Troy Lee Designs T-Bone Knee Guards review

Troy Lee Designs’ T-Bone knee pads were famed for being gravity riders’ top choice in the early 2000s, but this latest version has a lighter, more pedal-friendly design.

Costing £79.99 and weighing 311g (medium/large, per pair), they’re relatively svelte and affordable when compared to the best knee pads.

Built from a layered ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and memory foam, the knee cup remains malleable, but also hard enough to protect you from impacts.

According to the UK distributor for Troy Lee Designs, the T-Bone pads have been CE certified to the EN13688:2013 standard, however this is a general sports clothing certification rather than a protection rating.

The outer shell is also made from EVA and has a ‘ballistic’ – although not bullet-proof – nylon cover to improve robustness.

A pre-curved fit is combined with two Velcro straps, one on the thigh, the other on the shin. On the upper hem, there’s a band of silicone to grip your skin and reduce movement.

Four individual side panels – two on the inside and two on the outside – offer additional protection.

A stretchy material is used throughout, and the rear mesh has two cut-outs to aid knee articulation.

Only three sizes are available: extra-small/small, medium/large and extra-large/extra-extra-large.

Troy Lee Designs T-Bone performance

The T-Bones are simultaneously tight and clumpy.

The elasticated Velcro thigh strap needs to be done up fairly tight to keep the pad in place, focusing pressure on a small area. They don’t have the same compressive feel as sleeved designs, but the straps make them feel tight.

That said, the main protective cup is baggy and loose. While this is great for knee articulation – you’re free to move around inside the cup without contacting it excessively or being restricted – it gives them a baggy feel that doesn't seem very secure.

With the shin straps done up tightly, the pads pulled themselves down my legs. To avoid this, I ran these straps looser than the thigh ones. With both straps done up too tight, my legs’ articulation felt slightly restricted, so adjusting and perfecting their tension is key.

Once strap tension is dialled in, general comfort is good; there are no hot spots or fabric pinch points. They stayed relatively stable while pedalling and descending, although they aren’t as secure as some pads that use an elasticated sleeve without straps.

Coverage is good across the knee and around to the sides, but the pad is quite short so doesn’t offer much protection on the shins. This gives little leeway for different leg shapes and sizes; the longer your legs, the less protection is on offer.

The hook part of the Velcro straps points outwards, making it snag on your shorts or trousers. While the snagging doesn’t impede movement, it reduces how refined the pads feel; your trousers need to be frequently peeled off the pads’ Velcro.

They aren’t particularly hot and are relatively light compared to the competition, but the overall comfort and fit makes them less suited to long days in the saddle.

Troy Lee Designs T-Bone bottom line

Although the T-Bone pads remain put when pedalling or descending, their fit feels baggy and tight at the same time.

Details such as the outward-facing Velcro make them feel unrefined.