Developed with feedback from multiple-time Enduro World Series winner (and prior to that, downhill world champ) Sam Hill, we quite liked these pads when we first reviewed them in 2018. Over the past year they’ve really grown on us, becoming the pads that we’re now happiest to spend all day in, and trust to keep the skin on our knees if things go wrong.
We like the slip-on design – they’re held in place by a compression sleeve and silicone gripper, plus an extended upper cuff that grips your thigh – which makes them very comfy to pedal in, especially when combined with the breathable mesh panels on the back.
The SAS-TEC knee cup – which moulds to the shape of your joint as it warms up – and neoprene edging lend a substantial feel to the protection without being overly cumbersome.
Pricing: £79.99
Distributor: www.7protection.com
Read Ed Thomsett's full review of the 7iDP Sam Hill knee pads on BikeRadar
About MBUK's Most Wanted (2020)
For the January issue of Mountain Biking UK magazine we put together a glossy guide to our Most Wanted gear for 2020, containing some of the most incredible, highly desirable mountain bike kit on the market. It seemed a shame not to share it with our website users, so now we’re posting each category online too.
The selection process wasn’t easy. We were determined to pick products that genuinely stood out, so just narrowing down the categories was hard. Then our test team discussed the pros and cons of each bit of kit that had been shortlisted – and had some heated debates over which should make it in!
You can rest assured that all of our Most Wanted gear has been given this accolade for good reason. It’s either performed amazingly in our tests (in which case we’ve provided links to the original review) or, in the case of just-released kit, has wowed us on the trails during initial rides and shown huge potential.
Cast an eye over the gear and you’ll notice that a lot of it doesn’t come cheap. That’s because these are our Most Wanted products, and not necessarily the parts and accessories that represent the best value for money. We know that not all readers will be able to afford them, but think they’re worth showcasing. Firstly, because they show just how far MTB kit has come. But also because innovation and improvements at the top end of the market inevitably trickle down to lower price points within a couple of years, for the rest of us to enjoy.