Coed Y Brenin ~ kneepads?

Roostoids

As per title, are kneepads a 'must' for Welsh trails?

Never bothered with pads before as only ride trail centres, no massive downhills, 1 -3 foot jumps n drops on mud, gravel, roots, hardpack and boulder gardens.

When I fall I generally dont hit my knees anyway, but i'm led to believe welsh rocks shatter kneecaps for fun - not sure if its just scaremongering from people trying to sensationalise the gnarl of having ridden there when I haven't.

Anyhoo. Going in October, should I splash £50 on some kneepads?

benpinnick

Nah. Welsh rocks are no worse than any other rocks.

sanchez89

i would to be fair. even if you wear them the first time you visit each area then decide afterwards it doesnt warrant it.

better to come prepared at first as you dont know what to expect, rather than just going for it and end up smashing your knee's to bits on a small sharp rock.

tarbot18

kneepads and elbow pads are like helmets you wont know you need them until you really need them , anytime i ride anywhere with a few rocks i chuck them on better safe than broken.

JayKay3000

You don't need them, but if you have them bring them.

I guess that one time they protect your knees is worth having them.

Just like you don't need a helmet because you hardly hit your head on most crashes, but one time it could be worth having it on.

welshkev

as said above, you don't need them and if you don't normally wear them do you feel safe enough?

i never used to bother but bought some when i started doing more DH stuff, now i wear them on pretty much every ride. again, like said above, i'm glad i do cos i came off and put a big cut in my knee through the pads!!! i'd hate to see what my knee would've been like without them :shock: and that was on a relatively easy section of trail close to me house

so to sum up, no you don't need them, but they might be a worthy investment

drumandguitar

I wear them when I ride CyB and most places where contact between sharp rocks and my body at any sort of speed is a possibility. Few reasons, I fall off lots, dont care what I look like/what other people think, and have to work in the week which involves an intact kneecap without inch deep lacerations. If none of these apply to you then save your money.

papertech202

I wear knee pads on all my rides as I can't afford to be off work with a shattered knee cap,simple.

bobbydeak

3 weeks off work on sick pay, unable to walk for 1 week, unable to ride for 6 weeks. Crash happened 1 mile from end of ride on easy section. You figure it out . If you dont wear them you feel it, if you wear them you dont feel it as much.