Helmet - full face or half shell?
The choice of helmet should not necessarily be based on Professional drivers in videos The skaters often sail over enormous gulfs wearing skater helmets and T-shirts - after all, the sport is supposed to look easy and fun, and the risk of injury is ignored. A sensible measure for choosing the right helmet is common sense. Of course, it doesn't have to be a full-face helmet if you're going out for a ride round the house.
In Bike parks In contrast, this all-round protection should be a matter of course, as it hardly disturbs the enjoyment of the ride. For good reason, full-face helmets are mandatory in many bike parks.
Variable helmets are a clever alternative, i.e. half-shell helmets to which a chin bar can be attached if required. So if you find yourself on a "normal" tour with a test of courage or decide to go downhill, you can quickly attach the safety feature to your helmet. Although these helmets are not as sturdy as a real full-face helmet, they certainly protect against tooth loss.
When choosing a full-face helmet, in addition to the optimum fit, proper ventilation is particularly important. There are huge differences between the various models in this respect. If the helmet is not optimally ventilated, heat can quickly build up at the height of summer, as a freeride descent can also be extremely sweaty. You can get a good idea of which helmet will keep you cool when you try it on in the shop.
Protectors - suit or individual parts?
One thing in advance: If you plan to frequently Bike parks should buy a protector suit. Back and elbow protectors are mandatory anyway. And the additional padding on the chest and shoulders that protector jackets offer usually proves useful from the very first fall. In addition, the individual pads of a protector jacket fit much better. Such jackets are currently available on the market from around seven manufacturers. Prices range between 150 and 230 euros. There are differences mainly in terms of ventilation, which depends on the base material and the size of the protective padding.
It is important that there is plenty of padding under the plastic plates, otherwise they will only protect you from the most serious injuries and you will still end up with abrasions. Fit and lashing are further aspects that you should pay attention to when trying on the bike. Some models allow the back protector to be worn separately. This is a good solution for tours where back protection is important.
Knee pads
"It can't be that difficult", you think to yourself when you see a shin protector. And yet the FREERIDE-time and again, knee and shin guards tend to slip or their fastening straps cut into the back of the knee. Other models leave severe abrasions after falls if the padding under the plastic plates is inadequate. All these flaws can be assessed during a fitting in the bike shop - if in doubt, by throwing yourself boldly at the salesperson's feet with your pads on.
Even expensive models with hinges do not necessarily protect against scratches. Separate protectors for shins and knees, such as those offered by Sixsixone, are a non-slip version. Some riders, inspired by photos taken by professionals, have recently started using knee pads only. This type of protection is perfectly adequate for a large number of falls, especially as these models are hardly bulky and hardly interfere even when riding uphill.
Do you already know our FREERIDE Magazine?
