Body Armour

[wavedancer]

I think it is time to give myself a little extra protection. Getting better in general about falling down and have been wearing some hip-padded shorts, but today's nothing-special fall involve a very painful hit on the outside of my knee. I noticed that most of the people riding the trails where we went were wearing shin and arm guards. So what have any of you found to be comfortable and protect well? I have short legs, but not skinny thighs :) I'm thinking that if I can feel a little more protected if I do fall, I may be able to develop more confidence on the rough stuff.

Linda

[Pebble]

I recently thought the same thing and ended up getting the Fox Launch Pads (knee/shin). A couple of rides on them and they're not as bulky as I imagined, have excellent ventillation and great clip system. They are surprisingly comfortable to pedal in as well.
But I did have some issues with rubbing above my knee. Only talking two rides though & I have a feeling that they need to sit a bit higher to what I had them, which would possibly solve the problem.
On the downside I noticed the stitching on the side of one of the elastic straps is already coming off. I've emailed the store where I brought them to see what the next step is - exchange etc, hopefully it's a warranty issue.

In summary I do like the fox launch pads but they have potential comfort issues and quality control (stitching looks good I just got a dud I think). And I reckon you could do better: Race Face (also known as Roach) Rally FR pads have heaps of good reviews and other's I'd maybe look at are the Mace Tectonic.

Prior to that I've had the 661 veggie knee wraps and found the stitching at the back used to rub badly & they were not comfortable.

But yeah I've found that wearing knee/shins gave me a secure sort of feeling, not invincible just secure. Haven't taken the step to elbow guards yet.

If you are riding clipless pedals you may also like to consider just knee guards instead of knee/shin as they are probably more comfy for pedalling. Knee/Shin is probably recommended if you're using platforms.

[TerraNik]

I have a pair of RaceFace/Roach FR shin/knees... They're pretty good. I find that when I pedal they don't slip or anything, but they are pretty bulky... A little difficult to pedal in, but you get that when you're wearing a whole bunch of plastic on your legs!!!!! I've been investigating getting the TLD T-bones or 661 Kyle Straits (just knee pads) for those not-so-rocky tracks. I've heard that they are really comfortable and give adequate protection.

I also have the RaceFace/Roach FR Elbow pads which are great... When riding they don't move at all, and although they get a bit hot I can hardly tell they're there in terms of comfort. Again, a little trouble bending at the elbow in them, but you don't do too much of that when you're riding!

I have no idea how they'll hold up in a crash... Hopefully I won't have to find out!

[Pebble]

The stitching came loose or something after 2 to 3 rides in the fox launch pads and the particular strap started deteriorating pretty quickly. So I sent them back & opted for a store credit rather than replacement.
Comfort factor - I think I may have been wearing them lower than I should have been (ie should have been more over the knee or something) and that probably would have taken care of the rubbing issue.

Thinking of trying Roach (or Race Face it's known as now) Rally FR pads. Concerned wether they will be much bulkier than the Fox Launch - anyone know?

Otherwise these look pretty good (Mace Tectonic) and sort of low profile, but provide the back calf protection too: the design was drastically changed for '07 though so having 2nd thoughts.

Interested in other suggestions as well as per Wavedancer's original thread.http://www.phantomcycles.com.au/thumbs/d_359.jpg

[tattiefritter]

I have some RaceFace FR ones as well which I bought to wear on a biking holiday in Spain, they were comfortable enough on descents but too warm and annoying on the long climbs. The trails were very rocky there (and I'm used to rocky) but I didn't find they boosted my confidence as such, I rode as I normally do as the protection isn't that extensive really - they won't stop a broken wrist. One of the guys fell off and his nice dainese knee armour moved, so he hit his knee anyway! I have short legs and got their smallest size, fine in length and fine for the knee straps but the back of leg straps were a little short for my cyclists calves! The small elbow pads were a very good fit.

