Ryan Dungey Fox FLEXAIR Interview

Chosen as one of the select few publications from around the world to interview Ryan Dungey about Fox’s new FLEXAIR motocross gear-set, we jumped at the opportunity and we’re excited to bring you the champ’s response.

Dungey has had a phenomenal year, winning the 2015 AMA Supercross Championship and is currently leading the Outdoors. With direct input into the development of the FLEXAIR, as well as putting it through its paces during testing and racing, who better to talk to about this awesome new racewear.

In case of a crash or fall, is the FLEXAIR gear easily damaged or not?
The FLEXAIR gear holds up great. I’ve crashed in the gear and never had any damage to the pant from when I went down.

What do you think FLEXAIR’s ‘competitive advantages’ are, in relation to other gear-sets available in the market?
For me the biggest advantage is that the pant is so comfortable as well as lightweight. I love the fit and comfort of the pant. As you know the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team spends a lot of money to make our bikes lighter so when Fox can shave weight to the gear that helps us out as well.

Even with your sponsors printed on top of the FLEXAIR jerseys, does it still feel lighter than a normal ‘non-FLEXAIR’ jersey?
I love the feel and light weight of the jerseys. All of my racing jerseys have my sponsor logos built (sublimated) into the jersey fabric so no additional weight is added.

As a pro rider, what do you think are FLEXAIR’s key differences from the 360, which make the FLEXAIR the new pinnacle Fox MX kit for Pro riders?
If we are talking about the jersey it’s so light weight and breathable. It’s so important for an athlete to keep his body as cool as possible during competition and I believe the FLEXAIR helps do this. The pant is so comfortable and lightweight it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a MX pant. I think the pant allows me to get into position on the bike maybe a standard pant doesn’t allow due to binding.

The Fox FLEXAIR Libra Yellow Jersey — Libra Yellow

If you could only use 3 words to describe racing in the FLEXAIR, what would they be?
Comfort, light, breathable.

Do you think using FLEXAIR is key for you in your competition wins?
I think so, any way you can make a rider feel more comfortable on the bike that’s an advantage. My pants fit so perfect, there is no binding, no areas that are tight just the best fitting pant I’ve ever worn.

Graphics-wise, what do you think about the Union and the Libra FLEXAIR designs? Which one is your favourite and in which colourway?
I like simple clean design, so the Libra is a perfect design for me. My favourite colour is blue so blue Libra.

How important is wearing top-of-the-line racewear technology in your racing how much does it affect your performance?
It’s very important to me. We put in countless hours of training and testing so the product I wear is just as important. We cannot have any product issues while competing, there is no room for product issues and I believe I have the best in the industry with Fox.

The Fox FLEXAIR Libra Yellow pant — Libra Yellow

How does it feel to have an industry leader such as Fox support you?
It’s amazing. It was always my dream as a kid to be a Fox athlete. It’s just an honour to be part of the brand. I have won every one of my pro titles in Fox and I will retire as a Fox athlete.

What went through your mind when you first unpacked, saw, felt and analysed the new Fox FLEXAIR kit?
When I first picked up the FLEXAIR pant I was kind of tripping out because it’s such a different feeling than the standard mx pant. It’s lighter, stretchy and just feels different. I loved the FLEXAIR jersey as soon as I felt it. I like vented jerseys and the FLEXAIR jersey is lightweight and breathable, perfect for me.

What was your first impression when riding with the FLEXAIR, and how does it compare to the 360 and 180 gear-sets in terms of pros and cons?
Let me say that the 360 pant is awesome. I have ridden in that pant for years and always loved the fit of it. When I first rode in the FLEXAIR pant I was so happy with it, its light, very comfortable and fit is amazing. I guess the biggest difference between the 360 and FLEXAIR is that FLEXAIR is totally stretch while the 360 only stretches in a few areas. I had to get use to the fully stretch pant on starts I felt I was sliding back on the seat but it just took a few starts at my practice track to get it dialled and now everything is perfect.

If you spent the day working in a Fox concept store, what would your sales pitch be to clients about the FLEXAIR motocross kit?
Well I’m a racer, racing at the highest level of our sport and I believe the FLEXAIR gear gives me an advantage. The gear is lighter, fits perfect and I’m so loose on the bike, there is no binding. I can get in any position on the bike. Just when I put the FLEXAIR on I feel great in it, just having that feeling gives me an advantage going to the line for a race.

Motocross has become more comfortable with the new Fox FLEXAIR kit — Libra Yellow

You’ve been referred to as one of the “Two Ryan’s , bestowed the nickname of “Diesel” by Fro, but are more commonly known as “the Dunge”. Outside of the latter, Mr. Dungey or, you know, “Champ”, if you could give yourself a nickname, what would it be?
Oh man I don’t know, I’m not a real big fan of “Diesel” and everyone on the team calls me either Ryan or “Dunge” so I would like to stick to either of those.

From the V3 (or V4) helmet to the Instincts, you’re practically covered from head to toe in Fox Racing’s best. But what is your favourite piece of Fox racewear?
I don’t know if I have a favourite. I really like all the products, the Instinct boots are awesome, the V3 helmet fit is great and the FLEXAIR gear is the most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn.

When it comes to the Instincts and 360 racewear, 2015 has seen some pretty unique colourways, so what is your favourite so far?
I really liked the Image Limited Edition retro kits we wore at Atlanta, that stuff was cool and the matching pink boots were sweet.

Are you superstitious about sticking to the same colour or design of your jersey and pants after you win a race?
No I’m not, but I do like to run the same couple of helmet liners all year. I like a certain feel so I don’t change them that often.

MX has become more comfortable with the new Fox FLEXAIR kit — Libra Yellow

When working with Fox to develop and perfect this new technology in racewear, what were your main concerns or input you gave Fox regarding what you wanted this new tier in racewear to provide you with?
My biggest concern was reliability. We have all worn the same MX pants design for a long time, so when Fox introduced FLEXAIR it was so different than anything we have ever used before. Its super light and when you have it in your hands for the first time you question that it will hold up. I have been racing and practicing in the FLEXAIR pant for over a year and have never had an issue. It’s a great pant.

Fox FLEXAIR Features:

The lightest MX jersey and pant Fox has ever made.
The jersey stretches with the riders body movement.
The TruDri fabric of the jersey is softer and more comfortable against the skin.
The fabric also keeps the riders body temperature balanced during race conditions.
The pant provide unrestricted freedom of movement, 4-way stretch.
The TruMotion fabric used in the pant has the highest abrasion durability test rating of any stretch pant in motocross.
Targeted ventilation to keep the rider cool.

The Fox FLEXAIR will be available in South Africa in Libra Yellow only towards the end of the month/ beginning September – exclusively at the Fox Concept stores in Gateway (Durban), Canal Walk (Cape Town), Menlyn Park (Pretoria) and, the soon to be opened, bay West Mall (PE).
Price: Jersey – R969.00, Pant – R3139.00.