If you're not familiar with the Pando Moto, I don't blame you. The Lithuanian motorcycle gear brand is relatively new to the market, having started in 2011. Since hitting the scene 15 years ago, the manufacturer has expanded into more than 27 markets. Not content with providing gear for one of the more extreme hobbies in the world—motorcycling—Pando Moto took on the task of designing gear for the German Olympic bobsleigh team.
Pando Moto couldn't just take its existing gear and adapt it for bobsleighing. So, the brand partnered with five-time Olympic champion Thorsten Margis to adapt its motorcycle protection technology to a sport where every millisecond matters and aerodynamics is key. The only thing more important in bobsleighing than cutting through the air as quickly as possible is protecting the team if they hit the ice at speeds of up to 100 mph.
Although Pando Moto took on the challenge of creating gear for one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, it wasn't the brand's idea, but rather something it agreed to. The initial idea was brought up by Thorsten Margis. After obtaining his motorcycle licence and discovering Pando Moto, he purchased the Shell UH 03 model featuring the Balistex fabric.
According to Pando Moto, "After testing the product, he (Margis) recognized the potential of applying these protective materials to bobsleigh. Margis approached Pando Moto with a clear vision — to adapt Balistex® technology for protective apparel designed specifically for the extreme conditions of bobsleigh. What began as an athlete’s initiative developed into a joint effort aimed at improving safety in the sport."
Pando Moto's design process for the bobsleigh gear was supported by real accident scenarios, but instead of modifying existing motorcycle garments, the designers created entirely new apparel. The gear was constructed from high-level protective materials, including Kevlar and Balistex, which were specifically engineered to perform under conditions of high friction and low temperatures. The team integrated the protection into the garment structure with the aim to increase resistance to abrasion, tearing, and heat build-up, while maintaining a lightweight, minimalist silhouette.
The design itself is dark, minimalist, and to the point. To me, it speaks to the seriousness, read "danger", that is bobsledding at this level. It's likely that I think the final product is even cooler because I know Team Germany went on to win all three of the team bobsleigh gold medals up for grabs.
