Slytech Kneepro Noshock XT Lite knee pads - Review

Knee pads are now such a regular part of the trail rider uniform. Slytech KneePro NoShock Lite knee pads are aimed at mountain bikers who want a bit of extra crash protection without the bulk of rigid knee pads, and who are happy to trade in a bit of outright impact protection for improved pedaling efficiency. Slytech is a company focused on safety products, with a huge range catering for all sorts of riding styles, from those wanting to chuck themselves off a Utah cliff to weekend trail riders who want a bit of extra protection in case of a spill.





On the trail

I’m a fussy bugger when it comes to knee pads for trail riding. I just can’t stand heavy, sweaty and cumbersome knee pads unless there’s a chair lift involved. Finding comfortable knee pads for regular trail riding that don't make pedaling a chore isn’t easy. Comfort and fit are crucial with knee pads, and on both fronts the Slytech pads are superb. They stay in place and don’t slip down like knee pads usually do. Without the usual straps, there’s no restriction of blood flow, and the mesh fabric prevents overheating, even on longer rides and in warm weather. That all combines to make NoShock Lite knee pads an ideal choice for all-day rides, or even just short evening sessions messing about in the woods.

The foam cells in the NoShock padding can move independently, allowing the pads to conform to the legs when pedaling. This ensures there is minimal restriction of pedaling freedom. They’re really not much different than wearing a set of knee warmers - which indicates that they’re not going to provide as much impact protection as heavier duty knee pads, either. While I didn’t crash while testing them, taking a heavy wrench to my knees showed that they were adequate for smaller impacts - enough for small spills that might not lead to injury but could still leave you hobbling for a couple of days.

And, because they’re so comfortable and unobtrusive, you're left with no excuses not to wear them every time you hit the trail. If you’re the sort of person who finds regular knee pads uncomfortable enough to save them for special occasions, you'll find them ideal for both shorter sessions, but these pads really come into their own for longer rides with plenty of climbing and heat.



Pinkbike's Take:

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