Going to Bulgaria in September for a week of mostly lift assisted riding. Not full on DH riding but trail/Enduro style I guess. The only time I've worn more than knee pads was for a days downhilling in Italy last year. It was included in the hire so it was a no brainer. Last Friday I went over the bars and bashed my ribs up, may have landed on an old tree stump. Its made me think about investing in something but I've never felt the need before but I've never done a week of this type of riding before.
If lift assisted then I would be wearing body armour personally.
For a week of riding you will likely get knackered which means higher chance of crashes.
Timely article on the front page.
We'll get you a cape to go with it.
Personally, I went full stormtrooper for a DH holiday, and broke my arm on day 2.
I was on my normal bike, riding trails that weren't that far beyond my normal riding, albeit the DH guys were flying down them considerably quicker than I was.
All the armor did was make me overconfident.
My general rule is if it's uplifted I put body armour on. Gone are the days of big bulky stormtrooper armour though, there are some quite slimline and breathable options available now.
I've been running this Leatt one for a few years now: REVIEW: LEATT BODY PROTECTOR AIRFLEX STEALTH | The Loam Wolf
I don't like having individual elbow pads as they can move while riding or in a crash. So an all in one suit is a must for me. A bit of padding on the elbows and shoulders can easily make the difference between a few stiches and a ruined week or just getting up and carrying on.
My general rule is if it's uplifted I put body armour on.
Same here. It doesn't make me over confident. It is just a recognition of the fact that if I'm going to do many many more miles of downhill in a day than I would if not uplifted... then that's many many more chances to have an off... and if I'm not pedalling (all the way) up there's no downsides to wearing more protection than normal.
If its uplift I would probably take some armour with me. Unlike smatkins i have a t-shirt style armour with seperate elbow pads and heavier knee-pads if needed. That way i thought i could get more choice mixing up for heat, perceived risk etc. Horses for courses i guess. Is there any you tube videos of the place your going, see what others use/ what you think you'd use on the trails
Couple of (very fast) guys on our High Pyrenees trip last year (Basque MTB) wore it as a matter of routine. I wouldn't even have considered it, given the amount of pedalling and hike-a-bike on that trip, but they seemed to cope fine as they were just used to it.
Is this with the boys from Out The Park? If so the riding we did was more trail / all mountain (or similar label) than full on enduro / DH and did involve some pedalling / hikeabike. I was happy just riding in knee pads and open face helmet - i did take elbow pads and FF but to me the riding didn't warrant it.
Going to Bulgaria in September for a week of mostly lift assisted riding. Not full on DH riding but trail/Enduro style I guess.
For me that would be slightly burlier than normal Kneepads (everyone has at least 4 sets of kneepads right?), Elbow pads and your choice of helmet - convertible one would be ideal.
My "big ride" pack has a back protector built in to be fair.
My general rule is if it's uplifted I put body armour on. Gone are the days of big bulky stormtrooper armour though, there are some quite slimline and breathable options available now.
I've been running this Leatt one for a few years now: REVIEW: LEATT BODY PROTECTOR AIRFLEX STEALTH | The Loam Wolf
I don't like having individual elbow pads as they can move while riding or in a crash. So an all in one suit is a must for me. A bit of padding on the elbows and shoulders can easily make the difference between a few stiches and a ruined week or just getting up and carrying on.
I have this but the 'Tee' version so stops just below the shoulder pads, it was a big improvement over the POC one I had previously based on being able to actually take it off at the end of the day without disclocating both my shoulders courtesy of being able to unzip it!
For this year (although not worn it yet) I've just got one of the Endura chest & back protector vests, I haven't worn it yet but the chap in the photo looks very happy with it 🤣 And i was going to get some lighter weight elbow/knee sleeves (probably TLD) to wear with it:
ENDURASPORT.COM
As others have said; once you're doing more miles DH than usual then the chances of an off increase so a bit of protection is worth it.
I've got a Bliss Protection ARG full upperbody thing that is ok for pedalling in. It's a bit heavy but once it's on over a base layer it's not too bad.
