With its comprehensive and revered range of road and gravel kit, Rapha still may not be the first name in mountain bike protectives but its Trail Knee Pads set the benchmark with a good balance of comfort and protection. Despite the Level 2 protection rating, they’re the most comfortable knee pads I’ve worn but they’re breathable and reasonably light. Simply put, they’re class-leading and worthy of a spot as the best MTB knee pads.
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Rapha Trail Knee Pads - Technical details
From the outset, the Trail Knee Pads look rather simple, but there’s actually a lot going on. Firstly, they use a pretty simple build featuring a four-way stretch sleeve, but, from here, it gets surprisingly techy.
At the front of the knee, Rapha has added a woven textile called SuperFabric that achieves high strength by weaving tiny ceramic plates within it to provide abrasion resistance. That is without affecting breathability, says the brand. Underneath this fabric is a pad made from an Active Polymer dubbed RHEON, from London-based company, RHEON Labs – the company also responsible for providing concussion-resistant technology for NFL helmets. It works similarly to non-Newtonian alternatives as it hardens under impact while remaining malleable any time else.
We’re told that this pad provides Level 2, Type B protection which Rapha says is the highest level of protection in a pad of this type. However, there is some competition in the form of Bluegrass’s Arto but that pad is a little more built up than Rapha’s.
The pads are cut asymmetrically, so each one is designed to fit with the left or right knee. Then, along with the open construction of the RHEON material, there is an air-permeable fabric that accounts for some of the pad ventilation. At the top of the pads are large silicone grippers and the RHEON inserts are removable for washing. Rapha has been good not to have any seams running at the back of the sleeves, too.
The Rapha Trail Knee Pads are available in five sizes from XS up to XL to fit thighs from 49cm to 61 and calves from 33 to 41cm.
Rapha Trail Knee Pads - Performance
Throughout my time with the Rapha Trail Knee Pads, I tried two sizes. Usually wearing a medium pad, I spent most of the test period riding a medium. It was snug, and a little tough to get on but, for the most part, I was happy. Though a little tight, they were super comfortable and there were no points around the pads that I found particularly uncomfortable. However, when moving to the large size, they were much easier to get on and comfort overall is much more seamless.
The stretchy sleeve is super long but that’s not a bad thing. If anything, it helps keep the pad in place and minimises all chances of any gaps between the pad and shorts. These sleeves are so long that they have to run under any bib shorts, which is a nice touch that helps fend off the elements when needed.
Although these pads aren’t loaded with other protective pads that sit around the main one, as we see on heavier-duty pads, the single RHEON protector provides plenty of coverage. It wraps around the kneecap and runs down a good portion of the shin. The protector is a little thicker than what’s common on other lightweight pads, such as Leatt’s ReaFlex or D3O’s Ghost protectives but it’s still very flexible which only adds to the comfort as it conforms to the knee without requiring body heat to help it do so.
The whole pad is rather breathable, too. When wearing shorts, airflow through the front is noticeable and I’m yet to overheat – even when wearing trousers.
Durability is great, too. I’ve had the worst crash of my riding career in the Trail Knee Pads and they work incredibly well. The SmartFabric fronts have remained completely unscathed with only a few tears present on one of the sleeves, which is a shame but completely to be expected on a lightweight pad. But what’s impressive is the RHEON material because it did exactly what it was built to do. Although I walked away with a shoulder dislocation, my knees were perfectly fine, only exhibiting bruising in areas that weren’t covered by the protective material.
It’s the level of protection combined with such comfort that makes these pads stand out from its rivals. Many of the pads I test are compromised in some way. They’re either minimally protective or pack the protection but rub and lack comfort. The Trail Knee Pads pose absolutely no compromise and genuinely provide all-day comfort and good protection. Even during big, sweaty days out on the bike, the pads run seamlessly and only make themselves known when needed.
Rapha Trail Knee Pads - Verdict
For what the Rapha Trail Knee Pads offer, £100 is very reasonable and well worth the investment. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives available, namely the YT Industries Trail Knee Protection pads that come in under £60. They’re cheaper and mega comfortable but the D3O Ghost protectors provide Level 1 protection and are far from perfect.
Scott’s Grenade Evo Zips are a very close second in terms of comfort. They’re burlier pads with extra pads around the main D3O cap but it’s a Level 1 protector. They are comfortable though but they’re not as breathable. These will set you back £110.
Leatt’s Airflex UltraLite (now called ReaFlex UltraLite) pads are of a similar vein. They’re the same price as Rapha’s and they’re very comfortable, according to Pat but they provide Level 1 protection. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just not as protective as the Trail Knee Pads.
Rapha’s Trail Knee Pads are as comfortable as they are protective without any form of compromise. They’re breathable, stable and everything I’ve been looking for in a pair of knee pads. I’ll admit that, compared to some rivals, they’re a little more of an investment but when it comes to knee protection, there are very few knee pads around that are better than the Rapha Trail Knee Pads.