But.....I'd never bother wearing them in the UK, even though I ride on some pretty rocky, slippy, slimy tracks and do my fair share of falling. I don't want to rely on them for confidence which may happen if I wore them all the time. I also couldn't be bothered taking them on and off on climbs/descents, I'd end up carrying them for nothing. I'm not entirely convinced that putting armour on will stop you being scared (fear of falling is a good thing). Learning to handle your bike properly (say by going to a skills class) will probably do more for you - I know a skills class did a lot for me personally.

Armour is becoming more prevalent, we turned up at one of the UK forestry centres with specific built mountain bike trails and I've never seen so much armour (and the XC trails are smooth and pretty non-technical, no need for armour), particularly on women - I'm waiting to see them on roadies next.

Sorry, that was a bit of a rant, but I think that people coming into MTBing now see all these pictures of people wearing armour and think thats what you need to wear. When I started it wasn't the case and you just got on with it (ee them were the days! ;) ) and learned to not fall off - there is a definite attitude difference.

So... RaceFace: I found them comfy, very warm, seemed to stay put but I never really tested them by landing on them, heavy.

Others I tried:

Dainese: a lot lighter, more mesh and cooler, but hated the fit, felt flimsy in comparison to the RaceFace.
661: Similar to Dainese but heavier and not as well made.

[madisongrrl]

It is really not necessary to buy body gear for standard mountain biking. I think it just gets in the way, its heavy, expensive and hot. The only thing that has ever given me confidence is riding more singletrack, riding with people who are better than me (watching them do difficult sections) and learning more about the techniques used in mountain biking.

Examine the situations when you hit the dirt. Think about what happended, why did it happen and how could you have approached it differently? And if your not sure of something, dismount and walk it. Then you can determine if you want to ride it or move on to the next thing. Good luck.

[SadieKate]

I absolutely believe in the right protective gear in the right situations. Sometimes all it does is let you relax a little more which means you ride the obstacle and gain some confidence. There are skills clinics which won't let you ride without -- even for skills that some might not call extreme.

Gear comes in all types and categories. I just ride technical singletrack. I do not ride downhill or take huge jumps or risks. But there are times that a little light protection helps a lot. I carry these knee and elbow guards in my hydration pack and have put them on for technical sections - and take them back off for the easier aerobic stuff.

I use Skinz (http://www.skinzprotectivegear.com/bicyclegear.html) knee guards - very light and comfy so can be ridden in XC applications.

And plain old Fox Launch elbow guards (http://shop.foxracing.com/ecomm/AutoForward.do?forward=home.pagedef&gclid=CLLYtKTD6ogCFQmHSAodMUcbkg#aforward=asyn&cname=Guards&cid=148&itemId=Bike@@@125Guards&menuLevel=0).

Everybody's head is in a different place and if a little Armour helps them gain confidence and learn without being hurt, go for it. I don't care how many times you watch someone, you have to take the plunge and a little armor can help your mental attitude preventing a fall. Even a minor fall or brush up against volcanic rock or sandstone can do some damage. Gauge what your risks are against the type of riding and temperature, and try to find something that you will be willing to wear.

[Pebble]

I don't think it's so much about confidence, sure you feel more protected and perhaps gain confidence from wearing armour but in the end I want to wear it for different reasons. Mainly because I ride on my own. I value my knees, and I have a couple of young kids to look after at home so downtime would not be very nice.
If I wear it and never fall off well I guess I'll consider myself lucky. I still think it's worth having and using if you want to. Just like helmets never used to be mainstream and not everyone wore them if they had the option, perhaps armour is going the same way, becoming more widely acceptable as the standard, probably due to DH & FR influences in the sport.

I reckon there are probably alot of people, and new riders in particular who would like to wear some form of armour even in xc races, but in the end worry too much about what people thing and end up going with the main stream.

It's unfortunate that most of us have to have some kind of incident before thinking "what if" or "i wish i had armor" and then the pain is soon forgotten again.
From a womens perspective if pain wasn't forgotten I don't think anyone would be having more than one kid:)

I think I'll be deciding between the mace tectoninc, & race face FR.

[wavedancer]

It's true that nothing builds confidence like practice and skills training. I have done a couple of skills sessions and definitely want to do more. The reality is that I'm taking up this sport a little late (I'm 57) and already have osteoporosis, so a little extra protection is probably prudent.

