PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

MTB Protective Equipment: Knee, Elbow and Body Armour

Protective equipment for mountain biking covers everything you wear under or over your riding kit to absorb impacts and take the sting out of crashes: knee and shin guards, elbow guards, chest and back protection, protective shorts and gloves. At Foxracing.si you will find Fox protection for trail riding, enduro, downhill and bike park laps, in sizes and cuts for adults and younger riders. This category is for anyone who wants to ride harder with less risk, from weekend trail riders to full-face downhill racers.

What you will find in this category

• Foot protection - knee guards, knee/shin guards and leg protection that shield the joints and shins most exposed in a crash or a pedal strike.
• Body protection - elbow guards, upper body armour, back protectors, protective jackets and padded shorts for chest, spine, shoulders and hips.
• Hand protection - gloves and hand guards with knuckle protection, reinforced palms and grip for the controls.
• Other - the remaining protective pieces and accessories that complete your setup.

How to choose MTB protection

• Match the protection to the discipline. Light, ventilated sleeve-style guards suit trail and all-mountain riding; hard-shell guards and full upper body armour make more sense for downhill, bike park and racing.
• Get the fit right. Guards must sit tight enough not to slide down or rotate on impact. Measure the circumference of your thigh, calf and forearm and compare it with the size chart rather than guessing from your clothing size.
• Soft versus hard shell. Soft, viscoelastic padding stays flexible while pedalling and hardens on impact; hard shells spread bigger hits and resist abrasion on rocks better.
• Look for certification. Protectors tested to EN 1621 (limb and back protection) tell you the impact performance has been measured, not just claimed.
• Ventilation and comfort. Perforated padding, mesh panels and moisture-wicking sleeves matter on long climbs; silicone grippers and adjustable straps keep everything in place.
• Layering. Check that the guards work with your shorts, jersey and pack, and that knee guards do not fight your pedal stroke or shoe cuff.

Brands

This category is dedicated to Fox, a brand built around motocross and mountain bike racing protection, with guard, armour and glove ranges that run from minimal trail padding to full downhill setups.

Frequently asked questions

Which protection do I really need for trail riding?

A helmet, gloves and knee guards cover the most common trail injuries. Elbow guards and back or chest protection are worth adding as speeds, jumps and rock gardens increase.

How should knee guards fit?

Snug all the way around, with the pad centred on the kneecap when your leg is bent, and no slipping when you walk or pedal. If you can pull a guard down easily by hand, it is too loose to stay put in a crash.

Do I need a back protector for mountain biking?

A back protector is recommended for downhill, bike park and fast enduro riding, where falls onto rocks and roots are more likely. Many riders use a protective jacket or vest that combines back, chest and shoulder protection in one piece.

Can I wear knee guards under trousers or shorts?

Yes. Slim sleeve-style guards are designed to be worn under loose riding shorts or trousers, while bulkier hard-shell guards are usually worn over the top for easier venting and removal.

How do I care for protective gear?

Follow the care label: most sleeve guards are hand-washed or machine-washed cool with the hard parts removed if possible, then air-dried away from direct heat. Replace any protector whose foam is compressed, cracked or has taken a heavy impact.

Browse the full protective equipment range at Foxracing.si and put together the setup that matches your riding - from a pair of gloves to head-to-toe armour.