MTB protective clothing idea ??
Discussion
Trying to convert across to MTB from the Road for the winter months... But after taking few tumbles (at Swinley) and being in my early 40s I can't take the knocks like I used to, nor be limping around in the week between rides.
I'm looking at getting some protective knee/elbow pads. But I was wondering if anyone has used 'Goalkeeper pants' designed for AstroTurf as MTB trousers??
They are pretty fitted so shouldn't catch in the chain. They also have knee and and hip padding which should take the brunt of any minor knocks??
Great idea or stupid??
The problem is I can't find any bib shorts with hip protection. I find non bib shorts slip down. I'm considering sewing in some to an old pair?! But maybe the GK option will work?
Any thoughts??
I'm looking at getting some protective knee/elbow pads. But I was wondering if anyone has used 'Goalkeeper pants' designed for AstroTurf as MTB trousers??
They are pretty fitted so shouldn't catch in the chain. They also have knee and and hip padding which should take the brunt of any minor knocks??
Great idea or stupid??
The problem is I can't find any bib shorts with hip protection. I find non bib shorts slip down. I'm considering sewing in some to an old pair?! But maybe the GK option will work?
Any thoughts??
There are MTB pants which will take knee pads and you can wear padded liner shorts under MTB trousers.
Appreciate that some of us have work/lives/families/businesses to keep running so (whilst a snotty faced youngster can throw his bike and body anywhere, when he breaks an arm/leg/worse, he can sit on the sofa, getting fed by his Mum every few hours between tossing off to lose women) so I'd probably advise to just ride the less extreme stuff.;)
Appreciate that some of us have work/lives/families/businesses to keep running so (whilst a snotty faced youngster can throw his bike and body anywhere, when he breaks an arm/leg/worse, he can sit on the sofa, getting fed by his Mum every few hours between tossing off to lose women) so I'd probably advise to just ride the less extreme stuff.;)
The Endura stuff is light enough to pedal in for hours, but burly enough to offer decent protection. I automatically put mine on whether I'm in the Alps or Swinley - no idea about the astroturf trousers idea I'm afraid.
Because I'm a dedicated follower of fashion, and have a certain reputation to maintain, I've recently been wearing Endura Single Track armoured socks (just say no to pedal pins/shin interface), which doubtless make me look like a berk but they're also nice and warm.
I have their MT500 lite knee pads which I wear all the time, plus I've got some of their Single Track elbow pads, but I never remember to put those on.
Because I'm a dedicated follower of fashion, and have a certain reputation to maintain, I've recently been wearing Endura Single Track armoured socks (just say no to pedal pins/shin interface), which doubtless make me look like a berk but they're also nice and warm.
I have their MT500 lite knee pads which I wear all the time, plus I've got some of their Single Track elbow pads, but I never remember to put those on.
Long sleeve Jersey and even a merino base layer for winter will help a little to reduce grazing. Good trousers. Knee pads at a minimum but buy something good like endura stuff with two straps or the IXS carve. Elbow pads will help, I'm thinking of getting some for the surrey hills as I dont want to get injured badly.... Good gloves mandatory.
You can buy body armour but its all downhill orientated stuff. Probably overkill for Swinley but I've never fallen off there. If something works for you then wear it. I imagine few will care or judge you for anything
Oh, and its time to move to baggies when you're on your mtb. I wouldnt wear lycra for trail riding.
You can buy body armour but its all downhill orientated stuff. Probably overkill for Swinley but I've never fallen off there. If something works for you then wear it. I imagine few will care or judge you for anything
Oh, and its time to move to baggies when you're on your mtb. I wouldnt wear lycra for trail riding.
Edited by Bathroom_Security on Monday 19th October 15:08
Knee pads and full finger gloves are the main protection after a helmet for most when riding trails.
I use Funkier leg defender, cheap and made of the foam that goes hard on impact but is soft rest of time to cycle in, will fit with any other cycle clothing as slide on like leg warmers.
I use Funkier leg defender, cheap and made of the foam that goes hard on impact but is soft rest of time to cycle in, will fit with any other cycle clothing as slide on like leg warmers.
Great, thanks for the recommendations.
I'll have a dig through and see what's what.
Unfortunately I crash like a slightly overweight middle aged man with little experience!! 🤣
I'm wearing lyrca bibs under my baggies to give a bit of padding from saddle.
I'm not too fussed about fashion but Swinley is as extreme as I'll go, I won't be heading to Rogate anytime soon! Other than that it will be trails through Surrey hills so hard shelled stuff seems extreme as does a full faced mask!
But after washing out on a berm yesterday which resulted in a stitches in my leg, a pretty grazed elbow and bruised hip I would have thought I could get some light but effective padding/protective gear to reduce the chances of having to cut the day short.
That all being said learning to ride within my ability and not chasing my mate with years of experience would be the best preventive option!
I'll have a dig through and see what's what.
Unfortunately I crash like a slightly overweight middle aged man with little experience!! 🤣
I'm wearing lyrca bibs under my baggies to give a bit of padding from saddle.
