Hi all,
I've been doing some amateur racing for quite some time and this year I want to do more international amateur racing (e.g. EWS100).
I want to invest in new kit which would suit enduro racing needs more - so far I've been riding with my DH kit, meaning that helmet is quite hot, knee pads are bulky and I have to slide them down for stage transfers etc.
I am currently running:
TLD D3 helmet
Race Face knee pads
Fox Raceframe chest/back guard
They are all great in terms of protection, but quite bulky and not so comfortable for enduro rides.
Any advices what work well for enduro racing needs for helmet, knee pads and chest/back guard?
I guess helmet is easiest as there is plenty of options but not sure on knee pads and chest guard.
Thanks
7IDP Sam Hill knee guards are good. I think they make a light version of them as well, but the full size ones aren't that bad as far as sweat goes. TLD D3 helmet is decent, that's what I've been wearing for a year. The only time I didn't opt for it was when it was 85 or 90 plus. I think what you're using is fine. Regardless of what you're going to wear, its gonna be warm mid summer. Check out TLD stage or Fox Proframe if you want something that breathes better, but I like the extra security of the D3.
I have ridden EWS and french enduro rounds a number of times, but take into account that I rarely wear knee pads anymore, and am happy enough riding park in a half shell.
Fox Proframe helmet: this is a game changer for me, being 300-500g lighter than full on DH helmets means you can wear it all day without getting cramps in your neck. Bearing in mind that the rules are: never take the helmet off while on your bike.
I would recommend running big ass glasses rather than googles better airflow and less chance of fogging in climbs.
I like to run a smallish bag with a backplate in it rather than body armour. Run a bag you find comfortable and just add a backplate that fits from any brand...
regarding helmet try the D4, it‘s way lighter (about 200g same size) and better ventilated than my D3 i used before, if you want to stay with a proper DH helmet.
unfortunately it‘s pricey but IMO worth it.
just snatch one on sale.
yep I am the type of a guy who wears half shelf way to much too... usually not in bikeparks though.
What do you mean by saying "a smallish bag with a backplate" - not sure what's meant by a bag.
Thanks for feedback on the helmet - these are my worries too, that I have to wear it pretty much all day. I think I would cook in D3.
Thanks all for other hints - D4 might be worth looking into.
kcyeeto, 7IDP Sam Hill knee guards look good - do you have any issues in them slipping? I couldn't see any strap there.
USWE and Camelbak both make lightweight hydration packs that will fit back protection. Not sure if that is what he’s referring to or not. My son has started carrying a USWE hydration pack on the “big” enduros and really likes it.
After they start to get really worn in, they do slip a little bit. Can usually mitigate this a little bit by running a bib and tall socks to keep them in place. But they stay put better than most other knee pads (even ones that have straps). I think he was talking about having back protection in a camelback/hydration pack. Some have back protection you can insert into them. If I'm going to use a hydration pack, I'd agree with Hogfly. USWE currently makes the best hydration packs.
I'm thinking about getting 7IDP knee pads. The only thing that confuses me is that they can deliver some discomfort when climbing uphill, especially if they are new.
I tried the 7sam hill and I like my old Poc a lot more. Poc are warmer but comfier! Literally I forget I have them on after 10 minutes.
I have used a vest for 2 years; Alpinestars paragon that has pockets and a back protector, it was amazing overall. After that I bought a Ergon bp1 and I use it to this day, it’s my favorite option, cause I removed the water bottle from the bike and feel it is easier to move it around, plus I have 1.5lt to drink instead of 720cl of water; Very expensive pack but it’s worth it.
Fox proframe is very light and airy but if I’d buy an helmet tomorrow I would choose the Tld stage
check out the Chromag knee pads, the rift Rift Knee Guard – Chromag Bikes I've done all day pedals in them and they remain comfortable. I can literally feel the air flowing through them when I'm coasting. They are comfy and good coverage, my current go to for riding or racing.
Tld stage is nice but runs a bit small. I wear a m/l in their half shell and wish I had gone l/xl with the stage.
Personally I wouldn’t sacrifice any protection on the knee pads for racing. If the transfers are long enough on a hot day 1 minute to remove/replace them is no biggie. And if it’s cool I don’t even notice them anyways.
nice one mate - they look pretty cool! I am always a bit cautious when knee pads don't have any straps or similar. Don't they get elongated/loose after some use?
I recently got the leatt stealth airflex body t-shirt/short sleeve one and have been happy with that. Protection probably isn't as good as what you have (CE level 1 on shoulder and back) but it is comfortable and forget I'm wearing it. Has 2 small pockets on the back too which is handy for snacks and stuff. Haven't been to somewhere as hot as France though but its pretty humid here and it's been good.
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