Knee pads have a number of benefits. They provide comfort and protection while participating in outdoor activities such as mountain biking. Mountain bikers wear knee pads to reduce pressure on both knees during hard impacts. They reduce muscle strain and improve pedaling efficiency by reducing the chance of a nasty fall. Knee pads can also reduce shock and provide support during harder impacts. And, if you’re on a tight schedule, wearing them can help you avoid tying up your shoes!
Protect your knees from crashes
There are several options available to protect your knees during a crash when mountain biking. The most effective knee guards are those that have a base layer that protects the legs from non-crash abrasions. Shin guards and knee pads can be bought separately or together, although the latter will generally stay in place better. The Leatt AirFlex Pro knee guard is made with 3D-molded soft padding and heavy-duty perforations for maximum air flow. The knee piece also features padding on the side and top of the knee.
The next best option is a pad that covers your knee cap completely. Knee pads can be found in two types: hard-shell and soft-shell. While hard-shell pads are the best options for impact protection, soft-shell ones offer the greatest level of comfort and breathability. Some pads use a special technology that hardens on impact, so you can rest assured that you will be protected in a crash.
Reduce rubbing of ligaments
One common problem that affects mountain bikers is patellofemoral pain. This condition occurs when repeated stress to the knee causes tiny tears in the ligaments. The more tears occur, the more painful the condition becomes. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of developing this condition by following simple tips and modifying your riding routine. Listed below are some tips for preventing and reducing patellofemoral pain.
Avoid running at high speeds – Junior road cyclists must run on easier gears than adult road bikes to protect their developing knees. Also, change your riding position – if you’re on a bike with an upright position, you should be able to reach the brake hoods easily with your elbows relaxed. Move the seat forward or backward as necessary. The seat should also be properly adjusted to prevent rubbing of the tibial tuberosity, which is located beneath the knee cap and above the ball of the foot in the most forward position. This can cause pain in the ilio-tibial band and hamstring tendons.
Increase air flow
The design of knee pads for mountain bikers varies, but a common feature is the ability to increase air flow. These pads are typically constructed of Lycra or thin neoprene. Many models feature an oversheet of Kevlar, which is incredibly durable and resistant to sliding. Some pads are designed to allow for a larger amount of air flow, while others are made of thin foam.
While knee pads can help protect your knees during a ride, they can also exacerbate problems with the patellofemoral joint. Physical therapist Dane DeLozier, a mountain biker and part-owner of REVO Physiotherapy and Sports Performance in Boulder, Colorado, has a different recommendation. He recommends modifying your movements to increase air flow. If you are using a knee pad that does not offer this benefit, try adjusting the quality of your movement.
Make sure they’re easy to put on without taking your shoes off
When you buy a knee pad, make sure it’s velcro fastened. Make sure you can put it on without taking your shoes off, and that it fits comfortably. Some pads have Velcro straps on the top or bottom of the knee. Try to avoid knee pads with narrow straps that dig into your knee. Moreover, you should make sure that the knee pads fit tightly around your knee.
You should also make sure that your knee pads are easy to store after use. Remember that pads are made of many layers and need to dry thoroughly before use. It can take up to twelve hours to completely dry if they are highly padded. Try to alternate pairs if you can. A pair that’s difficult to put on when you’re wearing it isn’t a good choice.
Why Do Mountain Bike Helmets Have Visors?
When it comes to your health, wearing a helmet with a visor is a must. This extra layer of protection can save your eyes from direct sunlight, prevent your nose from cracking and even provide 360-degree protection. Thankfully, many mountain bike helmets come with visors. Read on to learn more about their benefits and how you can choose the right one for your needs. Listed below are some of the top reasons you should consider using a visor on your bike.
Protects your eyes from direct sunlight
Protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight is important, whether you’re going for a walk in the park or playing outdoor sports. UV rays, which damage the retina in your eyes, can cause damage to your vision over time. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat while outside can also protect your eyes from the sun. In addition, people who are light-skinned or who have had cataract surgery are at greater risk of UV eye damage. People who regularly play sports outdoors, such as golfing or playing soccer should wear protective eyewear.