I try to analyze what happens on my falls, but sometimes it seems to be boom! I'm down! So far no severe damage, just lots of hematomas. I love riding single track, though, and while I would love it if all the trails were smooth, buff, swoopy, with the occasional ramped boulder, that's not always the case. I still walk a lot of loose twisty downhill stuff, but I know that much of it I could roll down. Just looking for a bit of insurance as I let myself do it.

I have not had much luck in finding guards locally to try on. I tried some 661 knee and knee-shin guards, but they were still too big, even in a small. At one shop I picked up a set of kids scooter pads! They look like they might give some decent knee protection and they even came with elbow guards. For $12.95 for the set I figure I'll give them a try!

The Skinz look interesting. SK, do you use the ones with the hard shell in them or just the nylon and neoprene? Has anyone tried Rockgardn guards? Rockgardn (http://www.rockgardn.com/Browse_Item_Details.asp/Item_ID/367213)
They seem to have some different size options.

Once again, thanks for all the suggestions.

Linda

[SadieKate]

I just use the basic knee right at the top of the Body Armor section. It looks like the same product is made in children's sizes.

[tattiefritter]

Everybody's head is in a different place and if a little Armour helps them gain confidence and learn without being hurt, go for it. I don't care how many times you watch someone, you have to take the plunge and a little armor can help your mental attitude preventing a fall. Even a minor fall or brush up against volcanic rock or sandstone can do some damage. Gauge what your risks are against the type of riding and temperature, and try to find something that you will be willing to wear.


Your absolutely right SK, I'll get off the high horse I seem to have found myself on!

I've been riding a couple of years now and armour wasn't common at all then, very rare for XC type riding so it didn't enter my head to want it. Its still very rare anywhere except the purpose built trails in UK forestry centres. I do have to wonder whether I would be so blase about it if I was starting now. One of the things I want to do next year is learn to jump a bit,not high or big just a bit and I'll likely have armour on for that. Voluntarily launching of the upslope of a jump is something I'm not great with at all :eek: Drops of a foot or two aren't so bad but jumps (shudder).

If I ever decide to do full on downhill then I'll be first in line for the stormtrooper suit!

[mtngirl]

I have started using knee/shin guards and elbow guards when i'm riding on particularly technical stuff and i will continue to do so until i think the chances of falling are small. It's not that uncommon for me to fall and it usually means scabs and/or bruises and w/my pads my body looks better afterwards. I've seen many mtn bike girls w/really scarred up legs and i'd like to avoid that. Also, getting up in age i notice that it takes longer to heal. I did however, find a way to get hurt even w/the pads! About a month ago i was coming down San Juan mtn and fell into a bush and darn if a sharp branch in the bush didn't rip the top of my ear apart by poking right in the ear opening of my helmet. I ended up w/about 15 stitches to put it back together. I'm all good now w/a teeny scar, but trying to avoid completely wrecking my body.

[Pebble]

I've ordered a set of Race Face Rally Free Ride Pads, will report back next week after I've had a chance to have a ride etc. If the knees work well I'll consider wether I need elbows or not.

http://www.raceface.com/apparel/protection/FR-Medium.jpg

and should have a set of these on the way too!

http://www.dmrbikes.com/res/img/catalogue/large/PEDV12LTD.jpg

[DirtDiva]

Well, if you're riding those nasties, you definitely want the shin coverage! :p

[Pebble]

My first impression was: Gee these look bulky and they are also darker grey than they look in photos. They seem slightly heavier than the fox pads too.

And the verdict is

I rode for about an hour or so (18ks), it had rained late yesterday so there was some mud on parts of the trail (otherwise it was mostly dry). Temperature today is supposed to be 36deg C, I went out about 9am before it got too hot.

I did the tops straps fairly loose to start with, one pad started croaking so after going up and down the hill I tightened them up. No chafing behind the knee at all which was my main concern when I wore them around the house.

The pads are hotter than the fox launch ones, they are bulkier, but they are really comfortable to pedal in.

