The search for ideal protections for All Mountain riding took me to try several models.
The ideal protection require to be very efficient from the standpoint of weight and pedaling. Fitting and comfort factor are also very important, because in the typical epic ride you may end up wearing your pads all day long (or at least for several hours in a row).
In general the most important rule about selecting protection pads is to pick a model that fits you well, so a trip to the shop is in order, to try the different models and sizes. Roach Rally are also found in the market as RaceFace, which recently acquired Roach. The products are identical, regardless of the branding.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The external shells are built in rigid light gray plastic. The padding is made of closed cell material, according to Roach this is the only material that will not change its property in time. At this point I’ve had these pads for more than two years and they still feel great. They have gone thru countless washing cycles in the washer (but never put them in the dryer) and again the padding has not lost its properties.
The knee/shin guards have 2 straps crossing behind the knee and then 3 velcro straps closing behind the calves. The elbow pads have one strap above the elbow and 2 on the forearm, plus a light liner.
These straps are easily adjustable and the velcro does not rub anywhere on your skin.
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 Roach Rally FR knee pads |
 Rally FR elbow pads |
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Both elbows and knees pads are very simple and quick to wear. The first consideration after the first hard crash is that these pads do stay in place. I’ve heard (but did not have direct experience) of pads moving as a consequence of crashes. As you wear these things all the time, when they are basically not doing anything but bugging you, the minimum you can ask is that they stay in place when you need’em. This seem to be the case for the Roach Rally FR.
I’ve been wearing these pads for a whole day while shuttling at local bike parks and unless is a really hot day to literally forget you are wearing them. The knee/shin pads stay put while pedaling and don’t flop or get in the way.
The shin protection goes all the way to the ankle and properly covers the bottom part of your shin: this is very nice as I found very often shin protectors are too short and leave the bottom part of your shin exposed, sometimes with painful consequences (especially riding with flat pedals)
CONCLUSIONS
I’ve tried several different kind of protection pads, with various results.
The bottom line is that in order to use body armor while riding, it has to be comfortable, otherwise you won’t wear it. Well Roach Rally FR fitted right out of the box, are light and relatively cool , so possibly one of the best protection around.
WHERE TO BUY
The Race Face Rally FR in several online and LBS stores
You can find a summary of most recent prices and where to buy on Spadout.com
