One of the main reasons we don’t wear armor on aggro trail rides during the summer is that they’re just too dang hot. Not to mention they can get uncomfortable, chafe, and eventually rub the inside of your knee raw. On long rides that end with a burly descent where we want a bit more protection, we’ll toss our pads in our packs and tote them until we feel like we really need ’em. Of course, Murphy’s Law being how it is, you’ll inevitably crash before you don said pads. (I frakin’ hate when that happens)
That’s why the G-Form Knee Pads appeal to us. They’re low profile, so you can probably don them under a set of slim fitting jeans, and look much like my Lycra knee warmers and my current knee pads did it and had a baby.
One thing we really hate is when we can’t find a product locally and we order it online, and end up with the wrong size. Fortunately they have a handy size guide on the product page with size recommendations based on actual body measurements.
The first time we were aware of the G-Forms, they were only available in a heinous yellow colorway. They’ve recently come up with a new black offering thats much more appealing to our design aesthetic. (We’re looking forward to testing a set- keep an eye out for a follow up.) They’re also available in an elbow pad; I haven’t worn elbow pads in years, but the notion that these feel more like arm warmers than armor really appeals to me. (and we’re fans of arm warmers)
The knee pads list for $49.99. Check it out: G-Form Knee Pads
8/30/13 <UPDATE> I initially bought a pair of size medium knee pads based on the sizing chart on the G-Form site. They were very snug, and while I could certainly wear them, after 3-4 hours of riding, I would find a bit of chafing from the rubber gripper. I ended up picking up a second pair in size large and have found that going up one size increased the comfort level while still remaining put on my legs. Inga is now running the size medium, and we’ll be posting a follow up with a long term experience soon.