Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guard Review
Troy Lee Designs has always been regarded as an industry leader when it comes to developing highly coveted and highly prized gear. Troy Lee Designs has a long history of integrating comfort and performance, and they claim to have dressed some of the world’s best riders.
The Nitty Gritty
TLD’s Stage knee guards fit the criteria that TLD fans have come to expect. For mid-range coverage, these mountain bike knee pads have a modest profile. The D3O technology in the Troy Lee Stage knee guard offers superior protection while maintaining a slim profile. The D3O padding flexes and folds to follow your leg’s movement, making it less obvious during climbs and pedaling. A tiny layer of mesh promotes breathability, but it is also a downside.
The TLD Stage knee guard is designed to fit like a sleeve. Since there are no adjustment straps, sizing the pad should be done carefully. Alternatively, the TLD Stage knee guard pads use a tight elastic band with silicone to keep the pads in place, which works effectively if the size is correct.
Real Usage
The highly breathable mesh backing will undoubtedly be one of the most appealing characteristics for all pedaling fans. It has the added bonus of not having irritating or scratchy seams, which is no doubt designed to keep you as comfortable as possible. Flat pedal bikers appear to be on borrowed time when it comes to keeping the mesh intact. Clipless riders may not have too much of an issue. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to save the mesh after it’s been damaged.
During my recent trip to Snow Summit Bike Park, I crashed a few times to test the durability and strength of these knee pads. On my first crash, I was going a moderate speed at skidded on a berm, letting my knees fall onto the hard concrete blocks below. If I hadn’t been using knee pads right now I’d have cuts and bruises. The pads protected my knees well, not leaving a single ounce of pain. However, I suspect a blow to the side may not be as fortunate. Since the pads have almost no padding on the sides and back you’d probably be left helpless. On my second crash, I hit my shins on my pedals, which if you don’t know hurts like hell, but with these pads, I didn’t feel a thing.
The Troy Lee Stage Knee Guards aren’t the cheapest option on the market, but they’re comparable to many others. Their selling price of $79 seems appropriate given their brand and what you get.
In general, I think Troy Lee Designs did a good job with the Stage Knee Guards. Anyone going out for a pedal or somewhat aggressive trail riding might consider this option. Although they keep you cool, I wouldn’t recommend them for chilly or rainy days when you’d rather keep the heat inside. The protection level is in the middle, and it’s great for aggressive 120mm riders up to 140–160mm riders looking for something lightweight and compact.