I like the look of the new thing in the STW news this morning.
24MX.CO.UK I have the endura one. Just raced the french nationals in 30c heat with nearly 3500m of elevation over 2 days . It was just about bearable.
I used to have back only but only seemed to fall on the front. Alors have poc vpd knee and elbow pads .
I have used the Raceface Flak core protector a fair bit and that was good. Its got shoulder and spine protection built into a Tee shirt to wear under a jersey. Did a fine job on a very hot Andorra trip. Now have the Fox Chest and back protector which is also very good.
The Rockintor looks good but it would be good to see some more reviews, I'd struggle to spend money on anything from Endura now and been looking at Leatt stuff but the range is almost too big, makes my head spin.
I have used the Raceface Flak core protector a fair bit and that was good. Its got shoulder and spine protection built into a Tee shirt to wear under a jersey. Did a fine job on a very hot Andorra trip. Now have the Fox Chest and back protector which is also very good.
Which Fox one? I was looking at the Baseframe Pro, good reviews - very much want something with a zip that's easily removed
There are a few alpinestars options also that look good
If you're not having to lug it up then there's little reason not to take at least a back protector.
For those saying "wearing protection makes you over-confident" that surely is on you.
I'll wear knee pads and a back protector with a full face in the park and maybe outside of it depending on where I'm riding.
I'll almost always wear knee pads (strapped to the bar on the way up).
My favourite armour is from forcefield. once it gets warm it conforms to body shape and it's silly comfortable. Used a lot by motorbike riders I think but isn't too hot either
Its the Fox Raceframe one I use. Its the one with the D3O back to it. I have zero complaints about it
The Rockintor looks good but it would be good to see some more reviews, I'd struggle to spend money on anything from Endura now and been looking at Leatt stuff but the range is almost too big, makes my head spin.
So I got the Rockintor armour after seeing on pinkbike a few months back. I'd normally just wear knee and elbow pads (I've seen enough nasty elbow damage on normal spins to make elbow pads seem like a no brainer).
I'd wear back protector on spins where I know the chances of crashing are higher. Never really saw the point of chest \ roost protection on mtb gear? Would it protect against cracked ribs ?
Anyway, my 2 cents on the Rockintor armour, it's very good, is light, comfy and doesn't get excessively warm. Shoulder armour is built into the "optional" vest which is currently included in the sale price. It gives the impression that it would give good protection. Haven't tested it, hopefully never will 🙂 Storage seems good but haven't tried it. Still prefer the larger storage of a hip bag as I don't have water bottle holder mounts on my frame.
One point to note, I usually wear body armour against the skin with a light layer over the armour. You can't wear the Rockintor against your skin as the the mesh design of the chest protection causes a lot of nipple friction 🙁
So if not wearing the base layer with built in shoulder protection you'll need to wear an alternative base layer. And if, like me, you don't like armour on display (fashion really), you'll always need to wear a second layer. Of course the armour is intended to be worn as the outside layer so you can open it on climbs but it's very well ventelated so never seemed necessary, certainly in the lower temps I've been riding in so far.
Overview: having worn about 10 times, really well made, good quality, zips seems really sturdy, comfy, very happy with it.
Almost posted something similar recently, after an enforced steady week of light duties at work following a ground inspection on a Sunday ride (ribs!).
Got myself a Troy Lee 3390 'Vest' a few weeks ago and I've been wearing it a lot for anything remotely technical or spicier than paths round field edges.
Currently £80 on Bikeinn.
I've found that once used to it, its really not very intrusive at all but, as my subsequent ground inspections/dirt naps have proven, it definitely works. Ribs, back, chest etc all protected to a degree but its not that big or bulky, thus no reason not to wear it.
Thus, I've worn it quite a lot already even in the past month or so through the heatwave.
(I ride with knee pads on for everything off road or MTB!)
On previous visits to the Alps, worn just knee and elbow pads - but they were what I had. Riding now, I would add a chest protector, spinal protection and a neck brace if I was wearing my full-face.
