Finally found the unicorn.. 🦄

The struggle is real.

At all sizes, finding a MTB friendly bra that eliminates bounce, is comfortable, breathes well and looks great too.

Fox has nailed it.

Well vented, moisture-wicking, size accurate (if not generous – XS-XL), boning and underwire that doesn’t dig in. Soft, wider straps to distribute weight without adding bulk. Stretchy which means easy getting on/off without manipulating shoulders (real talk – for this reason could be a great option for female MTBers recovering from injury too #ifyouknowyouknow ).

Two sweet colours (Classic Black & Plum Perfect).

Affordable price point at $84.99 was a nice bonus.

Drumroll.. It even has a side interior pocket for small items (please add in comments what you would carry. I just think it’s a cool option!)

Not sponsored. 100% public service.

Product worthy of random review.

RRP$89.99

Looking for a set of minimalistic knee pads that don’t slide down, are comfortable for all-day pedal adventures while still offering plenty of protection?

Yep, I have your attention.

Turns out they can and do exist.

I admit, knee pads have personally been the hardest piece of bike gear to find the right fit. With large quads (Thank Dad. Love those rugby league genes 🧬) compared to clothing size and a love of using them to advantage stomping uphill, for a long time felt like this essential piece of gravity gear just wasn’t made to be.

Thanks to this South African brand for restoring my faith. Setting the new standard in both design and sustainability with their range of body armour.

PROS

– Quality silicone grippers prevent that annoying slip or rolling down, while the lack of Velcro strap doesn’t dig in. Sits lower above the knee than other comparisons which also seems to help.

– Clever thin but well designed padded panels above and side of main knee pad, because when we come off it tends to be at all angles…

– Cutout feature and mesh at back of knee provide maximum comfort & breathability.

– Plenty of room behind main pad to allow movement while pedalling, yet 3D shaped impact gel hardens on contact to maximise protection.

CONS

– Ideal for myself as gravity / enduro pads suitable for all-day use. Will take the brunt of a solid knock or abrasions (yes, put to the test!) If doing pure downhill or particularly gnarly rocky trails, might opt for thicker protection.

– Cutout is extremely comfortable though I can’t say particularly attractive. Sorry riders behind, definitely worth it!

Impossible for one product to balance it all, though if I were to choose one pair of knee pads for all of my days on the bike, these would definitely be it 🤙

RRP$179

Maximum body protection when you need it.

That doesn’t impact your ride when you don’t!

It’s no secret that I’ve personally never been much of a fan of wearing body armour on the MTB (XC Life). Historically I found it tends to slip, overheat and generally find it irritating compared to the benefits when we inevitably have a hard landing.

Until now.

Introducing the Leatt MTB AIRFLEX Body Protector (WMS).

Thanks to this South African brand for restoring my faith. Setting the new standard in both design and sustainability with their range of body armour.

Flick through a few photos on my socials and you’ll see the damage that can be done when not wearing protection. Something I was ok with (unnecessary pain & scarring aside), until testing this armour in the recent hard fall with only soft tissue bruising where previously there would have been certain broken ribs.

The AIRFLEX body protector provides ventilated, impact gel coverage on the contact areas you need it most (elbows, shoulders) with zero annoying slippage.

I legit forget I’m wearing it.

PROS

Allows full range of movement.

Slim fit easily worn under jersey.

Mesh moisture-wicking material & clever thin but well designed panels allow maximum ventilation.

Well positioned double straps allow closer fit for female riders.

Compatible with “BraceOn” Neck Brace (My next purchase!).

CONS

Cost is admittedly higher than other brands. However the difference in quality, materials and design is well above comparable. Next level, worthy investment in your safety.

Despite all the breathable features, can still overheat (I tend to run hot). Unavoidable compromise.

CURRENT RRP$549.99

There’s nothing like a severe head knock to really research and evaluate all the helmet tech (and claims) currently on the market.

6 weeks ago I sustained my 4th concussion in a fall. Crashing can be a part of mountain biking.

While we continue to take the reasonable risks in search of high reward MTB brings, I manage this with the best protective gear.

Especially when it comes to your head.

What I haven’t made known is that I threw my previous helmet off at some stage before or during impact.

It was my first helmet with a magnetic “Fidlock”.  The recent and popular clasp on modern designs.  Wearing a GoPro at the time which may have caused it to “slide”, it could be a fluke. Not a risk I am prepared to take again.

Enter the new range of Smith Optics Helmets.

That faithful D-Buckle is never coming loose.

With research derived from elite athletes who know all about putting their bodies on the line, these helmets may not be the flashiest or driven with the biggest marketing campaigns.

What they are is evidence based, high quality and reliable in a sleek, minimalistic design.

Thought has gone into every function on these helmets.

From the easy adjustment visor on the Mainline (full face) to strap “sliders” on the Forefront 2.

Both contain:

Highest standard MIPS 
A must in any helmet to reduce rotational head trauma Without this slider the head stops, the brain does not.

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Foam
Slows head down and dissipates impact forces.

Unique KOROYD layer
Honeycomb-like material crushes to reduce impact.

3 stages of protection boosted by a tough outer shell

Other Pros

Goggle Integration
Stopped them sliding & bouncing around!

Maximum Airflow / Rear Vents

Surprisingly Lightweight!
Was prepared to sacrifice weight for safety. This was comparable to any enduro on the market with the tech of a DH helmet.

Emergency Details Sticker.
Chips, QR codes etc are cool. When people are panicking, I prefer visible simplicity.

Comes with great dust bags!

Cons

Current colour range is limited.

Personally still prefer BOA on Full Face