Why every mountain biker should be wearing knee pads

Protection gear…to me…is much like having an insurance policy (if you want to see me wreck…watch the video above!). When you have to use it, you want it there and you want it to cover what you need it to. However, you also want to be the least intrusive on your life as possible. For insurance you want it to be cheap but with the right coverage. For mountain biking protection gear…you want it to be durable enough to actually protect your body but also comfortable on rides.

I started wearing 661 Kyle Strait knee pads about the exact same time as I adopted the Gravity Dropper seat post. They seemed to go hand in hand very well as I was able to be more aggressive on downhills with the saddle out of the way. I really enjoy fast, technical descents and after banging my knees against rocks…it seemed like the logical solution.

robb dh1

Back then (sometime around 2006), the Kyle Straits were really the only option. I’ll be the first to admit, they were heavy, hot and when you started to sweat…your knees would chafe against the material behind the hard shell. They were great at protection and I can readily remember several times that they saved me from knee injures.

Why should everyone wear knee pads now?

I’ll be the first to admit that I was one of the few wearing knee pads back then. That ratio of protection versus intrusive to the ride was not very good. There are times that I really wished I wasn’t wearing them as they got uncomfortable on the ride.

That is not the same situation we are in today.

Much like with the vented full face helmets we are seeing on the market now, mountain biking knee pads have gotten a lot more comfortable for all day wear. They are lighter, breathe better and they offer the same amount of protection (sometimes more) than the knee pads of the past.

Companies like POC, Troy Lee Designs, 7iDP, G-Form and IXS are making knee pads that are designed to be worn all day long and provide much needed protection to a part of our bodies that is very susceptible to hitting the ground…HARD.

That same protection/intrusive ratio is at an all time low and the benefits of the protection are now outweighing the downsides. It is interesting that cyclists have been somewhat resistant to more protection equipment historically which is probably why you still do not see knee pads on as many riders as we probably should. I do think there is a misconception out there that they are super hot and uncomfortable. While that might have been true in the past, I feel like those same riders should give them a second chance.

Mountain Bike Knee Pads

What are some other benefits of knee pads outside of protection?

There are two main ones that come to mind…

  1. Increased warmth during the colder months.
  2. Increased confidence due to the increased protection.

While they are not nearly as hot in the warmer months as they used to be, they are still an extra layer for a joint that is horribly stiff when it is cold in the colder months. You can now drop your knee warmers for a set of pads and get the protection with the warmth as a best of both worlds.

While this may not be true for all riders, I do know that I am more confident to ride more aggressive and try new lines when I am wearing more protection gear. That added “insurance policy” allows my mind to let go some knowing that I have that extra gear on.

So…do you guys wear knee pads on your rides? Why or why not? What is your favorite brand?

10 comments

Anthony B March 16, 2023 - 10:06 pm

Literally, last week, my dropper post had a sudden failure on a downhill and I went off balance slamming into rocky trailside. Large laceration and a “tunnel” puncture diagonally under my knee sent me to ER. With thousands in medical bills after that unexpected crash, I will never ride without kneepads again. Seriously, don’t chance it. I’ve been riding for 20+ years and this injury may keep me off the bike for months. Wear kneepads!!!

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patrick January 3, 2021 - 3:28 pm

I’m using racer motion knee, they are light, a little bit expensive. they have 3D0 pad in the front of the knee, overflowing a little e bit on the sides. both side of the femur have a little pad to protect it. they have zip to be able to put on and take off them without the need to take off yours shoes. they 2 scratch up and down with a silicon band also up and down to maintain the knee pads. they are not so warm.

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CoolCmsc November 5, 2020 - 4:30 pm

I used to wear some industrial POC combined knee and shin pads. They worked well, but were too bulky and I ride less hard and better (!) these days, TeeHee!

So, I ditched those and wear some light weight Fox Enduros (https://shrtm.nu/foxenduro). These have saved a nasty injury (gash) once and turned some tumbles into nothing.

I’ve hit a big tree at speed once – was certain I was going to miss it HaHa! Hospital, ops, plates and lots of stitches later I always wear light knee pads and light elbow pads now. The tumbling continues, but the bruised don’t

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George Mankos November 5, 2020 - 12:53 pm

I got a pair of G-form pads that slip on like a sock, they are light and stay put. I too am getting older so it takes longer to heal. The pads are really flexible, perfect for longer rides. I am also thinking I might get a set of elbow pads. I was out on my local trails after the remnants of the tropical storm hit N.C. last week, leaving it loose with leaf litter and tree limbs. It’s extra insurance in those conditions.

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Robb Sutton November 5, 2020 - 12:57 pm

I have heard great things about the G-Form pads but I don’t have any personal experience with them. They really made a name for themselves on the lighter end but still really protective.

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Robert November 8, 2020 - 5:48 am

I have g-forms….they’re literally a knee warmer with a pad sewed on. I have two sizes and you’re welcome to try them.

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John E November 5, 2020 - 12:28 pm

Not currently wearing knee pads, but I am planning to start and trying to figure out which ones are best for me and my riding (basic x-country on not very technical terrain, mostly just flowing).

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Robb Sutton November 5, 2020 - 12:58 pm

If you aren’t going to get into really rocky terrain…lighter is generally better.

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Robb Sutton November 5, 2020 - 10:44 am

We don’t heal as fast these days either! These skins from TLD are a nice budget/compromise option.
https://bit.ly/365K1Zs

Reply
Tenbroeck November 5, 2020 - 10:40 am

I’m getting older, riding a bit more conservatively, not really into the gravity thing, but still take some jumps and drops. There’s always a chance for a spill. So maybe i should give them a try, especially in the winter months when i’m likely to wear knee warmers anyway.
The problem with knee warmers for me is they always slip down off my knee, must be my massive quads 😀
So can you recommend a pair of light, not expensive knee pads that will stay on my knees?

Reply

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