mandown
07-07-2006, 12:05 PM
so i picked up a pair of SixSixONe Kyle Strait Knee Pads (http://sixsixone.com/catalog.aspx?id=ab88a166-cb55-47de-943e-27b9c448e269&pl=BIKE) a few weeks ago at the opening of Cynergy Cycles (http://www.cynergycycles.com). i had been on a ride a few weeks earlier with a bud who wore them. i had seen them advertised and thought they looked like a nice smaller/lighter option than my Roach Rally DH knee/shin combo for less intense rides.
in the store - i grabbed a pair of large pads for my 6'1" 180lb person. when i tried them on in the store, they felt secure. it seemed like they would not move when pedaling. the pads were a bit warm just standing in the store. i thought this could be trouble on the trail. other than that, the construction looked good and they seemed to be worth trying.
on the trail - i did an XC run at Sullivan Canyon in Santa Monica. i carried them in my pack for the ride up the hill (an out-and-back ride). we stopped at the top for a breather and i put on the pads. you gotta take your shoes off to do this. not a big issue in my eyes. it was a hot day, so i figured any extra heat from the pads would be quite noticeable. as it turns out, the pads were barely noticeable. they were quite comfortable and did not shift a bit under pedaling. the straps did not dig or cut. in fact, the neoprene body was much like a supportive knee brace and it helped keep my right knee (damaged many moons ago) aligned and stable.
protection - i did not crash :mumble: so i cannot say how well they protect. i have some concerns about how much the soft fabric outter layer can take before it rips. i would hate for a shrub branch to grab them and open them up. only time will tell.
http://sixsixone.com/images/store/product/6495-24.jpg
i also bought a $20 pair of Fox Racing Comp elbow pads.
http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/fox_comp_elbow_guards.jpg
for that price, how could i go wrong? i liked the fit better than the Fox Extreme with cross-straps. the Comp pads are just there to prevent road rash. they slip on with no adjustment. they feel a bit tight when they are first on, but once riding, i did not notice them. i am concerned that on longer rides with more braking there could be an arm pump issue. otherwise, they are great little pads. they went on, stayed put, and they were cheep :thumb:
in the store - i grabbed a pair of large pads for my 6'1" 180lb person. when i tried them on in the store, they felt secure. it seemed like they would not move when pedaling. the pads were a bit warm just standing in the store. i thought this could be trouble on the trail. other than that, the construction looked good and they seemed to be worth trying.
on the trail - i did an XC run at Sullivan Canyon in Santa Monica. i carried them in my pack for the ride up the hill (an out-and-back ride). we stopped at the top for a breather and i put on the pads. you gotta take your shoes off to do this. not a big issue in my eyes. it was a hot day, so i figured any extra heat from the pads would be quite noticeable. as it turns out, the pads were barely noticeable. they were quite comfortable and did not shift a bit under pedaling. the straps did not dig or cut. in fact, the neoprene body was much like a supportive knee brace and it helped keep my right knee (damaged many moons ago) aligned and stable.
protection - i did not crash :mumble: so i cannot say how well they protect. i have some concerns about how much the soft fabric outter layer can take before it rips. i would hate for a shrub branch to grab them and open them up. only time will tell.
http://sixsixone.com/images/store/product/6495-24.jpg
i also bought a $20 pair of Fox Racing Comp elbow pads.
http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/fox_comp_elbow_guards.jpg
for that price, how could i go wrong? i liked the fit better than the Fox Extreme with cross-straps. the Comp pads are just there to prevent road rash. they slip on with no adjustment. they feel a bit tight when they are first on, but once riding, i did not notice them. i am concerned that on longer rides with more braking there could be an arm pump issue. otherwise, they are great little pads. they went on, stayed put, and they were cheep :thumb: