The Lab #026: Parts and equipment long term reviews

Our global test team has been pushing products to the very limit on the world’s toughest trails. In The Lab, durability is rewarded and weaknesses have nowhere to hide. This time, we tested the Sweat Protection Bearsuit Light knee pads, the Cane Creek Double Coil CS rear shock, the Vaude Moab Low AM flat pedal shoes, the Alpinestars Pathfinder shorts, and the Lupine Wilma R 7 helmet-light.

Sweet Protection Bearsuit Knee Guards

Sometimes when you crash you just laugh it off, but occasionally it’s a proper crowd-pleaser. UK editor Trev took one of these this September – a high-speed out-the-front-door onto sharp Scottish rocks, taking the full brunt of the impact on the knee. Despite his initial fear that he would be looking for his kneecap in the rocks, all that happened was some light bruising and a day walking like a cowboy. He was wearing the slimline Sweet Protection Bearsuit Knee Guards – impressive indeed. Looking inside, the removable SAS-TEC protective cups are thicker than most ‘superlight knee warmer’ pads on the market. At just 105g, the anatomical cut is highly comfortable, even on long climbs, and the combination of a single elastic top strap and lower rubber gripper keep the pad in place well. The pads use a full sleeve design, with a polyester backing behind the knee. Even though they are a little warmer than some, Trev experienced no bunching or pinching… just flexible comfort. After a hard season, the stitching is holding up well and the tough exterior has shrugged off light crashes very easily. The only issue (with our admittedly pre-production samples) is that the white logos peeled off in the washing machine, leaving behind a stealthy black version. Sometimes simple is the best solution, and even though Trev has many pads available, he has brought another pair of the Bearsuit Knee Guards in case this pair wear out – high praise indeed.