Sam Hill’s signature knee protection from 7iDP is an evolution of the brand’s popular Transition pad.
It uses the same elasticated sleeve design, which does away with straps in the interests of comfort and simplicity, and relies on a compression fit and silicone gripper strips at the top and bottom to keep it in place.
I found this to be effective, because the sleeve extends midway up the thigh, rather than stopping just above the knee, pedalling is uninhibited and really comfortable.
On days when temperatures dipped to near zero, they stiffened up a bit
Like the Transitions, these pads use a heat-moulding SAS-TEC knee-cup, beneath a durable ripstop fabric layer. Where they differ is that the knee-cup has a neoprene surround, for added side protection. This combination makes for a substantial feel, without them being too cumbersome.
Although the knee-cups moulded well around my legs in warm conditions, on days when temperatures dipped to near zero, they stiffened up a bit. This stopped them flexing with leg movement and caused the pads to drop down slightly.
With a slightly different pad material and the addition of silicone gripper on the inside of the knee (as on Troy Lee’s Raid pads), I reckon the Sam Hills — like their namesake — would be real winners.
