MTB Talk: Knee Pads Everywhere, Elbow Pads Nowhere

You’ve seen it.

You’ve probably laughed at it.

The classic mountain biking gear setup: knee pads, knee pads, knee pads.

But when was the last time you saw someone rocking elbow pads?

Why does everyone protect their knees but leave their elbows out in the cold, unpadded, and naked?

Let’s get to the bottom of this, because it’s not as simple as “knee pads are more popular.”

1. Knee Pads: The First Line of Defense

When you’re shredding a trail, gravity is often a cruel mistress.

And sometimes, the bike just decides to throw you into the dirt.

What gets hit first? Your knees.

Whether it’s from a rough landing or an unfortunate collision with the bike frame, knee strikes are common.

They’re vulnerable, they’re exposed, and a sharp rock or the unforgiving concrete of the trail can leave you with a lasting reminder of your misfortune.

Knee pads are designed to handle that. They absorb the impact, save you from stitches, and—if you’re lucky—keep your ego intact when you’re back on the bike.

2. Elbows: A Less Common Casualty

Elbows just don’t take the same amount of abuse.

Think about it: when was the last time you landed hard on your elbows?

Most riders will tell you their elbows rarely take the brunt of the crash.

Sure, the occasional scrape happens when you misjudge a turn or lean too far into a rock, but it’s nothing compared to the deep bruises or cuts you might get from a knee hit.

We instinctively extend our arms and hands when we crash—our elbows stay up in the air, but they don’t make the same direct contact as our knees.

In fact, elbows are more often protected by a combination of gravity and skillful rolling.

3. The Comfort Factor: Knees Are the Bigger Target

Let’s be real. No one wants to feel like a Michelin Man while riding.

Knee pads are necessary but often bulky. They don’t just cover your knees; they protect your shins from pedal strikes, too.

Elbow pads, on the other hand? Most riders find them either too restrictive or too uncomfortable, particularly when trying to ride at full speed.

Unlike knee pads, which often feel like an integral part of your ride, elbow pads can be more of an annoyance.

They can slide, shift, or become an irritating presence that pulls you out of the flow.

4. Elbow Pads Are a Hard Sell for Many Riders

A lot of MTB riders simply don’t see the need for elbow pads.

They don’t have the same sense of urgency around elbow protection. After all, when was the last time someone had to make a trip to urgent care for a bruised elbow?

Knee injuries are more common. A busted knee can end your ride, and maybe your season, while an elbow scrape usually only gets you a moment of inconvenience.

And since the injuries aren’t as dramatic, riders tend to just skip out on elbow protection altogether.

5. Aesthetics: Fashion or Function?

The gear you wear sends a message.

We live in an age where Instagram reigns, and let’s be honest: nobody’s posting a pic of themselves with elbow pads, unless they’re specifically trying to make a statement.

Knee pads are essential, that’s a given. But elbow pads? They’re just a bit too much for the “casual” rider.

Look at the pros—do you see them wearing elbow pads? No.

They’ll be damn sure to have their knees covered, though. It’s almost like elbow pads are the redheaded stepchild of the MTB world.

People feel safer without them, even if it’s just because that’s what everyone else is doing.

6. Rider Experience: More Experienced Riders Don’t Need ‘Em?

There’s an argument made by more seasoned riders that elbow pads just aren’t needed.

They’ve been falling for decades, and they’ve learned the art of landing without obliterating their elbows.

A good fall technique—coming from skateboarding, snowboarding, or years of biking experience—means you don’t put your elbows in harm’s way as much.

They might get scraped or bruised here and there, but it’s rare.

So, if you’re riding at a certain level, and the consequences of an elbow scrape are minimal, you start asking yourself if the extra layer of protection is worth it.

7. The Fear Factor

There’s a primal fear that comes with knee injuries. Think about it.

If you injure your knee, you’re on the shelf for months. Your bike might as well be a decorative piece in your living room.

Elbow injuries, on the other hand, are more survivable. You can still ride with a bandaged elbow. You might even laugh it off.

But a knee injury? It’s a game-changer.

So, naturally, people focus on protecting that which could jeopardize their entire season.

Summary Table: Key Points

Reason for Knee Pads Popularity	Why Elbow Pads Are Less Popular
Knees are more vulnerable in crashes.	Elbows don’t usually take the brunt of impact.
Protects against pedal strikes.	Elbow pads feel restrictive or uncomfortable.
Knee injuries can be season-ending.	Elbow injuries are less severe and less common.
Common injury site on the trail.	More advanced riders don’t see the need.
Easy to find comfortable knee pads.	Harder to find elbow pads that stay in place.
Seen as essential by riders.	Seen as “extra” or unnecessary.
Prominent in MTB culture.	Not a trend in MTB circles.

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You Can Take the Pads Off, But You Can’t Take Off the Fall

In the end, we’re just trying to survive out here, aren’t we?

Knee pads are everywhere because, when things go south, it’s the knees that suffer the most.

Elbows? They’re often forgotten, underappreciated, like that drunk guy in the corner of the bar no one notices until he falls off the stool.

You wear knee pads because you know that one fall can end your ride, your season, your dreams.

Elbow pads? Eh. They’re for the paranoid, the overprepared, the “I just want to ride safe” crowd.

But maybe—just maybe—you’ll be the one laughing when you walk away from that surprise elbow drop into the dirt while everyone else is nursing their knee bruises.

You get what you get. Protect what you need to. Keep the elbows unguarded, if you dare.