The Recon knee pads are some of the lightest on the market, weighing a scant 146g. With no Velcro straps, they rely on a stretchy Lycra-like sleeve to keep them where they need to be on your legs.
The elasticated top and bottom openings get a grippy silicone-print coating, and there’s also a really well positioned elastic strap that sits just above your calf and helps things stay put. We found the top of the sleeve would slip down after prolonged pedalling, but the rest of the pad remained in place. We had to go up one size from our usual medium for the best fit.
It doesn’t take long to forget you’re wearing the Recons, which is a testament to just how comfy they are, even on long missions in the hills. Mesh panels and a large cutaway behind the knee stop them getting too hot and sweaty, and the angular XRD padding articulates pretty well when turning the cranks.
It also wraps around to cover the knee and upper shin, but the minimal side protection means the Recons are best suited to those looking for some added protection while hammering out the trail miles, not downhillers.
