On the search for the best kneepads that money can buy, we have protective gear in from 7iDP in the form of Project Knee’s and Sam Hill Knee’s, there’s also an M2 helmet to add to our big group of helmet tests. Elsewhere we have shoes from Specialized and a new kind of woven jersey and a seamless baselayer from Megmeister. Dig in….
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Specialized Recon 1.0 mountain bike shoes
£90
The Recon 1.0’s are the first (and cheapest) shoe, in a three shoe lineup from Specialized, retailing at just £90. These are for two-bolt cleats systems, so are mountain bike shoes aimed at cross country and gravel riders. For your money, you get the brands’ Body Geometry footbed, some toe flex tech, their SlipNot rubber tread and velcro rather than Boa dials seen on the more expensive shoes in the range.
7iDP M2 helmet
£60
Not a new lid but certainly one we didn’t want to miss from our test of reasonably priced helmets. The 7iDP M2 is a classic open face trail lid fitted with a Boa operated cradle and 7iDP’s ‘Conehead’ technology which uses dual density foam to dissipate impact. It comes in three sizes to fit heads ranging from 52cm circumference all the way to 63cm.
There are 19 vents to keep you cool, there’s an adjustable visor and fully adjustable chin strap too.
7iDP Project knee pads
£110
The Project knee is a light, breathable knitted pad with some innovative features which 7iDP says provide a ‘downhill level’ of protection in a lighter package. The knee pads get two upper straps which are said to remove any ‘side loading’ and apply pressure evenly around the thigh. The inner pad is also removable for washing and the pads look sufficiently long both above and below the knee. At £110, they aren’t cheap but are they the ultimate enduro pad?
7iDP Sam Hill knee pads
£80
Designed with pro rider, Sam Hill, these look loosely based on the brands’ Transition knee pads with extra protection encircling the main protective pad. 7iDP say the pads are for enduro or gravity riding but are light enough to be worn all day long. They have a compression fit design using a one piece, mesh sleeve with elastic and silicone at either end.
Megmeister woven jersey
£120
Megmeister is a German company that says they pride themselves on producing technical and effective base layers using their ‘DRYNAMO’ tech with high moisture wicking capabilities, low weight, hypoallergenic qualities and which are seam free.
The jersey we have on test is from their latest collection of woven jersey’s which are a sustainable and eco-friendy alternative to printed polyester jerseys. The woven yarn (a mix of dyed yarns and regenerated polyester) features the pattern you can see below with side mesh inserts for breathability. Megmeister says the manufacturing process uses much less water and less ink in the creation of its jerseys, which is often a by-product of the printed jersey. The result of the new woven jersey technology from Megmeister, they say, will help to reduce textile landfill contributions, of which 60% is currently polyester.
As you might expect, there are silicone waist grippers, three pockets at the rear plus a full front length zip with camlock puller. This is the women’s jersey which comes in a range of designs, plus there are men’s versions too.
Megmeister DRYNAMO Cycle short sleeve base layer
£55
To complement the above jersey, we also have a Megameister base layer on test. The base layer looks to be light with strategically placed breathable zones plus ‘lie-flat’ edges. We are most intrigued about the seamless construction here – check back soon for a review!
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