[Closed] What knee/elbow protection for all day riding?

fox enduro, use them on my MTB and gravel bike, if you can find any.

Fox launch pro.

I do quite a few big rides in pads, often in hot weather (by UK standards anyway).

For knees I'd strongly recommend IXS flow Evo+ - easily the most comfy kneepads I've tried and I rarely wear my others now.

I've crash tested them too and all has been well.

For elbows, I wear the dakine slayers a lot and they are fine. I just find I sometimes need to pop them off for a bit to let my arms breathe. Can get a bit itchy after about 5hrs, but would still buy again.

I bought 100% stuff, really comfy and the sizing is true to size (even with my massive legs).

I suspect not too great for 34c mind.

IXS flows

Tried a lot of knee pads but most cut the back of my knees pretty badly. I’m also stick thin so find sizing difficult. I settled on IXS something and they’ve been amazing on the three years of ownership. I’m conscious that people always recommend what they have so I would suggest trying some as fit will be really unique to you. Incidentally I find those with cut outs on the back which seem cooler actually rub - I prefer a “full” mesh back if that makes sense.

IXS flow for me. Mine are 7 years old and will replace with the same later this year. I wear them on nearly every ride.

IXS flow knees and Fox enduro elbows

For me, big oldschool soft pads like the classic kyle strait or old model 661 Rage are the most comfy knee pads. Unintuitive but the size and bulk means they're soft and don't have to be tight (big straps doing all the retaining means the rest of the pad can be relaxed) and can have venting etc. Minimal pads aren't just shit at protecting by comparison, they're also usually tighter and sweatier

Only trouble is, that sort of pad's massively out of fashion for some daft reason.

Have a look at Bliss, they a lycra sleeve with a rubbery stuff bonded to it. Depends what you want from a pad, they're light weight and you don't notice you're wearing them but you may want something slightly beefier

Another vote here for Fox Enduros. I wear them year-round and once on I forget I’m even wearing knee pads.

I think any pad can feel warm but it's only on your knees and elbows so doesn't affect your overall warmth too much, I'm not convinced of the merits of lightweight pads as protection is surely the priority rather than keeping slightly cooler. Fwiw I had Fox launch pro and now RaceFace ambush, they're both very comfortable and offer plenty of protection but the Fox fell apart after a few years. I like the RF because they don't require shoes off so you can take them off for long climbs

Really happy with my Leatt Airflex Pro knee pads. Worn them on several 4-5hr rides and literally forget about them once they're on. They fit well & stay put. I'm currently waiting on delivery of a matching pair of elbow guards.

For me, big oldschool soft pads like the classic kyle strait or old model 661 Rage are the most comfy knee pads.

I used to think the same, but the IXS Flows are a bit more comfy - and still provide better protection than knee warmer-style enduro pads.

I still wear my old Fox Launch Pros when I can find them though, even if they get sodden and slip down my legs on wet rides.

That’s hot so whatever you wear is going to be sweaty.

I guess it depends how important the knee protection is to you vs comfort / bulk etc.

I’ve been down the light weight sleeve type knee pad route with 661 Recons and when it came down to it and I crashed one got pulled down my leg and ripped and I still gashed my knee. So they went in the bin.

After that I went for Scott Grenade Evo’s - they’re really protective in a crash but they were a bit bulky for me for everyday riding. They were fine when new but as they stretched a bit I found they started to slide at the top a bit. Got a year out of them and then bought some Fox Launch D30s.

They’ve slightly less bulky and stayed out better when new. I think I’ve basically worn these to near death now - started to rip the back of them and they’ve stretched a bit. I feel like they’re he best fit and balance of protection vs comfort I’ve found so will buy a new pair exactly the same to replace these in the next few months I think (subject to stock).

I only tend to wear elbow pads for uplift days - got some Fox launch d30’s to match the knee pads. I don’t think these are a good option for day to day riding - they’re definitely too hot / too bulky. I’d probably go for something lighter and more sleeve like if I was wearing them for big / hot rides.

To paraphrase a certain viral "How To Be a MTBer" video...

"Pick a Knee Pad Brand and be a dick about it..."

I get on well with Race Face (Charge and Indy) but struggle to get IXS or Bliss to fit.

Try lots on and hope for the best.  "Shop comfy" and 7hours into a 8 hour ride comfy aren't the same thing.

If I was going to be doing 2000m of climbing in a day I'd be getting pads that I could take off without taking my shoes off and stashing them in my pack for climbing.

When people recommend Fox Enduro are they referring to this , this or this?

I have the first one and I get knee pain after an hour because the pad is very rigid and doesn't conform properly to my bent knee. Seems to fit well otherwise, don't notice any discomfort for the first 60-90 minutes. I see Fox Enduro recommened a lot and I don't know whether I will have any better luck trying one of the other models.

No mention of G Form? I have used knee and elbow pads. Nice and light and I havee crash tested them but I’m not very gnar but they suit my ability. It’s the soft foam that hardens on impact. Saved my knee and elbow at Dyfi Enduro a couple of years ago when I had a front wheel wash out and went over front and sideways.

G-Form Pro X  for both elbow and knee...  Very comfortable for multi day rides in the Lakes and Scotland, they have lasted reasonably well with a couple of repairs to small holes in the lycra type material. They stay in place nicely as well, though you do I guess need to get the fit right.

Haven't actually knowingly tested the protection but have had a few offs, if I did hit impact a knee or elbow I wasn't aware of it so can't comment really.

So for your most important factor 'Comfort' I would recommend them.