UV rays are extremely damaging to our skin and eyes, and can penetrate through skin to damage the inner layers of our bodies. UV rays can damage eye tissue and cause cataracts, skin cancer, and even eye sunburn, known as photokeratitis. Wearing eye protection is vitally important in the summer, when we are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Invest in sunglasses with UV protection.
The dangers of UV rays are not limited to your eyes. Long-term exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer on your eyelids and cataracts, which are the most common cause of treatable blindness. Despite the many risks associated with UV light, it’s worth taking the time to protect your eyes. You’ll be glad you did. Take your glasses and sunglasses with you whenever you go out. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses and using protective eyewear can be an easy way to prevent this eye hazard.
Using sunglasses is essential for eye protection, as they can help prevent UV-induced cataracts. Even if the sun isn’t directly bright, UV-rays can still cause damage to the eye. If you’re going for a jog or a walk on a sunny day, wearing sunglasses is highly recommended. Wearing sunglasses when you’re out in the open is important, because they block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Sunlight damage to your eye is the result of looking at the sun directly. Even in clouds, the sun’s rays can still damage your retina. Using sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Make sure the sunglasses you choose have a UV-blocking rating of 100 percent. If you’re not wearing sunglasses, consider wearing prescription sunglasses, contacts, or transition lens frames.
While sunglasses are important for eye health, many people overlook this important factor. Too much exposure to the sun can cause cataracts, growths on the eye, and eye cancer. For more information, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart website. They’ve developed an informative website on protecting your eyes from UV rays. When choosing sunglasses, make sure to read the label carefully and choose a pair that has a UV-blocking rating of at least 100 percent.
Prevents nose from cracking
Using tissues can make the nose cracked and sore. Here are some expert tips to relieve your nose fast. Many wipes are pre-moistened, which may feel kinder than plain tissue. But be careful: diaper wipes and makeup wipes may contain fragrances, detergents, and other chemicals. Neil Schachter, MD, author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu, says that those wipes may not be as gentle as they might seem.
Provides 360-degree protection
In addition to incorporating 360-degree protection into mountain bike helmets, a number of manufacturers have introduced new designs that enhance safety. One such innovation is the MIPS liner, which protects the brain during a crash by reducing rotational forces. These helmets incorporate a low-friction layer to minimize angular impact and feature a 360-Fit harness with 26 clicks.
The SPIN liner has two primary functions, to decrease the rotational force that would otherwise be transferred to the brain, and to reduce the resulting pain and discomfort. While the SPIN liner is effective at reducing rotational force, it does not provide enough protection. Similarly, the MIPS liner offered by the Smith Forefront 2 is not adequate in terms of rotational protection, but it is worth noting that the Smith has multiple rotational reduction features.
The Leatt MTB 4.0 AllMtn V21 helmet is equipped with a universal sunglass dock, which helps protect your glasses against impacts. Another great feature is its adjustable visor, which allows you to place goggles underneath without compromising your vision. The helmet also has a Fidlock buckle system that allows you to customize the fit of your mountain bike helmet without difficulty. It also features 360-Turbine Technology, which is a unique technology used by the manufacturer to improve the ventilation system.
The best mountain bike helmets are made to meet specific standards. Most of the top models are designed with CE-EN 1078 certification from the European Union. Others have additional safety certifications such as the SNELL certification by the American Society for Testing and Materials. As for the CPSC certification, all CPSC-certified bicycle helmets come with an internal foam liner. The top models offer features that improve safety, comfort and aerodynamics, as well as absorb impact.
Tectal helmets are a great choice for mountain bikers who want complete coverage. Their helmets are easy to adjust and feature an adjustable chin strap. Some even feature removable liners for washing. A padded chin-strap is one of the most important components of a mountain bike helmet, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits perfectly. If you’re looking for a mountain biker’s helmet, the Fox Rampage Carbon is an excellent choice. It features a dual-density EPS layer for better impact protection. Its visor is also removable, washable and has two reflective tabs for added visibility.
Most of the new helmets now come with a 360-degree shield, which means maximum coverage and defense. Full-face helmets tend to be heavier than their open-face counterparts, but the 360-degree protection they offer is worth it. Although lightweight helmets are more comfortable, they do not provide enough protection for aggressive riding. On the other hand, heavy helmets tend to irritate riders and make the ride harder.
