TRAIL KNEE PADS
Almost all of us here at MBUK now wear knee pads on all but the most XC of XC rides. That’s because your knees are generally one of the first – and most painful – parts of the body to hit the ground in a crash, and yet, as a moving part, are also vital to protect, not least so you can keep on riding into your autumn years! In the shorter term, wearing pads is one of the best ways to keep you on your bike, rather than resting on the couch.
Knee pads vary wildly though. Some are super- lightweight sleeves, more for scuff protection than big hits, while others wouldn’t look out of place on a motocross bike. As such, the padding can vary from simple Kevlar-wrapped foam, through to high-tech materials that are malleable until hit and then magically harden up, to hard-plastic skid plates covering impact-absorbing materials.
Fit is vital. A baggy, loose feel may aid comfort, but it could lead to the pad moving in a crash, potentially greatly decreasing the protection it offers. Some designs rely on a long upper sock with silicone gripper to keep them in place, while others have Velcro straps so you can cinch them down over your thighs and calves. The trade-off for more security and protection tends to be less comfort and breathability. Unless you want to whip your shoes off at the top and bottom of every climb, your pads are likely to stay on throughout your ride. As such, you need a pair that don’t chafe on long climbs or get too sweaty when the sun comes out.
The recent hot weather has made this an ideal time to test knee pads. Tom’s been
