XC-ish shin/elbow pads? full face?

[jh_on_the_cape]

Hi, I ride 'xc' style, mostly at Otis. I have been doing dumber (riskier) things lately. I def. ride with clipless pedals, SIDIs, etc. I like to go fast and stop infrequently. So XC...

But as it gets colder and I hurt myself a little here and there... I just got thinking about pads. Anything lightweight, not bombproof to recommend?

I also was thinking about a full face helmet, esp. when it gets cold anyway. But I looked at some in the shop, and they were not XC helmets with a faceguard, but almost motoX helmets. Anything to recommend?

Thanks
Happy trails!

[Jisch]

I have the Roach/Raceface knee/shin pads. I'm sure they look stupid on an XC rider like myself, but if you look at the scratches on them after a few months of riding, you can tell they are worth it. I wear them all the time except in the hottest weather. I honestly don't even know I am wearing them. Others in the area (including my wife) have been using these Fox pads that look pretty comfy as well. Both of those pads have straps around the back, which I think is better than the kind you slip over your leg.

I have no experience with FF helmets other than looking at them in stores and thinking "I'd die inside one of those". Similar lack of experience with elbow pads.

[jh_on_the_cape]

the 661 evo pads look nice, but pricey...

[woodsguy]

The Fox Launch leg armor is very popular for xc.

[dbkaczor]

i have the brian lopes knee/shin pads and love em. they stay in place well. they are a neoprene sleeve which goes over the knees with velcro that that pads adhere to. so you can wear them just the sleeve or the whole leg setup. full face i recommend carbon. expensive but worth the lightness.

[boudy]

I have no experience with FF helmets other than looking at them in stores and thinking "I'd die inside one of those".

That's what I think whenever I see Mt Bikers wearing those little weenie roadie helmets. I reckon that everyone should at least wear a "dirt lid" style helmet that provides better coverage all the way around. That's what I wear for easy, mellow rides. Otherwise I wear full face regardless of the weather. If I didn't I'd have broken teeth and/or my jaw a few times by now, and I am by no means pushing the envelope when I ride. Falls happen when and where you least expect it.

I have a Giro Remedy and have no complaints, only chips all over it that indisputably prove its worth.

[dirtrider2]

661 Kyle Straits for your knees and either 661 2X4's or the Race Face equivalents for your arms. Pull the bottom straps of the Straits above your calf and they won't budge. In fact, you will barely notice you're wearing anything on your knees; they're like socks... I don't wear shin protection most of the time.

As for FF, get one that fits your head nice and then get ready for an adjustment period where you get used to breathing with the face guard. It takes a few rides, then its O.K. Giro, Bell, 661 all make good FF's. Sorry, but the one's with removable face guards like the old Giro Switchblade and the MET are false insurance. I have a Troy Lee and an old Vigor. Either way, go with a real FF or just stay with your XC helmet.

Dave

[jh_on_the_cape]

Sorry, but the one's with removable face guards like the old Giro Switchblade and the MET are false insurance. I have a Troy Lee and an old Vigor. Either way, go with a real FF or just stay with your XC helmet.

Dave


why are they false insurance? i was sort of ready for a MET parachute... everyone writes about the guy who hurt his face after the MET broke on impact. imagine if he was wearing my Bell Sweep helmet with no face protection??? it seems MUCH better than nothing.... and not that heavy (560g) compared with the bell bellistic at 907g. that's nearly an extra pound on your head.
only thing holding me back is the price...$140 on sale at chainreactioncycles... lots of money for a helmet i cannot even try on first.

[dirtrider2]

An 'extra' pound on your head? O.K. If you think that that thin little piece of plastic is going to keep you safer, then that is what matters. I'd rather have the extra pound, but that's my choice to make. You, obviously, can make yours. I don't wear my FF all of the time, so I'm living in a glass house on this subject anyway...

Dave

[woodsguy]

What they need is a face guard that pops down just before impact. Kinda like those pop up roll bars on convertibles.

[dirtrider2]

That would be cool!

Dave

[Hillridge]

I picked up a set of the 661 Evo knee pads this year, and they have been awesome. No hard plastic shell, but great protection for XC riders. I had a few falls where I didn't even notice how hard I hit my knee until I saw the dent left in the ground. They're very comfortable and breathable, though they will soak up sweat like any other pad. They are a bit pricey, but you can get them on Amazon for under $90. They also have some padding on the sides, which has eliminated the little bruises I would get from my knees clipping the top of my frame.

I've been thinking about getting a better helmet, since the one I have is the typical "bike" helmet, and I don't have too hard a time picturing wipeout scenarios that would make it useless.

[jh_on_the_cape]

I picked up a set of the 661 Evo knee pads this year, and they have been awesome. No hard plastic shell, but great protection for XC riders. I had a few falls where I didn't even notice how hard I hit my knee until I saw the dent left in the ground. They're very comfortable and breathable, though they will soak up sweat like any other pad. They are a bit pricey, but you can get them on Amazon for under $90. They also have some padding on the sides, which has eliminated the little bruises I would get from my knees clipping the top of my frame.

I've been thinking about getting a better helmet, since the one I have is the typical "bike" helmet, and I don't have too hard a time picturing wipeout scenarios that would make it useless.

Thanks. I am rooting through the basement for stuff to sell to buy some of the 661 EVO pads. Please post which full face helmet you decide on. Here's what I see:
Bell Sweep (current helmet): awesome ventilation 280g

bell bellistic: i am guessing it will fit because my sweep fits: 907g less venting, but fine in cooler temps. i am afraid I will always say to myself 'taking it easy today no need for FF helmet'

met parachute: 560g, $140. venting looks good. I would actually wear this MTBing. afraid it will not fit well without trying it.

[leebo]

I wear the fox knee/shin and the elbow/ forearm on all my dirt rides. A definite confidence booster. I tend to crash into stuff, esp. small saplings someone puts in the middle of the trail. Good for branches and the thorns bushes too.

[Slappy]

I don't wear knee/shin/elbow pads or a FF for trail riding. Used to when I spent a fair amount of time pushing (or at least nudging) my limits, but now I only dust them off for shuttles or DJing. Almost always rock a full Dainese shuttle suit and moto helmet for true downhilling though.

[jh_on_the_cape]

I am very close to pulling the trigger on a MET parachute helmet from chain reaction cycles.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17687

they are 135 plus 23.85 shipping from england. but it's free shipping if you spend 250. anyone else want one? or anything else from that site? i will get a large red.

I crashed onto my face recently. not bad, but it could have been VERY bad. i can deal with scrapes, etc on my shins and elbows, but not on my teeth...

[Hillridge]

That is a nice looking helmet. Is there anyone local who stocks them? I'd go in on an order with you if I could try it on somewhere first to check the fit.

[jh_on_the_cape]

That is a nice looking helmet. Is there anyone local who stocks them? I'd go in on an order with you if I could try it on somewhere first to check the fit.

No. they are not sold in the USA apparently (according to the web) because of fear of lawsuits or something. these are not freeride helmets, just an XC helmet with a chinguard. I am also worried about fit, but I think if it does not fit well, I can just ebay it. they do not come up on ebay often, and go for well over 100 bucks...

i am on the fence, but if someone else wants one, it will get me off the fence...

[08Hardrockpro]

My friend has one and Ive tried it on before but what I would recommend is the specialized deviant helmet carbon or regular which ever you choose he says its pretty airy too and has great ventilation.

[Doro]

My friend has one and Ive tried it on before but what I would recommend is the specialized deviant helmet carbon or regular which ever you choose he says its pretty airy too and has great ventilation.


for xc I second this.