Armour and Pads
Used MTB armour and pads from sellers across the UK cover knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors and body armour jackets. Fox, Troy Lee Designs, POC, Leatt, IXS, G-Form, Dainese, 100%, Race Face and Bluegrass all turn up second-hand.
Are modern pads comfortable enough to pedal in?
Protection you will actually wear beats protection sitting at home. The biggest advancement in MTB armour over the last decade is not the impact materials — it is the comfort. Modern pads are thin, flexible and breathable enough to pedal in without overheating or restricting movement.
Pedal-friendly pads or DH protection?
Pedal-friendly pads (G-Form Pro-X3, POC VPD Air, Race Face Indy) are soft and flexible when riding and stiffen on impact, light enough to wear on every trail ride without noticing. DH pads (Fox Launch, Leatt Dual Axis, Dainese Trail Skins Pro) use harder shells and thicker foam — more protection, but hotter and more restrictive. Choose based on how much of your ride is climbing versus descending: if you are pedalling to the top, go pedal-friendly; if you are shuttling or riding a bike park, go DH-rated.
What should I protect first?
Knees are the most commonly injured joint in MTB crashes, so knee pads should be your first purchase after a helmet. Elbow pads are next, preventing the kind of cuts and bruises that stop you riding for weeks. Back protectors and body armour jackets are worth considering for DH, bike parks and anyone recovering from a previous back injury, while full pressure suits are DH racing and big mountain kit.
How should pads fit?
Pads must stay in place during a crash — a pad that slides down your leg on impact is worse than useless, because you relied on it. Slip-on sleeves, which covers most modern knee and elbow pads, stay put better than strap-on designs. Try riding in them before committing: the pads should feel secure when you pedal, crouch and extend your legs through full range of motion. Most brands run true to size, but POC and Dainese tend to run small.