Mountain Biking - looking for lightweight shin/leg armour

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descartes
04-15-03, 09:52 AM
I need some recomendations for some lightweight armour that protects the shins and possibly knees. I have been riding more techincal areas and downhills (still nothing huge) than anticipated and as a result have some pretty banged up shins. They have to be very breathable and unobtrusive while maintaining some protection. Does anyone know of a particular brand/model that fits the bill? Do they require you to take off your shoes to put them on (like leg warnmers) or can you just attach them to your legs? Also, do the one piece pads that cover both the knee and shin make it harder to ride? I dont really need the knee protection (yet) but most of the pads i see cover both knee and shin. thanks

Maelstrom
04-15-03, 10:49 AM
Wow lots of questions

1 - Any of the ones that are hard plastic with the mesh holding it on will breathe. I use Roach/661 shin/knee protector but it doesn breathe at all.

http://www.bikecanada.com/catalog/bikewear/protective/pad02.shtml

2 - No you don't have to take your shoes off
3 - no. I find once they are broken in and you are used to them they don't get in the way of my riding
4 - protect the knees...you never know when you will wipe out and your knee will hit the stem...the HURTS!
montlake_mtbkr
04-15-03, 01:24 PM
fox makes some inexpensive shin/knee guards. I have the $15 fox standards and they work just fine for me.

nathank
04-16-03, 03:52 AM
i bought Dianese knee/shin protectors last year and they're great. they make 2 models, one with a mesh back and one with 3 velcro straps. i bought the velcro ones so i can take them on and off easily. they are lightweight, seem durable and well made and pretty comfy to ride in -- for mixed XC rides i often leave them on the whole ride, but for long climbs i take them off and put them in my pack. they cost about $50-60 so not exactly cheap.