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Knee pads only offer protection if they’re actually worn. And that brings us straight to the classic dilemma. Whilst many protective pads offer reliable protection, they also encase the wearer as if in a suit of armour. They stiffen the knees to the point of immobility. Tight. Stuffy. Uncomfortable. What you can just about put up with for a day in the park quickly becomes torture on a trail or enduro ride, because pedalling is virtually impossible when you’re encased in bulky park pads.
Lightweight with Level 1 protection
But who wants to be constantly putting on and taking off their pads amidst the constant ups and downs of a bike ride? The solution: protective gear such as the Speed Pro by Troy Lee Designs. They feature lightweight, open-cell inserts made from impact-absorbing foams such as D3O Diablo. The whole unit is encased in a Lycra sleeve, which functions almost like a classic knee pad and keeps the protector in place via wide silicone strips. Weighing just 276 grams, the Speed Pro is one of the lightest models in the trail protector category. But how does this lightweight performer fare in practice?
Of course, one shouldn’t labour under the illusion that the Speed Pro could protect the knees from really heavy impacts: the pad only has the lower Level 1 certification, but it does at least provide generous coverage over part of the tibial tuberosity. Naturally, there are no side foam pads or an additional grind plate in this weight category, but the D3O pad is ergonomically pre-shaped and therefore moulds quite well to the knee.
High level of comfort, moderate ventilation
When it comes to fit and comfort, Troy Lee is in a league of its own anyway. Even without Velcro fastenings, these lightweight socks sit securely on the leg without slipping whilst pedalling. The wide silicone strips provide good grip without feeling constricting. There’s no pinching in the back of the knee either. This means you’re happy to keep the Speed Pro on even during longer uphill sections. Slip them on, set off and take them off again at the end of the ride – that’s definitely no problem with these American-made socks.
One minor criticism: even though Troy Lee talks about ‘Air Channels’ that allow airflow to circulate behind the knee, we would have hoped for a bit more ventilation given the lightweight construction. There’s no getting round sweaty knees, even with protective gear.
Troy Lee Designs Speed Pro – Details & Price
- Weight: 276 grams (M/L)
- Sizes: XS/S; M/L; XL/XXL
- Price: 110 euros >> available here
- Protector: D3O Diablo with EN 1621-1:2012 CE Level 1 protection
- Upper and lower silicone cuffs
- Hard-wearing 260gsm Lycra
- Slim, lightweight and contoured fit
- Reflective logo details
Editor’s conclusion
Troy Lee delivers with the Speed Pro Knee Pads A very lightweight option amongst trail protectors. Once you’ve put it on, you’ll be happy to keep it on your knee for the whole ride, as it’s extremely comfortable to wear. No pinching behind the knee. No slipping whilst pedalling. Although the breathable D3O protector only offers Level 1 protection under the CE standard, the pad is ergonomically shaped and covers a relatively large area, including the sides and underside of the knee. During testing, there was little sign of the promised ventilation. However, the protector can be easily removed from the sock for washing. And let’s be honest: sweaty knees are always better than bloody ones.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Troy Lee Designs Speed Pro
Advantages
- lightweight
- high level of comfort combined with a secure fit
- ergonomic protector with a wide coverage area
Disadvantages
- Protection in accordance with Level 1 of the CE standard only
- less airy than expected
Stefan Frey
Editor
