Enduro and downhill MTB protection gear
Our MTB protection page helps you equip yourself according to your practice, from sporty hiking to downhill in bike parks: soft or hard knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors, and vests, padded shorts at the hips. Our advice details European standards and their levels, taking measurements, and the balance between protection and freedom of pedalling during long climbs.
Ride with confidence, full throttle.
Trail, enduro or downhill: what level of protection
The level of protection matches the commitment. In trail and sports hiking, a pair of soft knee pads worn from start to finish covers the most common risk: falling on the knee in a rocky section. In enduro, where time-trial specials are raced downhill after long pedal connections, elbow pads are added and often a light back protector. In downhill and bike parks, speed demands full gear: hard-shell knee pads, elbow pads, a vest with back protection and a chest protector, in addition to a full-face helmet. Children who are just starting out mainly need lightweight knee and elbow pads.
The rest of the outfit
Mountain bike gear also includes:
All the gear can be found on the mountain biking page.
The EN 1621 standard and its two levels
Lower limb protections carry the EN 1621-1 marking, while back protectors have EN 1621-2, two standards originally for motorcycles and adopted by mountain biking. Each distinguishes between two levels: level two transmits less energy to the body upon impact than level one, often at the cost of thicker foam. Viscoelastic foams, soft when at rest, stiffen upon impact: they conform to the joint while pedalling and harden instantly in the event of a fall. A rigid plastic shell added on top spreads the impact and slides over rocks rather than catching, which helps limit abrasions.
Fit, ventilation and protection shorts
A knee pad that slips doesn’t protect anything: it must remain centred on the kneecap thanks to silicone strips at the top and bottom, and straps that don’t compress the back of the knee. For long climbs, models with a mesh back ventilated help avoid overheating. The protection shorts, worn under shorts or pants, add padding at the hips and tailbone, areas that hit the ground during a slide. After each ride, remove the foam if possible and wash the fabric in cold water, without a tumble dryer, which could deform the inserts.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
What protections for a three-year-old on a bike?
At this age, the helmet remains the essential, complemented by lightweight knee and elbow pads for the first falls on a small off-road bike. They should slip on easily and not hinder arm flexion.
How do I know if a knee pad fits me?
Measure the circumference of your leg about ten centimetres above and below the knee, then refer to the manufacturer's guide. If you are between sizes, try the knee pad in a pedalling position.
Is an integrated back protector in a back pack sufficient?
It protects the spine in case of a fall on the back, provided it is certified and well secured by the straps. For downhill, a fitted vest remains more stable than a bag that moves during jumps.
Should you replace a protector after a big fall?
A viscoelastic foam regains its shape after an impact, but a cracked shell or crushed foam must be replaced. Inspect your protection after each significant impact.
Can you pedal for a long time with hard-shell knee pads?
It's possible but less comfortable: the shell limits flexion and gets hot on climbs. Many mountain bikers carry them in a bag and put them on at the top, or choose a soft certified model for the entire ride.
