Protezioni per gambe Charge - Race Face

Some form of protection is always a good idea when riding, but most of the time you only need scuff protection, not anything truly heavy duty. Step forward the minimalist Charge leg guard from Race Face.

Pulling one on is a lot like pulling on a knee-warmer, but instead of just lycra it features a stretch mesh sleeve with a foam panel, covered with abrasion-resistant Kevlar. Silicone grippers at the top and bottom hold it in place, and once on, these leg guards are surprisingly snug and warm, handy for the daft weather we've had lately. The Kevlar outer is effectively against scuffs and minor grazes but the foam padding is pretty thin and unlikely to absorb any really big whacks. It also lacks rigidity, so can cause the guard to bunch up slightly when pedalling hard, although this can be eliminated if you go for a tighter fit.

With their super-lightweight construction I often forgot I was wearing these - they're not at all restrictive and there's none of that clammy feeling of regular kneepads. They're also good value, easily packable in a backpack or pocket, and are machine washable. True, they don't offer the same level of protection as something like the Troy Lee KG 5450 knee-shin guards, but they're what a lot of trail riders have been waiting for. It's part-time protection, but if kneepads are comfortable and light you're more likely to wear them - and that can mean the difference between ending your ride at the Rose & Crown or A&E.

If you're looking for a little bit of protection without restricting knee movement, these are well worth a shout. There's no uncomfy bunching and they're perfect for trail rides.