The Review | Nukeproof Lite Knee Pads
Gone are the days where we had to stop on every climb to low-ride our knee pads, there are now a wealth of lightweight pads on the market that offer excellent levels of protection with all-day comfort. Nukeproof have now joined the party with their Lite Knee Pads, which at €54.99 (£39.99) seem outstanding value, we could not wait to check them out.
The Lite Knee pads have a clean and simple construction, featuring a full sleeve without any additional size adjustment straps. The rear of the pad is constructed from stretchy and perforated mesh for ventilation. The pads are held in place with silicone cuffs at the top and bottom and feature a Kevlar reinforced front panel for maximum abrasion resistance. The EVA protective pad material is approximately 1cm thick and highly flexible, offering a good balance between protection and comfort. The inside of the pad is lined with a soft moisture wicking towling to help keep them cool and dry. At 285g the pads sit well with the competition and they are available in S,M,L and XL.
We tested a size Medium pad, which was well sized. Upon receiving the pad they looked a little more robust than some of the flyweight competition and we worried that they may be a little overbuilt and bunch and rub. We could not have been more wrong! After over 20 good rides the pads have not been uncomfortable in anyway, we experienced no bunching or rubbing even on brutally hot days. They are a little warmer than some for climbing on very hot days, but the payoff is that they feel very confidence inspiring and have shrugged off two big crashes with barely a mark to the Kevlar. The protective pad extends down the shin bone more than some, so provides a little more protection against pedal strikes and rocks.
We found the pads very comfortable on long rides and did not feel the need to pull them down on drawn out climbs. The Silicone bands did a great job holding the pad in place, and through minor scrapes and crashes they remained in position well. As there are no adjustment options, fit is everything and it would be vital to try them on first to get the correct size, but we found the Medium was well sized for our 75kg tester.
The mesh rear panel vented well, and so far all the stitching has stood up well to repeated wash/tumble dry cycles. The styling is certainly bold and if you like looking like a crash test dummy you will love the lairy yellow branding, they certainly stand out anyway.
Bottom Line
We have been impressed with the comfort of the Nukeproof Lite pads and cannot fault their protective properties. Not quite as thin as some of the ultralight trail pads on the market, the Nukeproofs offer a little more protection and confidence and would be perfect for a rider who is looking for something a little burlier than the minimalist competition. With no adjustments it would be important to try these pads on, but if they fit the Lite’s are very well priced and perform exceptionally well. Light, affordable and high performance, you can now pick all three!
Full details of these pads will be hitting the Nukeproof Website soon
Words and photos: Trev Worsey
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