At the same time, Jim O'NEAL has been a passionate Motocross rider since the birth of the sport. Not only Jim, but also his riding buddies, longed for better gear tailored to their needs. It was precisely this desire for improved performance that drove Jim to innovate—he wanted to give his friends and himself more. From the same motivation, O'NEAL decided in the late 1980s to enter the mountain bike market, offering products in both Europe and the USA.
From the very beginning, product development has been central to the O'NEAL philosophy. The brand drew inspiration from the bikes riders rode and the trails they conquered, ensuring that every product was perfectly tailored to real riding conditions. O'NEAL has always placed the highest value on innovative production processes and material technologies to provide all riders with the support and protection they need to push the limits of MX and MTB.
The industry has shaped our innovative approach in product development.
Even today, this philosophy plays a key role in O'NEAL’s product development. A prime example is O'NEAL’s IPX® (Impact Foam Technology), which is used in all O'NEAL protectors. A standout is the IPX® ACELLS technology, featuring 360° rotational and axial movement as well as superior damping, surpassing most other systems on the market. This innovative mindset has helped shape the industry.
O'NEAL’s first major breakthrough in mountain biking came in the 1980s with the launch of the Azonic brand, introducing the first MTB-specific line of clothing, protectors, and bike accessories. As the sport evolved and riders pushed both themselves and their bikes to new limits, O'NEAL’s commitment and insight in product development proved hugely successful. The brand can proudly say it has helped grow and popularize MTB globally.
Even though today’s focus increasingly targets the needs of Enduro and Trail riders, O'NEAL remains loyal to its downhill and freeride roots. The evolution of the O'NEAL product range over recent years reflects this development.
It wasn’t about making money. For us, it was truly about developing better products that we could race with.

After more than 50 years, O'NEAL still breaks limits, constantly raising the bar for innovation, performance, and rider gear.






