G-Form knee and elbow pads

[Becky]

Tzvia, how are you liking your G-form pads, now that you've had them awhile? I'm thinking that it's time that I start wearing pads, at least for certain rides.

[Catrin]

Thanks for bumping this thread up Becky. Considering my propensity for crashing, I should at least have knee/shin guards on to protect my bad knee. I've considered the G-Forms and your information is helpful. I've one knee cap that likes to move around so have to be careful when I put something on it meant to be tight fitting. How snug is it over your kneecap?

[e3rdpower]

I've had many knee surgeries and used the Fox Launch Knee/Shin pads. They are great for the most part, on really long days with a lot of pedaling I did get some chafing from the strap behind the knee. They are articulated and would not compress your patella. They adjust with straps so do not have to be pulled on.

Having said that, I will be getting the G forms for less intense MTB rides.

[Catrin]

I've had many knee surgeries and used the Fox Launch Knee/Shin pads. They are great for the most part, on really long days with a lot of pedaling I did get some chafing from the strap behind the knee. They are articulated and would not compress your patella. They adjust with straps so do not have to be pulled on.

Having said that, I will be getting the G forms for less intense MTB rides.

If you think the G forms will work for you after your surgeries, then it would likely work for me. I did have one knee flare this spring when I crashed "up hill" and drove my patella into the ground - it wasn't happy with me for awhile after that...but the trails I ride and my skill level would likely make the Fox Launch overkill for me. Thanks for the post!

[Becky]

This is good info. Anyone have any suggestions for something soft shell and low profile (readily stashed in a Camelbak) that uses straps, rather than pulling on? Or will that just lead to increased chafing? I'm overwhelmed with the number of choices out there!

On a related note, DH thinks I'm being silly by shopping for knee pads and doesn't think they'll give me any more confidence with my skills work (I'm paraphrasing and interpreting here- he didn't actually say those words!). Can anyone share their firsthand experience? Thanks!

[Catrin]

...

On a related note, DH thinks I'm being silly by shopping for knee pads and doesn't think they'll give me any more confidence with my skills work (I'm paraphrasing and interpreting here- he didn't actually say those words!). Can anyone share their firsthand experience? Thanks!

I've a pair of Lizard Skins that I no longer wear because they are just too long for my shins. I did, however, have more confidence when wearing them because I knew they would help protect me from both pedal slap and other things if I crashed. Do what makes you feel more confident

[e3rdpower]

.. thinks I'm being silly by shopping for knee pads and doesn't think they'll give me any more confidence with my skills work (I'm paraphrasing and interpreting here- he didn't actually say those words!). Can anyone share their firsthand experience? Thanks!

I absolutely have more confidence when wearing pads. Knowing the chances of getting hurt are minimized is very freeing, IMO. The expense would be offset by one doctor visit, or even a trip to the drugstore to get wound care supplies.

[Aromig]

When I parachute into rocky areas, I wear hard knee/shin guards with straps that velcro around my leg. I broke my tibia/fibula in June - and the hard guards were perfect for splinting my injury! (I know, that doesn't lead to the confidence you were talking about, but I've got to tell you, while I being moved around to get me to the hospital, I sure was happy that I had such a good splint!) So, while not bicycling related -- write it up to there are lots of good reasons to have pads!