50 Years of Experience in Motocross and Mountain Biking
Since the development of motorsports in the 1960s, O'Neal have been pioneers and trailblazers in the field of MX apparel. At the same time, Jim O'Neal has been a passionate MX rider since the birth of the sport. Not only Jim, but also his buddies, longed for better equipment that was tailored to their needs. It was this desire for higher performance that spurred Jim on to make more possible for his buddies and himself. With the same motive in mind, O'Neal decided in the late 1980s to enter the mountain bike market and offer MTB-specific products in Europe and the USA.
From helmets, body armour, shoes and gloves to jackets, jerseys, pants and gear for kids, product development is a central aspect of O'Neal's corporate identity. O'Neal has been strongly inspired by the bikes people have ridden and the tracks they've traveled on to make their products fit them perfectly. O'Neal has always been committed to innovative production processes and materials technologies to provide all riders with the support and safety they need to push the boundaries of what is possible.
High-Quality Technologies and Innovative Product Development
Even today, this philosophy plays a very important role in O'Neal product development. A good example of this is the IPX® (impact foam technology) developed by O'Neal, which is used in all O'Neal body armour.
Innovative thinking in product development has helped shape the industry. In the 1980s, O'Neal made its first advance in the field of mountain biking with the launch of the AZONIC brand and the first MTB-specific product line for apparel, protectors and bike accessories. The sport continued to develop and riders pushed themselves and their bikes to an ever increasing level.
O'Neal's commitment to mountain biking, coupled with its commitment to product development, was highly successful. They can proudly say that they have helped the sport grow and become popular. Although today's focus is increasingly on the needs of Enduro and Trail Riding, O'Neal remains true to its roots in Downhill and Freeride. The adaptation of the O'Neal product range in recent years has reflected this development.
"It wasn't about making money. Our drive was really about finding and creating better products to race with." Jim O'Neal
O'Neal was the first brand to introduce the innovative Fidlock® magnetic closure to the MTB market. Recently, the O'Neal Zipper knee pad was also recognized as one of the most imaginative innovations the market has to offer.
Another highlight is the IPX® ACells technology. The system impresses with 360° rotation and axial movement as well as damping characteristics and surpasses most other technologies on the market in many respects.
Whether Professional or Enthusiast - You Can Always Rely on O'Neal
Currently riders like Greg Minnaar from South Africa (double UCI World Downhill Champion) and many more international Downhill World Cup and Enduro riders represent the O'Neal brand. Besides them, many young talents are already wearing their products. O'Neal knows the needs of riders who want to get the most out of themselves every day, supports them in what they do best and strives to advance the MX and MTB sport in its development.
Even after almost 50 years, O'Neal continues to cross boundaries and set new standards.
O'Neal remains true to its philosophy (today and in the future) - the ongoing quest to develop ever higher quality and more innovative equipment, whether for riders with or without an engine on the bike.
