Ion K-Sleeve

The K-Sleeve is marketed as a pad that can be worn all day without thinking about it. A lightweight, low-volume pad using ‘Flex-Protection’ memory foam covering the kneecap and top of the shin. Foam padding also wraps round the sides of the upper calf, to add slightly more coverage. To help with ventilation the whole back piece is constructed from a fishnet-style fabric. Ion has done away with straps and has instead opted for silicon grip strips around the bottom of the calf and the top of the thigh. Also helping to keep the pads in place and your legs warm is a lycra sleeve that fits nicely under your shorts and eradicates gaps – very much like a kneewarmer, in fact. I’ve been wearing the K-Sleeves on all but the most serious of rides and when I might have reached for a kneewarmer, I’ve grabbed these instead. The protection is comfortable and will keep your skin intact if you slide on loose terrain. An ideal choice for those looking for a pad to wear all day, or someone considering pads for the first time.

Richard.

Mark Alker

Singletrack Owner/Publisher

Mark has been riding mountain bikes for over 30 years and co-owns Singletrack, where he's been publisher for 25 years. While his official title might be Managing Director, his actual job description is "whatever needs doing" – from wrangling finances and keeping the lights on to occasionally remembering to ride bikes for fun rather than just work. He's seen the sport evolve from rigid forks to whatever madness the industry dreams up next, and he's still not entirely sure what "gravel" is. When he's not buried in spreadsheets or chasing late invoices, he's probably thinking about his next ride.

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