Dirt

American company Troy Lee Designs produces helmets, gloves, protection and race clothing for motocross and off-road bike riders, as well as a range of casual sportswear, including T-shirts, fleeces, hats and shorts. It is also behind the paint job on the helmets of many of the world’s leading racers in all disciplines.

The company was started by Californian Troy Lee, whose father and grandfather both raced motorbikes to a high level. It was only natural that a young Troy would become involved in motorbike racing too, but instead of taking part in racing itself, he painted helmets in his parents’ garage for his motocross racing friends.

TLD now has a shop in Laguna Beach, California, with its headquarters and main showroom in nearby Corona. Current products designed for all-mountain, freeride, downhill and BMX riders are helmets, jerseys and shorts, plus protection for chest, joints (knee, elbow, ankle and wrist), kidney and mouth. The company’s helmets in particular are known for their innovative manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge graphics.

In early 2014, the formation of the SRAM/Troy Lee Designs global development team was announced, to take part in the upcoming season – the all-American squad would consist of downhillers Walker and Luca Shaw, and cross-country racer Russell Finsterwald. TLD also work closely on an individual level with many of the sport’s top riders including Aaron Gwin, Sam Hill, Brendan Fairclough, Troy Brosnan, Steve Peat, Brandon Semenuk and Cam Zink.