I'm not too fussed about fashion but Swinley is as extreme as I'll go, I won't be heading to Rogate anytime soon! Other than that it will be trails through Surrey hills so hard shelled stuff seems extreme as does a full faced mask!
But after washing out on a berm yesterday which resulted in a stitches in my leg, a pretty grazed elbow and bruised hip I would have thought I could get some light but effective padding/protective gear to reduce the chances of having to cut the day short.
That all being said learning to ride within my ability and not chasing my mate with years of experience would be the best preventive option!
Edited by dojo on Monday 19th October 18:57
dojo said:
Great, thanks for the recommendations.
I'll have a dig through and see what's what.
Unfortunately I crash like a slightly overweight middle aged man with little experience!! ??
I'm wearing lyrca bibs under my baggies to give a bit of padding from saddle.
I'm not too fussed about fashion but Swinley is as extreme as I'll go, I won't be heading to Rogate anytime soon! Other than that it will be trails through Surrey hills so hard shelled stuff seems extreme as does a full faced mask!
But after washing out on a berm yesterday which resulted in a stitches in my leg, a pretty grazed elbow and bruised hip I would have thought I could get some light but effective padding/protective gear to reduce the chances of having to cut the day short.
That all being said learning to ride within my ability and not chasing my mate with years of experience would be the best preventive option!
You've got me thinking now, I've just dug out an old pair of cargo work trousers with knee pad pockets plus I have some excellent gel knee pads which have a plastic like face so I'm going to see if they fit inside the knee pocket. I'd prefer this to knee pads that fit on your legs as it irritates me.I'll have a dig through and see what's what.
Unfortunately I crash like a slightly overweight middle aged man with little experience!! ??
I'm wearing lyrca bibs under my baggies to give a bit of padding from saddle.
I'm not too fussed about fashion but Swinley is as extreme as I'll go, I won't be heading to Rogate anytime soon! Other than that it will be trails through Surrey hills so hard shelled stuff seems extreme as does a full faced mask!
But after washing out on a berm yesterday which resulted in a stitches in my leg, a pretty grazed elbow and bruised hip I would have thought I could get some light but effective padding/protective gear to reduce the chances of having to cut the day short.
That all being said learning to ride within my ability and not chasing my mate with years of experience would be the best preventive option!
Edited by dojo on Monday 19th October 18:57
I had a small moment at Rogate on the very basic beginners section but managed to correct myself and didn't come off but did I whack my shin.
Troy Lee do a undershort with padded hip protection, quite good and don't really feel it on the bike
https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/body_protection/m...
Also in my 40's, after crashing on a jump on Morzine/Pleney this summer I broke two ribs and lacerated my spleen SWMBO agreed to me riding again if I got more protection....
https://rxrprotect.com/en/accueil/31-r-pro-airbag-...
As per above competency is a better protectant than kit! Also should try Rogate, Bottle Rocket is brilliant fun and no worse than anything at Swinley
GraemeP said:
Build up your core and mobility and get some one to one lessons on cornering and riding tech. That’ll do far more to protect you from sustained injury than goal keeper apparel.
This. People spend thousands on bikes and kit but balk at a few hundred on decent coaching. If you took up rock climbing or white water kayaking or skydiving you'd expect to have a coached learning process to do it safely but because people learned to turn pedals and keep a bike upright when they were kids they assume they don't need it.Wear pads if it helps your confidence (particularly in places fast or rocky that would hurt more) but once you're past a lightweight pair of knee pads it can be a sweaty mess unless it's an uplift day, and I know a few people who take on stuff they really shouldn't when they get all padded up.
Swinley has a decent skills coaching setup on site now, or there's plenty of good coaches around the SE you can go to.
Dowks said:
Troy Lee do a undershort with padded hip protection, quite good and don't really feel it on the bike
https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/body_protection/m...
Also in my 40's, after crashing on a jump on Morzine/Pleney this summer I broke two ribs and lacerated my spleen SWMBO agreed to me riding again if I got more protection....
https://rxrprotect.com/en/accueil/31-r-pro-airbag-...
As per above competency is a better protectant than kit! Also should try Rogate, Bottle Rocket is brilliant fun and no worse than anything at Swinley
Those are the undershorts I use along with these for bike park/big mountain stuff, along with this;https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/body_protection/m...
Also in my 40's, after crashing on a jump on Morzine/Pleney this summer I broke two ribs and lacerated my spleen SWMBO agreed to me riding again if I got more protection....
https://rxrprotect.com/en/accueil/31-r-pro-airbag-...
As per above competency is a better protectant than kit! Also should try Rogate, Bottle Rocket is brilliant fun and no worse than anything at Swinley
https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/body_protection/m...
As above; core strength work (says the man with his first every belly-thanks Covid) and tuition for novices will pay dividends. I'm 48 so feel your pain
sjg said:
GraemeP said:
Build up your core and mobility and get some one to one lessons on cornering and riding tech. That’ll do far more to protect you from sustained injury than goal keeper apparel.
