So I stacked it yesterday and now have stitches in my knee and I'll be out of action riding for a while. Whilst sitting and sulking, I 'm looking at knee pads that may have made the off yesterday less painful and less likely needing stitches. It could be 4 weeks before I can ride again...
What do people wear for knee protection for decent XC rides - I ride for fitness as much as anything and like to push hard up hills as much as enjoy the downhills. Is there something decent to wear that wouldn't rub for 3-4 hour decent efforts?
Rapha knee pads are comfortable, breathable and they stay in place. I can't even feel them when riding.
I ride for fitness as much as anything and like to push hard up hills as much as enjoy the downhills
Me too.
I wear knee pads for almost every ride. Even stuff up to 100km or so.
I used to use these ones
but nowadays just use my ion downhill ones.
They serve a dual function most of the year. Protection on the downs but also mainly insulation. Any uphill sections I push them down onto my calves where they flap about and my legs feel cool. On the downs I pull them back up over the knees to keep them warm and protected.
This works pretty much all year and I only wear long trousers very occasionally in deep winter
HTH
Rapha are comfortable but I’ve not had a big crash in them to see if they are actually any good.
I don't routinely ride in knee pads, but if I'm doing a route that has some rough sections I take my knee pads in my pack and put them on for those sections. Mine are IXS Flow - I find them very comfortable and as they have zips they are easy to put on and remove without removing boots etc.
