I'm looking at buying a set of shinguards but I want something lightweight, breathable and doesn't restrict me at all when I'm riding. There are so many on the market I'm having a hard time trying to decide which direction to go.
I have the Troy Lee Lopes model. They are super light, easy to pedal in and breathable. I did get some cuts above my knee a couple of times in falls when the pad slid down. I got a pair of T.H.E. Storm knee-shins at Fontana last week (for $20!). Much better retention system. Stayed in place better riding and falling (yes - I fell). Not as light and a little warmer than the Lopes, but comfy pedaling - no material behind the knee bunching up.
My 661 evo shin guards work well but they are kinda pricey. http://bike-parts.pricepoint.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=661+shin Just go to a shop and try some on and pick whatever fits best.
I crash a lot, so I go through a lot of them. TLD Lopes work great, but needs modification (need to sew on extra straps at the top to keep them from falling down). Otherwise, if you slide down, you are screwed. Lot of my friends like the Race Face Rallys. My brother likes his 661's. This semi-pro highly recommends Fly Moto Knee guards, which is primarily knee but has little bit of shin protection.
I personally use 661 race knee/shins. they aren't the greatest for pedalling, but protection-wise I love them. no slipping, don't bother me for more gravity related pedaling, and I've never had a problem with them getting full of rocks (especially at mammoth, where a digger means you're finding bits of pumice for a few hours). also rather breathable (for a full knee/shin), but you'll still get that "awwwwww" moment of cooling relief when you take them off at the end of the day
I am using the Race Face Rally FR, they are great! You do feel them so you may want to check the Race Face "light" version which looks the same but not as thick. Great Protection / fit.
I think those are the winner. I was also looking at RACE FACE ZERO LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION How come you had 2 pairs? u beat the crap out of them? thanks man.
I had the first set for like a year. I did indeed beat the crap out of them. While they were getting repaired by Dainese I bought a secong pair. I'd buy a 3rd and 4th set, thats how confident I am in their quality and comfort.
I just gat a pair of RockGardn Landing Zones. Lightweight, very breathable, stay inplace, pedal-able and only $50!!
Dainese 3x Knee!!!! DAINESE 3X KNEE !!! I need not say more! Oh I do need to say one more thing 50 % OFF at the D-STORE in Costa Mesa!!!
For $50 you can't beat the Landing Zones. Although I'm sponsored by Rockgardn, for this application the Dainese's are a little better. If we were talking all out Dh knee/shins then go Rockgardn. Dainese's are very pricy.
Thats less than 5 blocks from my house. at $89, that 44.50 for the pair. Can these be pedaled in relative comfort? Thinkin' I'll be checking out this store.
I run the TLD Knee Guards (not the Lopes) and for the AM/light FR type of riding I do with lots of climbing AND descending they're perfect. There's nothing around the back of the knee to hinder pedaling and they don't get too hot. However, because there isn't anything strapping the knee cup down, they probably wouldn't be ideal in a full DH crash. After looking at the Dainese 3X's that people have been recommending, those look pretty good and probably perfect for my kinda riding. Not as bulky as the RF knee/shins, but they look like they're strapped a bit more solid than my TLD Knee Guards. If I had seen those back when I was shopping for my knee guards, I probably woulda bought those instead...
