Light armour recommendations

[velomaniac]

When I visit a trail centre on my modern bike I find I ride faster than I ordinarily do on a retro steed. Consequently worrying thoughts of potential crashes at higher speed enter my mind.
So 98 plussers, do you have any recommendations for light flexi armour for elbows/forearms, knees/shins and hips. My back pack stuffed with bladder and waterproofs covers the back though long back protector would be good and obviously I wear a helmet.
I think I favour the non-hard armour for lightness and freedom of movement but the variety out there is bewildering. Also although very tall I'm very skinny and find size large kit too loose so stuff with a good range of adjustment also good.

Cheers

 

[jimo746]

Re:

A few months ago I came to the same conclusion, so I ordered some Gform kneepads and some Nukeproof Critical kneepads from Chain Reaction Cycles.
I tried both on and settled on the Nukeproof ones (sent the others back using CRC's free returns service), they have a hard kneecap and padding above, below, and on the sides. Having done a few long rides in them I'm very happy, once used to them you don't notice they're there, only downside is your knees can get a bit sweaty.
The Gform ones, for me at least, didn't offer the protection I was after, they are made of some magic foam on a lycra backing, very lightweight, and probably a good option for xc or trail riding.
Both Nukeproof and Gform offer elbow protection which is almost identical to their knee pads.

 

[velomaniac]

Thanks, a reply at last, I was beginning to think folk on here thought armour was for wimps !

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Something like the Gform pads sounds like it might suit you, although 661 do some nice softish pads as well (I know someone who uses them and tried them on).

 

[kaiser]

Re:

Velo if you can get a peruse of the latest Singletrack mag as they have a grouptest. Pads with varying degrees of protection are tested, worth reading but if you like I can have a look and summarise.