While much of the cycling trade continues to grapple with soft demand and cautious consumer spending, South African-founded protective equipment specialist Leatt appears to be swimming against the tide. According to a report in BikeBiz’s August 2026 edition, the brand has been quietly expanding its footprint even as several rivals in the safety gear sector scale back operations or restructure.
The piece points to a telling anecdote from an online forum, where riders discussing helmet and body armour options repeatedly circled back to Leatt as the brand worth watching. Industry watchers suggest this grassroots enthusiasm, combined with a steady stream of product news, has helped the company maintain momentum at a time when many peers are struggling to hold market share.
Leatt has built its reputation primarily in off-road disciplines, offering neck braces, body armour and full-face helmets aimed at downhill and enduro riders, though its range has broadened in recent years to include more trail-oriented and lightweight protective options. The firm’s ability to keep innovating on safety technology, rather than simply competing on price, is being cited as a key factor in its resilience.
For riders, the wider picture matters beyond brand loyalty. A protective equipment sector that stays financially healthy and competitive is good news for anyone buying safety kit, from weekend trail riders to racers on the enduro and downhill circuits. Sustained investment from manufacturers like Leatt tends to translate into faster development of lighter, more effective protection – exactly the kind of advances that keep riders safer without adding unwanted bulk or weight to their kit bags.
On Track will continue to monitor how the protective gear market evolves, particularly as more mountain bikers and gravel riders look to invest in body armour designed for rougher terrain.
Sam Allcock is a digital PR entrepreneur and publisher with over two decades in SEO, content and media. He founded PR Fire, the pay-as-you-go press release distribution service, and has worked with brands including Red Bull, Nokia and Liverpool FC. He contributes to HuffPost, HubSpot and The London Economic, and owns a portfolio of news and media titles, of which On Track Magazine is one.