This. People spend thousands on bikes and kit but balk at a few hundred on decent coaching. If you took up rock climbing or white water kayaking or skydiving you'd expect to have a coached learning process to do it safely but because people learned to turn pedals and keep a bike upright when they were kids they assume they don't need it.Wear pads if it helps your confidence (particularly in places fast or rocky that would hurt more) but once you're past a lightweight pair of knee pads it can be a sweaty mess unless it's an uplift day, and I know a few people who take on stuff they really shouldn't when they get all padded up.
Swinley has a decent skills coaching setup on site now, or there's plenty of good coaches around the SE you can go to.
OP one word of caution on coaches. There are a some who are amazing mtb riders but are terrible coaches.
I've seen a quite a few over the years who can ride the wheels off their own bike, but just can't articulate why that it is. I saw one guy recently who had his client checking spoke tension and tyre wall condition and then totally ignored suspension set-up.
A good one will take you right back to basics, and include bike set-up. They'll film you and explain the difference between what you are feeling / thinking you are doing and what you are actually doing.
Assuming you're not jumping, most offs can be prevented by setting up your bike properly and some very basic body position and line choice drills. But get filmed... In your head vs reality is generally very different on a bike.
If you want some free tips on riding... Watch the Kyle and April Channel on YouTube. He's a superb coach - he really gets the importance of explaining how to do it in words that are actionable.
A final point on armour - it will make you ride faster due the added sense of security, but it'll still bloody hurt if you fall off.
If you are a Swinley local the you will have noticed the Summit up near the bike hub.
https://www.swinleybikehub.com/coaching
Run by Tom Reynolds they do a monthly subscription service to the excellent site there as well as private coaching.
https://www.swinleybikehub.com/coaching
Run by Tom Reynolds they do a monthly subscription service to the excellent site there as well as private coaching.
Also ride with people that are technically better riders than you, and follow a rider who is composed, relaxed, and rarely ends up in the scenery. I am also mid forties, and have had my share of hospital visits over the years. Ironically I found riding with armour years ago was restrictive for movement, and also saw me overheat and fatigue my way into crashes! When I analysed them, it was often down to “one more run” at a bike park when I was tired. I’m wiser now and stop when I know it’s time.
I’m lucky to ride with some really talented younger riders, and whilst still a massive squid, I’m better today than I was yesterday. Rogate is a great place to learn and progress, last time there I rode the DMR line, and the scariest looking bit (the on off after the fire road) is technically super easy.
My last tip would be ride a hardtail and flat pedals in the sloppy winter mud, and session off camber footy trail sections, and flat and off camber corners. Low side crashes are a lot safer and slower, and the hardtail teaches you a lot about body position and moving around on the bike. It’s also really funny!
I’m lucky to ride with some really talented younger riders, and whilst still a massive squid, I’m better today than I was yesterday. Rogate is a great place to learn and progress, last time there I rode the DMR line, and the scariest looking bit (the on off after the fire road) is technically super easy.
My last tip would be ride a hardtail and flat pedals in the sloppy winter mud, and session off camber footy trail sections, and flat and off camber corners. Low side crashes are a lot safer and slower, and the hardtail teaches you a lot about body position and moving around on the bike. It’s also really funny!
Please wear knee pads as a minimum! I had a small crash and ripped a hole in my knee down to the bone on a sharp stone. Forgot my knee pads that day.
If you cover your knees and elbows with even a light pad, you’re covering yourself off for 99% of accidents you’d have on the swinley trails. I do not think you need to be buying expensive armour for that kind of biking. If you are falling a lot there is something wrong with your bike set up. What pressures are in your tyres?
If you cover your knees and elbows with even a light pad, you’re covering yourself off for 99% of accidents you’d have on the swinley trails. I do not think you need to be buying expensive armour for that kind of biking. If you are falling a lot there is something wrong with your bike set up. What pressures are in your tyres?
Edited by mstrbkr on Friday 23 October 12:05
GraemeP said:
My last tip would be ride a hardtail and flat pedals in the sloppy winter mud, and session off camber footy trail sections, and flat and off camber corners. Low side crashes are a lot safer and slower, and the hardtail teaches you a lot about body position and moving around on the bike. It’s also really funny!
That's an interesting debate, and one I don't really subscribe to fully. I used to but as I've gotten older and ridden with more people of all ages I'm not sure. And for the record, my winter (and often summer) ride is a Pole hardtail.
Here's my thoughts... Riding a hard tail teaches you how to ride a hard tail.
I'll concede that it does make you focus on line choice because, by necessity, you try to find the smoothest line. But you can do this on a full-sus with some conscious thought.
On a full-sus you need to understand what effect body mass movement has on the suspension kinematics and you don't/can't learn this on a hard tail.
A good example of this is watching a new full-sus owner jump. The effects of the rear suspension rebounding from it's pre-jump compression often catches folks out. A hardtail doesn't teach you this.
It's also compounded by the fact that many many full-sus owners are clue-less when it comes to suspension set-up. So they swap to a pogo stick or bike that packs down to zero travel.
I do agree they are great fun though!
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff