AVS Racing Hand Guards Review – A Sensible Bit of Protective Kit?
First impressions of the AVS Racing hand guards split opinion, but these nifty little things have been designed for hurtling through forests along tight, gnarly trails without having to worry about wayward trail decorations. Arnaud Vincent explains how the design was inspired by his youth spent road racing before moving across to motocross at the tender age of 13. By the time the year turned 2002, he was even crowned World Champion in the 125 cm category. In 2014 Vincent, while out on his regular mountain bike route, crashed when a branch came between his grips and brake lever. This mishap immediately threw him back to his motocross roots, in which where hand guards are a staple part of the sport. So, why aren’t they a firm component on mountain bikes?
“I based the design on experience I’d got from developing motorbikes which I teamed with my passion for mountain biking,” Vincent explained. “Then together with some top-level riders, the AVS Racing Hand Guards were developed with the purpose of protecting your levers and hands from bushes and other obstacles on the flanks of the trails. Plus, they give a cool, modern look to your bike too.”
How to Mount
You have to take off your handlebar grips before mounting the AVS Racing hand guards. There’s a 9 mm-wide aluminium mount that you push onto the bars and tighten with a 3 mm Allen key.
The AVS Hand Guards on Test
We’ve been riding with the AVS hand guards in the Corsican backcountry as well as our standard German woodland. Once you’ve got used to the visual impact they’ve got, you won’t even notice that they’re on your bike. On narrow, natural, overgrown trails the hand guards are a serious asset, showing how capable they are at deflecting branches and the like. One test rider crashed and their fingers and brake levers stayed intact while one of the hand guards just got a little grazed.
Our Thoughts
The AVS Racing hand guards might not immediately catch your eye but they undoubtedly serve a great purpose, particularly if you enjoy riding on super narrow, unkempt trails.
- Kit Price: € 55
- Weight: 110 g (Pair)
- Plastic protectors in 12 colours: € 27.50
- Aluminium mount (anodized in 7 colours): € 27.50
- Sticker in various designs: € 10
- Individual parts can be ordered separately
For more information head to AVS Racing!
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Manne Schmitt, Enduro World Series, Valentin Rühl
About the Author
Manne Schmitt
Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.