Only problem is mud flicking up and for some reason it likes to get into the pads above the knee - that can lead to irritation, I found a couple of red marks just above my right knee which feel tender now that I'm back home, only thing I can put it down to is the mud that got in as the inside pads are soft as. I reckon most pads would probably have the mud problem though - fox ones certainly would as the top opens up just like the RF pads.

Coasting down hill I could feel the cool breeze coming in, but nothing like it did with the foxes - I imagine the Race Face DH version may have better front venting as it has more of a baffle system similar to the fox launch pads allowing more air flow.

In the end I reckon if you live in a hot climate you're probably used to riding in it enough not to worry about having sweaty legs - it didn't seem to make me feel any hotter overall.

And if you pedal heaps then these are worth a look, if you have big legs / calves you should probably try them on first as the straps can be on the short side. Also if you don't like burly looking pads they're probably not for you.

Protection, Comfort, that's all I ask of them, and seems to be what I'll get!

Big ugly leg - showing the mud that got in....
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070013.JPG

Gee they don't actually look that bad in a photo! Look bulkier from my point of view.
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070011.JPG
http://forums.farkin.net/photo/data/500/medium/PC070012.JPG

[tattiefritter]

Pebble,

they do look super bulky but not bad when looking at yourself in a photo, I found the same thing!

I got quite a bad rubbing above one of my knees on the first outing as I wore the top straps a bit looser for pedalling up hill - big mistake, it allowed them to rub. I put some bodyglide round my knees next time I wore them but since then tightening the upper straps properly was enough to stop them rubbing when I was on holiday - though I didn't wear them on long climbs.

The elbows are very comfortable if a little warm because of the solid black stretchy bit you put your arm through (sorry my descriptive powers are a little lacking) and I found them really hot, like I was riding wearing long sleeves. I was wearing them in Spain though and us Scottish people are not designed for the heat so that probably had something to do with it!

[Pebble]

If I do end up looking into elbows I'll probably hunt around for just an elbow (no forearm protection).

Bodyglide - I've heard of that a few times on forums - is it like Vaseline?

[madisongrrl]

If I do end up looking into elbows I'll probably hunt around for just an elbow (no forearm protection).

Bodyglide - I've heard of that a few times on forums - is it like Vaseline?

It's not greasy like vasoline.

[sandy45]

ok.. so i am glad i ran across this thread. i am about to start more of the freeride/downhill stuff. i have been watching this show on encore wam it is called drop-in and it is about a group of guys in canada doing a tour of canada and just riding this narly stuff. so i have the urge...needless to say DH is excited.

anyway. i have found a pair of fox knee and shin pads and some forearm and elbow pads. i havent bought them yet, but they are the ones that fit the best for my knees. does anyone use ankle pads? i use to play softball and have some old injuries that make it easy for them to twist and sprain. also we are looking at chest protection. but i have a large chest...d cup. would the roast be better or would the jackets? any info would be great!

i get my new full face helmet next week! silver and black...

[Pebble]

Sorry I can't really help you with the upper body armour - maybe look at stuff from rockgardn?

Also check out the womens (essential gear for women) thread on Farkin:

FARKIN FORUMS (http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=63667)

Never worn an ankle pad at all, I used to sprain or twist my ankles all the time (well still do on occasion) but I think they're pretty used to it. However I have never found it to be a problem with mountainbiking.

And if you don't already know of this site:

Womens Lounge - MTBR Forums (http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=94)

and yet another source of info.... seems pretty Dh/Fr oriented

RideMonkey Forums (http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/)

[wavedancer]

Anyone who has the Rally shin guards, would you be willing to take some measurements off them? I have wicked short legs, 13" from mid patella to the ankle. I got a pair for my BF (XL) and I really like the way they wrap around and hug your leg. I have only seen a size medium, not small, and they don't give any actual measurements. Pebble, Tattiefritter: what size do you have?

Thanks!
Linda

[Pebble]

Mine are medium, have worn them on a few rides now (probably about 5 one to two hour rides) and they're nice and comfy. I did get some rubbing from the stitching on the top inside corner, but it seems to have gone away now so just a wear in issue I guess. I do lots of pedalling - no big dh sections in this town!

