with the top strap mounted above the knee and lower strap positioned below provides a two-point ergonomic fit that keeps the protector centred on the joint without migration
3. Asymmetric and lightweight construction reduces rotation tendency and extends the protection surface coverage beyond a symmetrical guard design
1. At £39.99, this is a strap-on protector without the sleeve integration of the Bionic Flex line — riders who prefer sleeve-mounted protection should consider the Flex or Plus Knee/Shin options
2. CE Level 1 is the lighter certification standard; riders wanting Level 2 protection should look at the Bionic Pro or A-10 lines
3. Hard-shell construction is more protective but adds profile under riding pants compared to the low-profile sleeve protectors in the A-Motion Plasma range
The gap between budget strap-on knee guards and premium sleeve protectors is where the Alpinestars Bionic Plus Knee Protector sits, and it earns that position with several design features that address the known weaknesses of conventional hard-shell strap-on guards. At £39.99, the price is accessible, but the specification reflects real engineering consideration rather than bare-minimum CE compliance.
The most significant feature is the flexion channel: a design element built directly into the protection shell that allows the guard to flex with the knee during the natural bending motion of riding. Conventional rigid shells create resistance at the knee during deep flexion, which is felt as a stiff obstruction particularly in the crouch and standing riding positions. The flexion channel removes this by providing a designed bend point through the shell that follows the joint’s natural motion without compromising the protection geometry in the flat position.
The dual-strap closure addresses the second common problem with strap-on knee guards: migration. The top strap is specifically mounted above the knee and the lower strap positioned below it, creating an above-and-below retention system that keeps the protector centred on the knee cap throughout the riding body position range. The asymmetric and lightweight panel construction extends the protection surface to provide coverage over a wider area of the knee and surrounding structure, and reduces the rotation tendency that symmetrical guards develop during active movement.
Vented panels and 3D mesh material in the contact area of the guard maintain airflow against the skin and prevent heat accumulation during extended wearing. Robust protective structures and impact absorption padding provide the certified impact performance across the guard.
The Bionic Plus Knee Protectors are for MX, enduro, and off-road riders who want CE Level 1 certified strap-on knee protection with a flexion-channel shell design that works with the knee during riding. They suit riders who prefer strap-on guards over sleeve integration, and who want a more considered specification than the entry-level Bionic Action without the investment of the sleeve-format alternatives.
– CE Level 1: EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1
– Flexion channel through shell for natural knee bending
– Dual strap closure: top strap above knee, lower strap ergonomically positioned below
– Asymmetric and lightweight ergonomic panel construction
– Extended protection surfaces to reduce rotation
– Vented panels and 3D mesh for heat management and tactile comfort
– Ergonomically profiled for optimised fit
The Bionic Plus Knee Protectors at £39.99 are a thoughtfully designed CE Level 1 strap-on option with the flexion channel addressing the key limitation of conventional hard-shell guards — a meaningful upgrade over simpler alternatives at the same price bracket.
The Bionic Plus Knee Protector is a well-designed CE Level 1 strap-on knee guard at an accessible £39.99. The flexion channel, dual-strap fit, and asymmetric construction address the three main limitations of conventional hard-shell knee guards, making this a solid step up from the entry-level Bionic Action.
1. Flexion channel designed directly through the protection shell allows the guard to bend with the knee during flexion, eliminating the resistance that flat rigid shells create at the joint during riding
2. Dual strap closure with the top strap mounted above the knee and lower strap positioned below provides a two-point ergonomic fit that keeps the protector centred on the joint without migration
3. Asymmetric and lightweight construction reduces rotation tendency and extends the protection surface coverage beyond a symmetrical guard design
1. At £39.99, this is a strap-on protector without the sleeve integration of the Bionic Flex line — riders who prefer sleeve-mounted protection should consider the Flex or Plus Knee/Shin options
2. CE Level 1 is the lighter certification standard; riders wanting Level 2 protection should look at the Bionic Pro or A-10 lines
3. Hard-shell construction is more protective but adds profile under riding pants compared to the low-profile sleeve protectors in the A-Motion Plasma range
