NF Branches into Protective Gear With Made-in-Canada Kneepads

Feb 22, 2021
by Alicia Leggett  

NF has created the fifth prototype of its new kneepads, which will be the first piece of protective gear from a company that has previously focused on clothing.

The kneepads feature D3O technology in a foam material that is flexible but hardens on impact. Similar viscoelastic materials are found in many other pedal-friendly enduro kneepads but the main thing setting NF apart is the company’s focus on constructing all its apparel and gear in-house in Vancouver, Canada, where NF is based.


The new pads have now passed certification tests to ensure they provide an adequate level of impact absorption, so now NF aims to slim down some of the pads’ bulk before their release sometime this spring.

The first run of 72 pairs will go to NF team riders and the pads will then be available for priority purchase to NF’s top 50 repeat customers. Price tbc.



Posted In:
Industry News Reviews and Tech Press Releases Kneepads


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47 Comments

  • 65 1
 I want them to make a special "first edition" that keeps the "ARBIRTARY TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION" text on there.
  • 6 0
 I doubt that I have purchased enough pairs of pants to qualify as a "Top 50'er" but if I did, I would prefer to see "ARBITRARY TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION".
  • 1 2
 Dentist Edition...
  • 6 0
 It will most likely be there
  • 2 0
 Here’s an idea: make the prop button less microscopic so I don’t fat finger and give accidental neg rep. Sorry mate!
  • 2 0
 @ooklathemoc: Don't sweat it, no great comment is complete without a mistaken down-vote and obligatory apology/explanation. In fact I'd say you won.
  • 15 2
 If only they could restock some pants
  • 17 2
 Have you tried signing up for their email notification? Only waited a couple of weeks before I was able to order a pair of DP3 pants. Super impressed with both the pants and the service.
  • 1 0
 Do they fit good?
Bought some fox this season and I gta take em to be tailored as they're kinda horse hockey fit...not that I'm looking for danny hart style huggers.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: They fit true to their sizing chart and you do need to signup for their email notifications on product availability. I waited a couple of weeks and was able to order. The pants even shipped pretty quickly to the U.S.
  • 1 0
 It's really not a long wait. If you see "pre order" then it's coming up soon. If you see "email me" then just wait a little bit and they will get in touch. I have to admit it's way different than just clicking add to cart for some more mainstream pants, but the NF way works nice and smooth too.
  • 3 0
 @jrocksdh: They fit so good. Travis knows what he is doing.
  • 1 0
 @cornichons:
sorry when pants were required earlier this year i went elsewhere just do to who has got stuff
  • 1 0
 *jockey
  • 9 0
 Friday 26th - 250 more pairs available.
  • 1 0
 @TH3MACK: Guess you missed out then
  • 1 0
 You may have to ride pantless....gross!!
  • 1 0
 @cornichons: Ah nice-- didn't even know that existed. Thanks for the tip!
  • 28 19
 Hardly even worth posting about tbh. Super limited release with priority to repeat customers and team riders.
  • 6 0
 NF created a big pile of unused bike clothing in my closet. The stuff fits so well and works so well that it is all I wear now. I kinda think that will happen to my fox kneepads now as well.
  • 4 0
 I want someone to design and make a pair of pads like this that fit people with big quads/thighs and calves. All they have to do is stay up, be comfortable to pedal in and protect mummy knees. Like a slimmed down 661 Kyle Strait. Once found nothing that fits well since them.
  • 2 1
 BEST pads ever made, haven't liked anything since
  • 6 0
 Love their pants. Im sure this will be well made.
  • 6 0
 love this made here shite we need more brands like this
  • 7 4
 Looks good, but rocks shred cloth coverings, it needs some kind of shell so I could get years out of these instead of half a season.
  • 2 0
 I have some ~5 year old Race Face flank knee / shin guards and they have been fantastic. I've had some falls on some gnarly sections (Schleyer rocks, multiple falls on Cypress gnar) and a few at high speeds in the bike park and they're holding up great. I believe the Ambush knee pads are the same construction but they are just the knee, no shin. They're a bit heavier duty than these NF are but I can vouch for their durability. Check them out!
  • 1 0
 This pad has a very durable cordura shell. We will eventually design beefier, and lighter weight pads but to start we aimed for the middle.
  • 1 0
 @travis-the-tailor: something with shin coverage would be good too.
  • 1 0
 @travis-the-tailor: Will you offer repairs at the shop on pads?
  • 2 0
 @jayacheess: most likely - same program as all our gear.
  • 4 0
 NICE! Hopefully they make a Roach edition for throwback to made in Canada!
  • 2 0
 That would be the highest honour if we could.
  • 4 0
 Sweet hopefully they can have some stock.
  • 2 0
 Love Canadian made goods! I still have some beat old core rat pads that come out once in a while. Will def be looking into these.
  • 2 0
 Hopefully Pinkbike makes a full review later. I'm thinking about getting some light pads and am wondering how these compare to the others in this field.
  • 1 0
 Their clothing looks very interesting. DHaRCO pants are the only ones which kind of fit me with my round ass and short legs. I see DF has lots of measurements in their chart. Definitely will be looking into their products.
  • 3 0
 Something else thats good and sold out instantly.
  • 2 1
 Hard to be a repeat customer when everything's sold out and emails asking about availability go unanswered Big Grin
  • 3 1
 If you can add it to your cart it’s available. If not it’s only a matter of weeks until it is.
  • 1 0
 Seems neat! Would be nice to have a strap on the top so they dont slip down as easily.
  • 6 8
 Make it a shin and knee combo, then I'm all in. Even if the added shin section was just some perforated neoprene, that'd work. Knee pads like this are common, though sewing them in Canada is a nice touch.
  • 1 0
 YES! It could be called the "Arbitrary Technical Flats Protector"... Does someone already make shin pads that would prevent those unsightly gashes...?
  • 2 2
 No kidding... does anybody have some suggestions for sleeve-like guards that go just a bit farther down to protect the mid-shin from pedal whacks/slices!
  • 1 0
 @nrloewen: 7IDP Sam Hill Knees Pads go slightly further down the shin.
  • 1 1
 @bhuckley: I haven’t found any yet, but I’ve seen a few brands like Ion, Endura, and Racer make socks with built in shin pads. I’m thinking it might be the next best thing.
  • 1 0
 Leg protection by Leggett. Nice one!
  • 1 1
 Arbitrary Technical Description LOLOLOL that made me laugh so hard

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