Some measurements as requested:

My height 169cm
Guard length from botoom of pad to top of lower shell 29cm (11.42")
Lower hard shell lenght 26.5cm (10.43")
Bottom to top (overall lenght including knee shell and bottom to top of padding) about 52cm (20.47")
Bottom of knee shell to top of top padding 21.5cm (8.46")

Leg bent: my ankle to top of knee cap is about 40cm (15.75") - measure along front of leg
Inseam about 79cm (31")
Leg bent: floor to top of knee 50cm (19.68") - this one was measured along side of leg

Hope you can make sense of the above measurements and they help.

[wavedancer]

Hope you can make sense of the above measurements and they help.

Thank you so much! Yes the measurements are very helpful and confirm what I thought: My legs are too short :( They list a size small on the packaging, but I have not seen them offered on any of the online sites that sell them. I have sent off an email to see if they are in fact making them in a small.

I did get a pair of the Rockgardn pads in a small, but they don't have that snug wrap-around feeling and I am afraid they may be more prone to chafing and moving around. I may give them a try while pedaling on my trainer to see if there are any potential chafing issues.

http://rockgardn.easystorecreator.com/images/lzmx2.htm

[Pebble]

I've heard a few recommendations for Rockgardn armour from female mountain bikers. If you already have a set then give them a go.

I have founds chafing is mostly to do with stitching, and with the race face pads the first ride was great, 2nd ride was a longer one (2.5hours or something) and the rubbing developed, a ride or two after that & all was fine again - I have found havint the top straps pretty tight works best.

Interested to know how you go with the rockgardn pads though. If you can, go out for a 30min to 1hr ride with them, if they're fine then you can try a longer ride. But going for up to an hour if there's any real bad chafing you'll make it home before it gets too bad.

The place where I purhcased mine seems to sell the Small size: (it's in Australia though)

http://www.phantomcycles.com.au/product.php?productid=3117&cat=0&page=2

[tattiefritter]

Anyone who has the Rally shin guards, would you be willing to take some measurements off them? I have wicked short legs, 13" from mid patella to the ankle. I got a pair for my BF (XL) and I really like the way they wrap around and hug your leg. I have only seen a size medium, not small, and they don't give any actual measurements. Pebble, Tattiefritter: what size do you have?

Thanks!
Linda


I have small as I'm a shortie but its the newer FR2 pads I have not the FR, the FR only went down to a medium. I got the from ChainReactionCycles here in the UK. The smalls are basically the mediums with the bottom plastic cut off, hopefully you can get an idea from this pic here:

http://www.jeznewsome.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/MTB/Switchbacks%20Sept%202006/target47.html

A link to the CRC site for reference:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11141

The pads are at home but I can rescue them from the back of the wardrobe and give you the measurements of them if you like. I'm 5ft 4 (about 163 cm) with a 30" inside leg (I think)

[wavedancer]

Great Picture!

I contacted Race Face and they said the small shin plate is 10". It seems like the knee guard and padding are probably the same in all sizes. I might JUST fit the smalls. (I have a 28" inseam). I will probably give the Rockgardn's a go for now. They are actually made for motocross, but the shin guards are shorter, though they are not as form-fitting as the FR.

[tattiefritter]

Hi Wavedancer, I must admit the Small FR2 only just fit my shin lengthwise, the bottom of the padding sits right on top of my shoe (stops them sliding down though), I'm not sure what length my shin is though but I have slightly longer legs than you.

That pink armour looks wild though!

[snowtulip]

Sandy,
The dainese jackets work very well, a bit pricey, but if you're going to be pushing the envelope it's well worth it.

Hubby dh races and originally had an Azonic jacket, broke his ribs on a race in AZ and went with Dainese after that because of pad placement and overall comfort.

Have fun with it, there's a few videos (dirt divas) that show some women freeriding. If you're ever in CO in the summer, there's a freeride/dh event in Silverton that a few pro women seem to attend. It's great seeing what they can do and aspiring to be able to do some of that.

