recommendations por favor: blast armor and kit

[diamondG]

turns out my hardtail is stronger than me, it can handle the blast course but my shins can't. It felt quite good back in the car park dripping blood, but I realise now that this shouldn't happen, I've only got so much blood


what's the thoughts on knee and shin guards, looking for something that will do the blast, freeride spins and the ocassional mtb holiday


what says you?

any recommendations

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=228idproduct=21764

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11141


also, if I getting a pair of these

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7610


what are the best pedals to go with them? they all look the same, so I'm tempted to got for the cheapy ones

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=122&idproduct=4259

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=122&idproduct=4260

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=122&idproduct=4256


thanks

[paddyobrien]

of the pedals there the 647 are the best as they have the mud clearance space in the middle, the other ones are a pain to clip into in muddy conditions (AKA ballinastoe!)

[Morgan]

I have those Raceface pads - they provide fantastic protection and are just about OK for pedalling - wouldn't want to wear them all day but on downhills you feel invincible from the knees down. They're very wide and can rub off your frame a bit.


I also have a pair of Dainese Knee Guards (http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=228&idproduct=11249) which are much more pedalable but don't protect as much. The matching elbow guards really only cover your elbow and don't provide much forearm protection - I'd get something else armwise.


Pedals - only get the M647 - the other are the ancient SPD design that clogs more easily.


The DX shoes get really sweaty.

[Fergal]

I have these knee pads:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=21827

brilliant for DH - not great to pedal in though - for Blast/MTB hols etc.. I bought these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28241

have not tested them as yet but a few of the epic boyos highly recommended them

[diamondG]

nice one lads!!!


and for the quick responses..

the blast is only around the corner, but the prep has only just started, shame on me!

[rst]

I've used for years knee/shin combos even onmore level surface tracks pretty much like the RaceFace Rallys (discontinued Fox 911s - replaced by model 'Launch' I think): I don't find them affecting my pedalling too much ...but then again I am no racing whippet in any way ;P


For pedals I'd (once again) strongly suggest checking out Time Z (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4739)!

[Ash]

When I was starting biking I used to use these and even did a couple of xc races in them...although I wasn't really racing more pottering around the course :o) But I found them fine to pedal with, they just get a little warm, which might not be a bad thing if it's a cold day. The only problem I had with both knee/shin guards and the elbow/forearm guards was that they kept slip down my leg/arm even though I got the size small. But that's probably because they're a small mens size and I have skinny little legs and arms


661 Race Lite Knee and Shine Guards http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2734


661 Race Elbow and Forearm Guards

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3533


Because I was feed up them slipping down and because I thought I didn't crash as much any more (silly me), I then got the 661 Tomcat Kneeguards. Which I really like and although they feel a bit funny when walking around in them once on a bike and pedalling I hardly notice they're there.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3539