TECH Q&A
PAD IT OUT
I’m in the market for some new knee pads. What should I be looking for, and have you got any suggestions? I guess I’d class myself as a trail rider.
Stephanie, via email
Pads for trail riding need to strike a good balance between protection, comfort and ventilation – all potentially competing demands. Knee pads usually have a protection rating of CE Level 1 or CE Level 2. Level 2 pads are tested to withstand bigger impacts, but consequently tend to be heavier, bulkier and hotter. For trail riding, we generally use Level 1 pads.
These mostly feature a flexible insert, held in place over your knee by a stretchy sleeve. This insert may be made from foam or, on pricier models, a non-Newtonian material such as D3O, which stays soft when pedalling but hardens upon impact. The
