Mountain Bike Knee Pads
Today’s bikes can handle increasingly technical and rowdy terrain, so it makes sense to level up your protective gear to match your bike’s capabilities! First and foremost, we recommend a new, modern-fitting, mountain-bike specific helmet. Next, be sure to wear full-finger gloves to protect your hands and fingers. Finally, in the event of a crash, knee and elbow pads can make the difference between sitting out a few weeks in recovery or laughing and hopping back on the saddle. In this guide, we’ll discuss several knee-pad options.
Why should I wear knee pads?
We think knee pads are an essential piece of gear for all mountain bikers, and recommend both knee and elbow pads for our clinics—especially our Desert Skills clinics in St. George. Often, your knees are the first part of your body to meet the ground in the event of a crash. Your knees and shins are more susceptible to deep gashes and contusions since they are mostly skin, bone, and ligaments, and lack the cushioning of muscle and fat. While you may not wear knee pads for every ride, we recommend them for more technical terrain. You can read some compelling stories of athletes advocating for the use of knee pads in this Single Tracks article.
The primary factors to consider when selecting knee pads are protection and comfort, and they generally have an inverse relationship: the more protection, the less comfortable. In the not so distant past, most knee-pad options were uncomfortable, bulky eyesores that left you feeling prepared for battle but unable to bend your legs. Fortunately, today’s knee pads are much more comfortable and flexible. There are many options to match your style of riding, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for safety.
Temperature is a big factor for many considering knee pads. Typically, the more padding, the warmer the pads will be. A lightweight, lycra, sleeve-style knee pad may be better for those concerned with overheating.
Top Recommended Knee Pads
Let’s talk about some of the top recommended knee pads from our Women in the Mountains community. We conducted a poll on social media, and the results are in!
#1 7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pads - $85
Sam Hill knee pads were the most highly recommended pads in our poll. These knee pads feel rugged, but are lightweight. They offer great protection without the extra bulk. The longer sleeve extending above your knee ensures the pads stay in place for long pedal days, while the pad also offers a good amount of shin coverage. The rear of the pad has breathable 4-way mesh that allows for air flow and breathability.
#2 G-Form Pro-Rugged MTB Knee Pads - $79
G-form knee pads were also popular options because they are lightweight, compact, breathable, and maneuverable. The ultra-conforming G-Form technology allows the pads to be flexible while riding, but harden on impact!
#3 POC Joint VPD 2.0 - $120
POC knee pads came in just behind the G-form pads. The POC Joint VPD 2.0 offers a higher level of protection, but are bulkier than the options discussed above. While you may worry about sacrificing comfort with the extra padding, users report that the pads are surprisingly comfortable while pedaling. Some riders noted that because they are bulky, these pads can be hard to wear with some shorts or pants; however, they are a great option for nervous or more aggressive riders desiring a higher level of protection!
#4 TLD Speed Sleeve - $54
Looking for an easy knee pad to wear for everyday rides? The Troy Lee Designs Speed Sleeve is a great solution. Riders love the simplicity of this pad—they are easy to wear (even in hot temperatures), comfortable, lightweight, and stay in place while pedaling.
Lightweight vs. Heavy Duty
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light-weight, sleeve-style knee pad, check out the G-Form Pro Rugged or TLD Speed Sleeve. For a pad with more protection, consider the 7iDP Sam Hill or POC VPD Joint 2.0.
Other options:
While these pads didn’t make our best-of list, they are popular options worth considering:
Do you have a favorite knee pad that didn’t make the cut? Email info@womeninthemountains.com and tell us why you think your knee pad should be added to our recommended knee-pad list!
#1 7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pads - $85
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