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Had an off 10 days ago, front wheel washout, which resulted in a 4 day hospital stay due to an infected cut.
Consequently, the deal with the wife is that I get some protection that'll help reduce the probability of a recurrence.
I don't want full armour type stuff, my riding is mainly xc/trail with a bit of high mountain tech.
I was looking at some POC Joint VPD stuff. Will gratefully take some recommendations though. Cheers, BB
I use Troy Lee Designs Speed Knees, if I were in the market for some elbow pads, that’s where I’d start.
Rapha knee pads seem to get great reviews. I’ve been using Fox Enduro for a while and both the knee and elbow pads are very comfy.
Dainese Trail Skins.
Not Dakine. The straps fold over below my knee resulting in a sore line pressing in after 30 minutes
G-Form are good. Nice and comfy, low profile.
Endura singletrack lite are my Goldilocks knee pad. Elbows are less fussy but bliss arg ones are lightweight and comfy enough, and fit under a base layer.
Bliss ARG - after 10 minutes you've forgotten you're wearing them. All day comfortable
As others say, knee pads are pretty personal, due to fit, elbow pads are easier enough, but a real faff to wear for longer rides, i have the VPD 2.0 elbow pads, fit well, but as stated, over long rides you're pulling them up a lot.
Knee pads are just a nightmare to size and fit, i have some leatt knee pads, love them, fit well and are comfy, but to someone else they'd be hell to wear, i have another lighter pair of pads, can't remember the make but they are 2 sizes larger and fit the same, go and try before you buy, see if anyone can lend you some to try on and so on.
I have some Bluegrass pads for sale, worn once and not fallen upon you can have the lot for £60: https://singletrackmag.com/classifieds/advert/bluegrass-solid-knees-elbows/
Those I would say are “medium” weight E.g. if you have the odd rock you might fall on in your locale. For the SE rooty trails I reverted to some Scott Evo’s which are lighter.
Dianese trails skins (if you can be careful about how you pull them on, as the can rip when pulled) or Bliss Arg.
Both very comfy and don’t notice you’re wearing them while riding. They’ve also survived a fair bit of crashing and still intact.
I have Bliss arg minimalist elbow pads. Super lightweight and do the job for smaller falls. Currently £16.50 at biketart.
Also Bliss arg protect kneepads, bit more protection than the elbow pads.
Kneepads aren't personal, all choices are worse than raphas.
If only they made elbow pads.
i’d suggest trying on as many different styles as you can before making a decision
Poc vpd elbow pads for me - very good .
I also have the Rapha knee pads and they are truely excellent . Loads of protection without being bulky . Very quickly forget you are wearing them and they don’t shift when pedalling. .
- if you want my Rapha code - I think it’s 15% off drop me a message .