Enjoy!

[nerdgirl]

It is really not necessary to buy body gear for standard mountain biking. I think it just gets in the way, its heavy, expensive and hot. The only thing that has ever given me confidence is riding more singletrack, riding with people who are better than me (watching them do difficult sections) and learning more about the techniques used in mountain biking.

Examine the situations when you hit the dirt. Think about what happended, why did it happen and how could you have approached it differently? And if your not sure of something, dismount and walk it. Then you can determine if you want to ride it or move on to the next thing. Good luck.

That's exactly how I ride. Great advice! Last crash, I knew it was going to happen right before it did, and at the time, there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I actually laughed afterwards simply because I knew what I did to cause it, even though I ended up with a bloody arm and a bruised rib. However, I see it as all part of the learning process. I ignored the bruised rib and rode again a couple days later, and that time, I went right through that spot no problem, because I knew what needed to be done.

I exclusively ride singletrack with my boyfriend, who is an advanced rider. It's very hilly, winding, and rocky. I always have him go in front of me and watch what he does and where he goes. I feel like I'm getting lessons, and also I know what hazards, if any, are coming because I see him do it first! ;)

Gravity is a harsh mistress, though, and now that I am nursing a horribly painful bruised rib, I am somewhat considering some body armor, especially since I am doing some challenging dowhill. Only trouble is, I'm rather well-endowed but have a narrow waist, so finding the right size seems impossible. I'm considering trying mens. As smart as I try to ride, a little extra padding might prevent another bruised rib. I am realistic and know that if I continue to challenge myself so I can progress, there will always be crashes from time to time :)

[Aggie_Ama]

This is an old thread but maybe someone will comment.

How well does this protect against bruising? I now have a more professional job and would like to stop going to work looking like I have been in a fight. A few weeks ago I bruised my wrist ridiculously bad. It is too hot to wear long sleeves but those buises were terrible. I think this is really hurting my confidence because no one likes falling but when you bruise extremely easy it is embarassing to explain later.

[OakLeaf]

No input on the body armor, but plenty of experience with the bruises as a former Highlander sailor. :rolleyes:

What about a sleeveless blouse or cami for going to and from the office, and a suit jacket? (Actually, when I was working, long sleeves were a must in any case; plus, most buildings kept the AC cranked so high that you'd want a sweater or a suit jacket anyhow.)

Darker ("suntan") pantyhose were enough to hide the bruises on my legs well enough for me. I've got so many scars on my legs that a few more bruises here and there hardly make a difference. :rolleyes:

And, I don't see anything embarrassing about explaining that you're an active person who likes rough-and-tumble fun! I think most people assume domestic violence when they see a woman with bruises, and they may be embarrassed to say anything to you about it. Telling them a little bit about the ride where you got the bruises could be a great icebreaker.

[solobiker]

This is an old thread but maybe someone will comment.

How well does this protect against bruising? I now have a more professional job and would like to stop going to work looking like I have been in a fight. A few weeks ago I bruised my wrist ridiculously bad. It is too hot to wear long sleeves but those buises were terrible. I think this is really hurting my confidence because no one likes falling but when you bruise extremely easy it is embarassing to explain later.

I hear ya...I had a pretty bad fall 2 weeks ago. My left leg/ankle is still very swollen and I have to limp when I walk. I also have bruises on both arms from my "tumble" Luckily most people that I work with know that I am an actvie person, although they were talking about banning me from my mtn bike. I hope in another week or so I can get back out on the bike.

[crazycanuck]

Do the folks at your work know you mtn bike? Perhaps putting a pic of you on your mtn bike as computer wallpaper may be a suggestion.

AM, it's part of the game, if you don't want to explain it to them, don't do dirt..:rolleyes: You should see some of the bruises a friend of ours had a few weeks ago :eek: You'd think she'd been in a fight..She was,...with the dirt!

[~J~]

You'd think she'd been in a fight..She was,...with the dirt!

Lol! That was me yesterday! Fighting with the dirt, and the rocks, and the grass.. argh. Got bloody knees today!