Mountain Bike Knee Pads Black Friday: enduro, DH deals

Protection for MTB or thermal knee warmer?

The term refers to two products that this page brings together. The protective knee pad, for MTB and BMX, houses foam or a shell that absorbs the impact of a fall. The thermal knee warmer, or short leg warmer, is a fabric sleeve that keeps the knees warm on a road bike in cool weather, such as the merino models from Isadore or the Chrono Knee Warmers from Giro. Read the title before comparing two offers.

What to check on an MTB knee pad

• Level of engagement: soft sleeve for going up and down all day, external shell that slides over rocks for downhill, longer version or with shin protection to cover the lower leg as well.
• Size: measure around the thigh above the knee and around the calf, according to each brand's size chart, not according to trouser size.
• Fit: silicone bands, adjustable straps or open model that slips on without removing shoes.
• Quantity and version: pair or single ("x2", plural), adult or child, short or long, with the certification indicated by the manufacturer on the label.

The complete guide, from testing to maintenance, is available all year round on the knee pads page.

Comparing discounts on knee pads

A crossed-out price only makes sense when compared to the exact reference. A Trigger and a Trigger Race do not have the same shells, a single Omega and an Omega Combo do not cover the same area, a Launch and a Launch Pro differ by their insert: compare two promotions on the same full name, same size and same quantity. Be wary of a reduced price found under the simple word "knee pad": it may refer to a thermal road sleeve, which provides no protection from falls.

Knee pad brands

iXS offers its Trigger and Carve knee pads in a Race version, which adds low-friction external shells over Xmatter foam for serious enduro and downhill; the Flow Light remains a lightweight sleeve.

Fuse offers its Omega in a single knee pad or in a Combo with shin protection, and has the Alpha Classic available in child size.

Fox Racing sells its Launch solo or extended on the shin, adds a D3O insert to the Launch Pro and keeps the Enduro in micro-lycra, also available in child size.

Isadore, a clothing brand made in Slovakia and founded by two brothers who were part of the professional peloton, represents the road side here with thermal knee pads, including one in merino.

Other protections from the operation

For the arms, the MTB elbow pads from the Black Friday complete the knee pads; for the back and torso, see the protective vests, and for the eyes, the glasses. Once the operation is finished, the protections from previous collections can be found in the clearance and the recent arrivals in the new arrivals.

Frequently asked questions

Soft knee pad or shell for MTB?

Soft if you pedal a lot and go downhill in enduro or trail: it becomes unnoticeable while climbing. Shells if you ride in a bike park or downhill, where impacts against stones are more frequent and sliding is better than catching.

How to choose the size of your knee pads?

Measure the thigh about ten centimeters above the kneecap and the calf at its widest point, then follow the manufacturer’s size chart. Test them with the leg bent: they should neither slide down nor be too tight.

Should the shin be protected too?

With flat pedals with pins, a foot that slips often hits the shin. Long versions or those with shin protection cover this area, at the cost of a bit more warmth.

Are discounts on knee pads only available on Black Friday?

No. Black Friday refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving and remains the heart of the event, but Vélo-Store runs its discounts on protections throughout November. Prices vary from one reference to another: read the crossed-out price and the displayed price on the knee pad you're interested in.

Knee pads for a child, from when?

As soon as they ride on trails or at a pumptrack. Choose a child version, to their size, and check that they can pedal comfortably before heading out.