The apparel designers at Rapha aren’t messing about with their new apparel line and the latest piece of kit is a set of kneepads that retails for $110.
The brand says that this new armor offers the highest level of protection that’s found in lightweight knee pads across the market. That safety comes at your joints thanks to a partnership with RHEON Labs impact technology which reportedly “can control energy of any amplitude or frequency – from small vibrations to life-threatening single impacts. At the core of RHEON technology is a reactive polymer that intelligently strengthens when subjected to force.” Mountain bikers are likely familiar with another flexible material used in pads, D3O, that is also designed to harden upon impact.
The outer layer of the Trail Kneepads is made from a durable ceramic polymer to prevent snags and tears, and the stretchy sleeve material is said to allow for comfortable movement and knee articulation. The upper opening uses a high thigh-gripper to hold things in place, and we’ll let you know how well that works after a few months of testing these.
Click over to the Rapha site for further details.
