ASK MBA: WHY DON'T YOUR RIDERS WEAR KNEE, ARM OR ELBOW PROTECTION?

Mar 22, 2024

PROTECTION, PLEASE

Q: I noticed in your “Trail Mix” section of photos and throughout your mag how many riders don’t wear knee, elbow or hand protection here. I am a top-notch, cream-of-the-crop, moto enduro, moto trial and extremely talented mountain bike rider that can do it all, especially the gnarliest of trails and rock gardens, and would never entertain entering the woods without the “big four”—helmet, knee pads, elbow pads or gloves.

Mike Klementovich

A: We understand that this is more of a statement than a question, but it brings up a good point. Why don’t our riders wear more gear in the photographs depicted in our magazine? We understand that a lot of people won’t go riding without a certain set of pads on, and there are several among us who are like that as well. All we can say is, to each their own. Some of our riders hate wearing pads or gloves of any kind and have come to terms with the potential consequences that may bring. The only protective equipment we absolutely require any time a bike is ridden in our name is a helmet. There is no excuse good enough to warrant the lack of a helmet and that is final. We will always recommend wearing more, but no one is going to get in trouble for not wearing the extra gear. It is up to the rider and the rider alone what they wear on the trail.

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