Knee pads can cushion up to 95 per cent of the impact. We tested these four models in practice:
Dainese Trail Skins 2
80 euros, 320 grams, www.dainese.com
The Trail Skins 2 is light, airy and has a small pack size. The soft foam structure is also comfortable to wear when pedalling. This makes it ideal for all-mountain use. The pad is fixed to the leg with a nylon stocking. The structure of the cushioning element allows air to circulate well on trail rides, but sticks slightly to the ground on contact. The damping values are solid.
Damping 4 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
Dakine Slayer Knee
70 euros, 320 grams, www.dakine-shop.de
The lightweight Slayer has been developed for all-mountain bikers - and it's a success. The protector uses a thin, large-area soft foam that moulds ergonomically to the leg. Even on long pedalling routes, it is comfortable to wear and hardly hinders you. As it is only fixed in place with stretch socks, it has to fit very snugly to prevent it from slipping. The damping values in the lab are okay.
Damping 3 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
Seven IDP Transition (BIKE test winner)
70 euros, 260 grams, www.7protection.com
The Seven pad is lightweight, very well ventilated and very comfortable to wear - even when pedalling. The foam pad from Sas-Tec buffers the impact best of all the pads tested. Nevertheless, the Seven is particularly suitable for trail use, as it has no side pads and is only fixed to the leg by a long nylon stocking. The right size is crucial to ensure that the pad does not slip in the event of a fall.
Damping 5 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
Ortema GP5
79 euros, 266 grams, www.ortema.de
The very lightweight protector from the Swabians wants to be able to do everything, from trail riding to downhill. The soft Sas-Tec foam fulfils the safe protection level 2 - albeit only just. Great: the record weight and the mini pack size. Also good: to ensure that the thin stretch sock sits securely on the leg, there's an optional Velcro strap for additional fixation and the foam extends well over the kneecap. Very good cushioning values, only the Seven protector is better.
Damping 4 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2018 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
