Mountain Biking Knee Pads
Mountain Biking Knee Pads
When you want to push your limits, some extra protection can help you. Knee pads not only protect you when you have a fall, but they give you a bit more confidence, which allows you to ride a little more aggressively, or take on features that fill you with dread. Therefore, mountain biking knee pads are an excellent investment.
Many riders now wear mountain biking knee pads, and there are lots of options for you to choose from. There are plenty of mountain biking knee pads on the market, so you will be able to find something that will suit your needs. But being informed before you start looking will make the whole process easier. So, in this post, I am going to go through the things you need to look out for and give you some options for excellent mountain biking knee pads.
Why Wear Mountain Biking Knee Pads?
Mountain biking is a dangerous sport. We do our best to stay on our bikes, but from time to time it isn’t always possible. The skin on your knees, isn’t exceptionally durable, especially when it comes in to contact with gravel at high speed and neither are your kneecaps. A crash can happen at the most unpredicted time. Therefore some protection is a great idea.
As I mentioned before, extra protection can give you more confidence when riding. This extra confidence can help you progress better as a rider and have more fun.
Mountain Biking Knee Pad Designs
Mountain biking knee pads are basically just a tube with padding on them. The padding will be on the front, but some have it on the sides too. Knee pads are designed to be flexible, allowing them to move, as you pedal and move your legs. But, they are also made to stay on place, to give you coverage where it is needed.
Some pads are extended at the top to stop them slipping down and to make sure you don’t get a gap between your shorts and your pad. This is something that some brands really focus on, while others make a point out of making it easy to put them on and remove them without having to take your shoes off. These pads are usually fastened at the side and wrap around your knee. The idea behind these pads is to maintain structural integrity in the event of a crash. Also, if you sustain a bad injury, they are easier to take off.
Level Of Protection
When choosing mountain biking knee pads, the amount of protection you want is probably your primary concern. Pads that have more emphasis on security and extra padding tend to be more bulky, hot and more difficult to pedal in. Lighter knee pads are more comfortable to wear and ride in, but generally don’t provide as much protection.
Light
Lightweight mountain biking knee pads are usually slim fitting. These pads offer the least amount of protection but are the least bulky. The idea behind light mountain biking knee pads is to forget that you are wearing them when riding all day. You can expect them to prevent scrapes and scrubbing your skin off during a crash.
Trail
Trail pads are the most common type of knee pads, as they fall right in the middle of what most people want. Trail knee pads are bulkier than lightweight ones, but they offer more protection, while still feeling comfortable. Riders tend to wear these pads on cross country rides and in trail centres.
Heavy
If you want the most protection possible, you need to go for heavy-duty knee pads. This type of pad will give you the most coverage but are the bulkiest. Bulky pads are generally more difficult to pedal in. But, they are not as bad as they used to be. I have been riding with Fox Launch pads for a few years now. These are full shin and knee guards, but I don’t have any issue with them on enduro rides, even on a hot day. Heavy-duty knee pads like these are mainly used for downhill riding.
Mountain Biking Knee Pad Materials
Most mountain biking knee pads have an outer section, usually made from neoprene or an equivalent. The protective parts are positioned over the vulnerable parts of your knee. You will see many pads these days that use the D30 material. D30 is soft and comfortable to wear. But, when it receives an impact, it instantly goes hard dissipating the shock. Another common material used for knee pads is kevlar. Kevlar is a solid and durable material that protects you when you end up sliding along the trail on your knees.
Things To Consider
- Get the right size – Checking the size guide will help you get the perfect fit after measuring below you knee and above your thigh
- Don’t buy them because they look cool – Protection is more important than how steezy you are
- Think about what kind of riding you do – If you choose heavy duty pads and all you do is cross country riding, you will feel restricted and hot.
My Recommendations Fo Mountain Biking Knee Pads
POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard
The POC Joint VPD System are excellent lightweight mountain biking knee pads. They feature a multi-layered construction making them extremely comfortable. Like all POC products, the quality of these knee pads is excellent. The gel-like material in the pads themselves is an alternative to the D30 type foam I mentioned earlier. It is formed into a honeycomb structure that protects your knees and is something we are going to see more of in the future. If I was to be picky, the ventilation could be better, but these are superb kneepads. The VPD knee pads don’t use any straps, therefore choosing the correct size is essential to make sure they stay in place.
Features
- Extremely flexible and light VPD knee pad
- EN 1621-1 certified shock absorption
- Ventilation system constructed within each layer to optimize moisture management and comfort
- Low friction, polyamide construction with high abrasion resistance
Leatt Knee Guard AirFlex Pro
The Leatt AirFlex Pro weighs in a just 300g, making them some of the lightest mountain biking knee pads available. The AirFlex gel used in the impact protection is exceptionally slim and soft, making them a comfortable and snug.
These pads don’t offer ultimate protection, but they are still pretty good considering their low profile and lightness. Small additional pads are located at the sides of the knee to give you some extra protection from crashes while reducing the risk of scrapes. The snug fit of the AirFlex Pros pads comes from its shape and materials, as they don’t use straps. For riding in hot weather, the AirFlex Pros are a good option, as they adequate ventilation.
If you want a pair of very light knee pads, but are willing to settle for something that doesn’t offer maximum protection that is good value for money, you should give the Leatt AirFlex Pro mountain biking knee pads a try.
Features
- Super slim, 3D moulded AirFlex gel impact protection
- CE tested and certified as impact protection: Knee EN1621-1
- Side and upper knee impact protection
- Silicone printed, cupped knee grip
- Single sizing for a perfect fit
- Anti-odour MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking fabrics
- All protection materials perforated for ventilation
- Silicone printed, non-slip cuffs
- Pre-curved 3D design for better fit and function
- Weight: from 300g (0.66lbs) pair
IXS Flow EVO + Knee Pad
These pads have quickly become an essential part of my mountain biking gear, thanks to their unique features that set them apart. I ride with them on rides that require more pedaling, as they are lighter and less cumbersome than my Fox Launch shin guards.
Slipping into the IXS FLOW EVO+ knee pads is a breeze. Although the initial adjustment to the short sleeve may take a bit of time, this minor learning curve is well worth it. Depending on the cut of your shorts, you might notice a slight gap between them and the pads, but this variation is to be expected. Once you acclimate to the fit, the FLOW EVO+ pads embrace your knees with a level of comfort that’s astonishing – so much so that you might just forget you’re wearing knee protection at all!
What truly sets the iXS FLOW EVO+ apart is its ingenious knee strap design – a standout feature among other models. This knee strap is thoughtfully crafted and remarkably functional. It gets the job done efficiently and conveniently, allowing you to securely fasten the knee pad in place. The brilliance lies in its short length, a detail that contributes to its effectiveness. The Velcro closure spans the entire strap length, offering a personalized fit that conforms to your unique anatomy and preferences. This level of customization ensures that you can tackle epic pedaling sessions and conquer challenging Alpine descents without compromising comfort or security.
In conclusion, my journey with the IXS FLOW EVO+ mountain bike knee pads has been an enlightening one. These pads feel like they provide top-notch protection but also redefine comfort and functionality in the world of mountain biking gear. Their easy on-and-off design, coupled with the ingenious knee strap, solidifies their place as a must-have accessory for any mountain biking enthusiast. So, whether you’re conquering challenging trails or embarking on endurance rides, the IXS FLOW EVO+ knee pads are a reliable companion that keeps you in the game with unparalleled ease and comfort.
Features
- Anatomically designed
- Ventilation
- Asymmetrical design
- LoopLock Strap
