Review - 7iDP Transition Knee Shin Pad 2

In the late '90s and early 2000s, every leg pad on the market seemed to cover the rider's knees and down to the lower or mid shin. Over the years knee-shin pads have fallen out of style and favor among the mountain bike crowd. 7iDP has launched the Transition Knee Shin to boldly stand in the face of disappearing shin protection. Can this lightweight pad with mid-level padding provide the balance of protection and breathability riders deserve?

Highlights

• Sas-Tec impact protection on knee and shin zones
• Additional 5-inches of shin protection over the Transition pad
• Small through X-Large sizes
• Certified CE EN 1621-1:2012 Level 2
• Pre-curved fit
• High-length compression fit with silicone gripper
• Mesh back for cooling
• Additional side padding over traditional Transition pad
• One-year warranty against defects
• Knee pad insert is removable for washing
• MSRP $109.99 USD

7iDP bills the Transition Knee Shin as a pedal-friendly pad. The brand was hearing demand from riders that wanted a bit more protection without going full hockey pad like so many offerings from the days of yore. Using the popular Transition knee pad as a starting point, 7iDP added a secondary protective zone and some softer side protection. The result was a pad that keeps the front of the leg well guarded but prevents overheating via the mesh backside.

Initial Impressions

Raise your hand if you have a particular zone on your shin that is paper-thin scar tissue from so many impacts and scrapes. Keep that hand up if you ride with shin protection. We'll be honest and say we're guilty as charged. With modern flat pedals and sticky rubber shoes, the days of catching a shinner from your pedal have dramatically faded. That said, things still happen. Additionally, we've had more than a few bloody shins from stray rocks flying up from the trail #desertratlife.

When sliding on the Transition Knee Shin it felt as if the pad just kept going and going. Indeed, it somewhat does. With an additional 5-inches of shin protection and a higher thigh sock, much of our leg was now fully encased. Once on though, we found the Transition Knee Shin to be quite comfortable. While riding, it all but disappeared from thought.

By the time short-legged riders (like our testers) pull up their socks, all flesh is masked. Work on those beach tans another time. Even still, the pads do have an airy feel to them and we weren't too concerned with boiling in the mid-summer heat.

On The Trail

Even though the Transition Knee Shin is billed as a lighter-weight pad, we felt the degree of coverage and additional padding made them suitable for some bike park laps. Particularly, because it would be creeping into the 90's F, and we could stay a tad cooler. In a contradictory statement, we also liked wearing them beneath pants, furthering the abrasion protection to the backside of our legs. 

Despite the increased coverage, we did not find the Transition Knee Shins to inhibit any of our pedaling motion. This is rather obvious since that extra coverage is on the shin. Regardless, because 7iDP ran the shin protection as a separate piece to the knee portion, there is flex in the system, allowing for better mobility.

We appreciate the taller thigh gasket and silicone grippers. Vital is a huge fan of the Sam Hill knee pad, with most staffers wearing it by choice on a regular basis. Much of that same fit and comfort is found here in the Transition Knee Shin, with a lighter degree of protection.

Protection is a tough one to review because you can't really "test" it without an honest wreck. We're sorry to report that such an incident did not happen during our review. With that said, we feel the shin component is wide enough to give proper protection in the event of a rock or pedal strike. With the added side protection in the knee area, we also feel comfortable vouching for the Transition's knee protection.

Things That Could Be Improved

Making a pad light and breathable is a double-edged sword. Yes, the mesh at the back of the pads is wonderfully breathable. Yes, we felt as though we were wearing nothing at all. However, the price of such comfort means that the mesh will be susceptible to snags and tears such as we experienced with our traditional Transition knee pads. Is this an area of improvement or just the price of admission for lighter gear?

What's The Bottom Line?

Knee-shin pads may not be the most fashionable choice among mountain bikers these days but darn if they don't make some good sense. Many pads, such as our beloved Sam Hill models, do extend a good way down but do still leave some exposed shin. Those looking to add some more leg protection without feeling like they're about to drop into a halfpipe should give the Transition Knee Shin a hard look.

Visit 7iDP.com for more details.

View key specs, compare knee pads, and rate the Transition Knee Shin in the Vital MTB Product Guide.

About The Reviewers

Brad Howell- Age: 43 // Years Riding: 28 // Height: 5'9" (1.75m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.8kg)

Brad started mountain biking when a 2.25-inch tire was large, and despite having threads, bottom brackets sucked. Riding in the woods with friends eventually lead way to racing, trying to send it at the local gravel pits, and working in bike shops as a wrench to fix those bikes. Brad has been fortunate enough to have dug at six Rampages, attend some World Cups, work in the industry for a few years, and become friends with some of the sport's biggest talents. These days, he just likes riding his bike in the woods with friends.

Ryan Lummis - Age: 37 // Years Riding MTB: 19 // Height: 5'7" (1.702m) // Weight: 160-pounds (72.7kg)

I grew up racing motocross and started riding MTB at the age of 18. I started racing local DH and dual slalom races and quickly fell in love with the sport. From riding over the last 19 years I have had the joy of being able to see the sport develop and the technology improve. I have witnessed and experienced many different types of ideas, technology, suspension designs, and bike geometry and I have seen what has worked and what has not. Being from a motocross background some of my favorite trails are fast, flowing trails with large hits and different line choices. Over the years though I have grown to also love the natural, raw and challenging dh trails of the Sierra Nevadas and the PNW.