Body Armour

[DirtDiva]

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

[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....


Gee they don't actually look that bad in a photo! Look bulkier from my point of view.

[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

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

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

RideMonkey Forums