I was looking at the Baseframe Pro, good reviews - very much want something with a zip that's easily removed\
I have a Baseframe Pro T-Shirt (so back and chest pluss shoulder pads). It has no zip which is its big downfall. Once sweaty it's a proper contortion act to remove. It is also quite an abrasive material so rubs the nips.
One point to note, I usually wear body armour against the skin with a light layer over the armour. You can't wear the Rockintor against your skin as the the mesh design of the chest protection causes a lot of nipple friction
A small piece of medical tape on each nip is your friend. I always do this with armour now following the first bout I got with the aforementioned Fox armour.
been looking at Leatt stuff but the range is almost too big, makes my head spin.
The range is big, but after trying a lot of armour, (Alpinestars, POC, Fox, Leatt - (I won't count the original 661 Pressure Suit)) for me Leatt upper armour is the best I have found. I have this which is 50% off.
It is really good, the mesh is nice and soft, the padding is good but not really bulky, it has a zip, is well built and very comfortable. I know it's a jacket, but if I'm riding uplifted then I'd always wear elbow pads (if you've banged up your elbow, you'll understand the value of wearing them), I've tried separate elbow pads and a t-shirt style top, but the Leatt is just more comfortable and the pads stay in the right places, and I'm old / rubbish enough not to worry about the latest armour fashion (which is seemingly wearing a chest / back protector over a t-shirt).
I have never worn body armour, but I typically wear knee pads on uplift days, probably with a full face. The main point I’d like to make is that modern full face helmets can be very well vented. I have a Troy Lee one which is not really that much different than wearing a trail helmet.
I don’t seem to get on well with elbow pads - I’ve never had a pair that stayed put, but my buddies almost always wear elbow pads too.
latest armour fashion (which is seemingly wearing a chest / back protector over a t-shirt).
I think there is an age cut-off for this.
At 35, I'm definitely in the armour goes under the shirt category.
I think it corresponds roughly with having a mortgage, whereby minimising risk outweighs maximising style.
Personally speaking, being uplifted negates the main issue for me of body armour aside from it looking a bit naff (it's hot and can be uncomfortable), why not wear it? It's not going to save every injury, but I've seen enough banged up bodies in my time that didn't need it until they did. Riding somewhere fast (and rocky) like the Alps, DYFI or BPW, I think you're mad if you don't ride with armour.
I think it corresponds roughly with having a mortgage, whereby minimising risk outweighs maximising style.
Age-wise I meant that the divide is over or under the shirt, rather than with or without armour.
I tried over a t-shirt once. Was warmer, less comfortable, and gave a bigger sweat patch. Plus felt I looked ridiculous. Under all the way for me.
Maybe the cut off is those who are old enough to remember the full plastic shirts with turtle backs - If you wore that on the outside it indicated it was probably a rental to match the scratched rental 661 helmet and rental Giant Glory with non-matching brakes...
One point to note, I usually wear body armour against the skin with a light layer over the armour. You can't wear the Rockintor against your skin as the the mesh design of the chest protection causes a lot of nipple friction
A small piece of medical tape on each nip is your friend. I always do this with armour now following the first bout I got with the aforementioned Fox armour.
Good tip, thanks.
I remember years ago being told marathon runners do this to avoid bloody nipples from the abrassions caused by light running tops over the course of 4-5 hrs.
Knee pads and full face for me - might wear my POC spine protector if it's a proper DH day. Having crashed a lot and never hurt my chest, I really can't see the point of the front padding on those things.
The soft D3O stuff is night and day better than the old Dainese turtle shell I used to wear in the 00s.
Coming from the other side of this and as a long time rider I really don’t like the ever increasing stormtooperisation of the sport. It’s one thing in a bike park, quite different on public trails and rights of way
Full face helmets and goggles for what are really cross country rides feels over the top and even stranger is the contrast between strapping everything to the bike because you don’t want to carry a pack and then loading up with armour.
