The eMTB Protection Guide: Should You Wear Armor?

Wearing a helmet is a must. It protects one of the most vital organs in your body. So, wearing armor to help minimize the risk of a brain injury is crucial. But what type of helmet offers the best protection? 

Mountain bike helmets can be divided into different categories – the traditional open-face helmet, the traditional full-face helmet, and convertible full-face helmets with detachable chin guards. Over the years, innovation has provided various choices that are more protective, lighter, and more ventilated in each of these categories.

• The “conventional” MTB open-face helmet – Open-face MTB helmets have had the same basic design for a while, but over time, coverage, fit, safety, and ventilation have all been enhanced. Due to their bulkier design, particularly in the back, they are better at protecting your head if you have a backward fall. These helmets also have a well-designed retention system, which will keep the helmet in place when riding on rough terrains at a fast pace.
• The full-face helmet – A full-face helmet provides the best protection for your head. These helmets stand out from the competition thanks to their complete coverage, close fit, and strength and they will also protect your head from severe injuries and your face from debris and bugs. Arguably the only drawback when you’re flying down a difficult descent is reduced visibility.. 
• The convertible full-face helmet – Because of their detachable chin piece, convertible full-face helmets offer a solution by effectively being two helmets in one. The best choices offer adequate ventilation and comfort during climbs with an open-face design, as well as great protection during descents with the chin piece attached. For those who ride hard singletrack and significant climbs on their eMTB, a downhill convertible full face that can be rapidly converted into an open face for climbing is an excellent alternative.

Each helmet offers its own benefits and is suitable for different types of mountain biking. But, they all offer protection for your head, which is crucial.

Knee guards with knee pads are highly recommended for mountain biking, as they reduce the risk of injury. A crash nearly always involves your knees, with these being one of the first parts of your body that make contact with the ground. Therefore, we strongly recommend choosing the guards that are best suited to your riding style to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash or fall. But what options are available?

• Lightweight pedal-friendly guards – These guards have a slip-on style that maximizes comfort and breathability, often without straps. The best guards have an impact-absorbing D3O® pad insert, which remains flexible and soft while riding but stiffens to absorb impacts in the case of a crash. 

• Heavy-duty protection – You should buy a set of sturdy knee protectors if you ride tricky descents or frequently ride in a bike park. Knee pads for the aforementioned trails should meet the EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1 standard as a minimum and should cover the front of the knee. Some guards may even have a hard plastic cap over the knee pad to provide additional protection in the event of a high-speed crash. Top and bottom adjustment straps on the guard are other crucial components since they allow you to fine-tune fit for optimal security. 

In the world of mountain biking, mountain bike elbow pads can be forgotten by riders. The wrong ones can restrict movement but the right pair - pads with D3O technology - still offer complete flexibility whilst riding. So, they shouldn't be disregarded if you’re prone to elbow injuries or want to be as secure as possible. 

Your own preference will determine which mountain bike gloves you should use. The Gambit Glove by Troy Lee Designs features a dual-layer palm to mute the noise and vibrations of the trail while its D3O knuckle protection is a barrier against abrasions and branch strikes. It is also a great choice for colder weather thanks to its three-layer softshell fabric and soft fleece liner.

If you ride in a bike park with more technical trails and steeper downhills, CE-certified back protectors are highly advised. A baselayer or suit top with integrated D3O back protector will give riders confidence on even the most challenging descents.

Most falls won't result in a long list of fractured bones, but mountain biking does take place on rugged, uneven and rural surfaces at speed, so there is a risk factor to any part of the body that hits the ground first. The torso is our mainframe, so wearing back armor is vital in shielding your ribs and vital organs in a fall.

Like the elbows, shoulders often bear the brunt of a fall , with heavy bruising quite common. Good Mountain bike shoulder protection will help absorb most impacts. And since shoulders may be the first to suffer damage if you fall, bail, or collide with unexpected terrain, it’s essential you protect them. 

From head to toe, D3O now features in almost every piece of quality gear designed to cover a rider’s torso or extremities. Its presence in integrated body panels, helmet linings, glove sections and even boots, is an added insurance for downhill riders. A broken finger might not seem worth protecting… until it’s hurt to the point you’ve  ruled yourself out of the next gravity-defying event or leisure ride.

Mountain bike shoes are very important as they provide the rider with the grip needed to allow them to effectively pedal up challenging hills and stay stable on bumpy descents while keeping their feet comfortable. Maintaining a firm grip on the pedals whilst riding means there’s less of a chance of your feet slipping and you accidentally falling off when going over rough terrain. Therefore, wearing mountain bike shoes with a secure grip is fairly easy to justify. 

Protective armor is designed to keep you safe when mountain biking. And thanks to the latest designs, most mountain bike gear won’t compromise your riding experience. So, why not stay protected while you’re out enjoying yourself on your bike by wearing armor?