ENDURA MT500 D3O GHOST

£84.99 SPECIFICATION Weight: 257g • Sizes: S/M-M/L • Contact: endurasport.com

Since hooking up with the Athertons, Endura has broadened its protection range and has added several new kneepads, including the MT500 D3O Ghost. This features a soft and malleable D3O insert that hugs the bony contours of your knee but stiffens dramatically during an impact. The insert is built into a rip-stop chassis but this cover is quite a loose fit, which we’re assuming is to help the pad slide.

To eliminate hot spots on the tendons at the back of the knee, there’s a soft mesh panel running down the back of the MT500 D3O Ghost. This kneepad is also articulated and bends as you pedal, so there’s zero bunching or binding. Testers rated it second only to the Rapha in terms of pedalling comfort.

To ensure the pads stay in place when you are cranking hard, there is a wide silicone-lined band across the thigh, and Endura uses a Lycra cuff on the bottom, which we found sits nicely over the calf.

Although D3O hardens on impact, the insert is quite thin, so it’s best regarded as scuff protection. If you take a hard slam, you’re definitely going to feel it. On the plus side, the insert has an open grid, so airflow is excellent and we had no clamminess on the knee.

The MT500 D3O Ghost is pretty versatile – the low weight and compact size makes it easy to stash in a bum bag or backpack, but you can also ride this pad all day without over heating. It also fits like a glove, with zero chafing. However, like the Fox Enduro Pro, it’s pricey for a pad with low-level protection and with limited sizes, meaning if you’re outside the average you may struggle getting one to fit.