I had a bad crash last year where a full face would have made a real difference. But it was the first one in 25 years and it was a hot day and it wasn’t meant to be a big ride (nor a big feature)
uplift is different. As are holidays knees and elbow pads prevent a lot of minor cuts and grazes would mess up a group ride and guide time when at home you’d just head back up the car.
i know someone who wears a upper body suit for every ride and it doesn’t seem to have reduced his injuries
if you’re riding full DH or big air features I can see it’s a different equation. But for most stuff it seems a whole load of faff and discomfort that doesn’t actually protect against the injuries that take people out of riding (wrists, thumbs, shoulders, collarbones)
I really don’t like the ever increasing stormtooperisation of the sport. It’s one thing in a bike park, quite different on public trails and rights of way
Full face helmets and goggles for what are really cross country rides feels over the top
100% agree with this.
Got a suggested video on facebook last week of someone, in their words "getting back to the roots of mountainbiking" which in their mind meant doing a big backcountry loop, posisbly in the Lakes.... Which they were doing on a full power E-bike, full face helmet and dressed like a motocross racer.
Coming from the other side of this and as a long time rider I really don’t like the ever increasing stormtooperisation of the sport. It’s one thing in a bike park, quite different on public trails and rights of way
I have friends who ride with loads of pads and FFs on the same trails ride without just a half shell and maybe kneepads.
But they are self employed, and an injury means they can't work and put food on the table. Different people have different approaches to risk. Don't know why you'd be bothered by what someone else chooses to war.
This is partly where I'm coming from. I've had 10 days now with sore ribs and I do a physical job. May have been due to working with an injury but I was really struggling on Friday afternoon.
It wasn't the hardest trail that did for me either, just a wee root sticking out from the side of the rut which caught my pedal.
Endura MT500 D30 vest for uplifted bike parks home and abroad. If not pedalling then why not?
A flip over the bars and onto your back on a rock or tree stump can seriously mess you up.
I always wear full upper body (Troy Lee like the vest posted above but with shoulder/forearm protection built in too) and knee pads along with full face helmet for uplift assisted riding.
My view is that you can rack up a lot more volume of riding with an uplift which increases the likelihood of crashes, add in tiredness towards the end of the day and the risk goes up again. No it won't stop you getting hurt in a big crash but I've picked myself up and caried on riding after silly slip offs where I know I'd have been heading for an appointment with the scrubbing brush and anti-bac and a few days off the bike otherwise.
latest armour fashion (which is seemingly wearing a chest / back protector over a t-shirt).
I think there is an age cut-off for this.
At 35, I'm definitely in the armour goes under the shirt category.
Reeksy1 does this and wears his Fox Baseframe Pro on every ride.
Reasoning:
- He’s had a few chest impacts both with and without it
- He doesn’t like the feel against skin and it’s too hot where we live for another layer
- He can remove it when having a breather
I wear mine under the shirt but far less often, only when it’s uplift or racing.
My next door neighbour is a helicopter paramedic and he reckons a lot of the worst hurt mtb and moto riders (dirt biking is massive here) he sees are those not wearing chest protectors.
Do people still use/want the old deniese safety jacket style armour I kept mine just incase after selling my DH bike but it's been sitting in the cupboard for near 10 years.Is it worth sticking on eBay?
Do people still use/want the old deniese safety jacket style armour I kept mine just incase after selling my DH bike but it's been sitting in the cupboard for near 10 years.Is it worth sticking on eBay?
Yep. I sold my Fox Titan jacket for £80 on ebay the other day
Do people still use/want the old deniese safety jacket style armour I kept mine just incase after selling my DH bike but it's been sitting in the cupboard for near 10 years.Isit worth sticking on eBay?
I still use my old Dianese safety jacket. It must be 25 years old now. So imagine you can probably flog it.
It only gets used for Euro trips etc, so in reality it’s not seen huge use.
Been looking to replace it with something more modern now it’s getting a bit worn out.
I’ve got a very lightweight d30 top for non uplift riding.
