Knee Brace for Cycling
Whether you're a recreational cyclist or a competitive rider, you must protect your joints from any type of injury. Cycling, when compared to other types of sports, is easier on the joints. While suspension forks will absorb all types of shock when riding, they’ll never be sufficient in protecting and supporting your joints.
Having the best knee bracing for cycling will help reduce the strain put on the cyclist’s joints. With every movement your joint makes, these braces will protect your joints. There’ll be no overloading on your joints if you wear knee braces. This review will guide you in selecting the best knee brace for cycling.
What to Look Out for When Getting the Best Knee Brace for Cycling
Wearing knee braces when cycling is a responsible practice that every cyclist should adopt. High-quality knee braces for cycling will ensure that you keep on cycling for long by protecting you from any knee injuries. Here are some of the features you have to consider when looking for the best knee braces for cycling.
Material
Neoprene and fabric are the two common materials used to make knee braces. Neoprene knee braces are very durable since they have a non-stretchable rubber. They also evenly distribute compression across the knee. However, some cyclists may take issue with this material’s smell and the fact that it’s difficult to find one that fits perfectly.
Conversely, fabric braces offer more comfort and breathability. If you find that the neoprene smell isn’t suitable for you, then a fabric knee brace should work perfectly. However, fabric braces aren’t very durable since they stretch over time.
Comfort & Stability
You must consider the comfort and stability when choosing a knee brace for cycling. These two are the most important factors that you'll have to look for in a knee brace.
There are lots of movement involved when cycling, therefore, you need knee braces that stay in place. The knee brace should also be breathable to ensure that your knees are free of sweat.
Design
There are three different knee support designs which include braces, sleeves, and straps. Cycling for a long time without knee supports can lead to pain and possible injury.
Compression sleeves help in preventing these from occurring. Braces ensure that you have sufficient support on your joints so that you can recover quickly. If you have pain below the kneecap, then straps are best suited for you.
Flexibility vs. Support
As mentioned before, there are different materials used to make knee braces for cycling. However, one can classify knee braces as either compression sleeves or braces. For cyclists looking for more support for their knees, a knee brace would be sufficient for them. Conversely, knee sleeves will provide an all-around compression for your knees.
Durability
The best knee brace for cycling should be able to last you for many years to come. You don’t want to select one made of materials that stretch or wear out easily. The knee brace should withstand all types of conditions, including the harsh ones. Whether you’re using a washing machine to clean your knee brace or cycling under strenuous conditions, it should last you for long.
Other Features
Some knee braces come with extra features such as odor and sweat minimization. Others include breathability and anti-slip features that help to improve the overall comfort of the cyclist wearing them. You'll certainly sweat a lot when cycling, therefore, the knee brace should help keep your knees dry and prevent you from any type of bother.
Top 5 Knee Brace for Cycling
1. King of Kings Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
The Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace from King of Kings comes with 3-layers designed to provide cyclists with the ultimate riding comfort and stability. Made of lightweight and adjustable neoprene material, this knee brace provides the cyclist with superior knee protection. You can also enjoy cycling without worrying about this knee brace slipping since it has an anti-slip feature.
The neoprene material has perforations that help to improve the knee brace’s breathability. Sweat won’t worry you anymore when you put this knee brace on.
It protects the joints by applying compression through the knees even when cycling over long distances or tough terrains, which is very strenuous. Moreover, the knee brace comes with a lifetime warranty in case you’re not satisfied with the product.
Pros
- It's made of highly breathable and lightweight neoprene.
- The high-quality material ensures the brace is durable.
- It’s fully adjustable and will provide the perfect fit.
- It’s quite affordable.
Cons
- Adjusting the straps may prove to be a challenge to some.
2. Neenca Knee Brace
Made of high-quality materials such as spandex, rubber band, and nylon, the Neenca Knee Brace is durable. It’s also comfortable for one to wear and protects the knees from any type of knee injury that may result from cycling. The knee brace has an anti-slip design that ensures it stays in place when you’re cycling.
This knee brace is also quite affordable and is ideal for those on a tight budget. The low price doesn't mean that it's of low quality, however. The knee brace has a special design that makes it suitable for everyday use for women, men, and kids.
Pros
- The anti-slip design ensures it stays in place.
- It’s made of high-quality materials.
- The knee brace is durable and protects the knees from any cycling injuries.
- It’s a unisex knee brace that kids can also put on.
Cons
- The knee brace doesn’t have the right sizing chart.
3. Sable Knee Brace Support
Made of a high-quality flexible and breathable fabric, this knee brace ensures that your knees remain free from moisture when cycling. The stable construction makes it more comfortable to wear. It’s also quite affordable and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty in case you’re not pleased with their product.
Pros
- This knee brace provides the widest coverage around the knees.
- It’s breathable and flexible.
- It’s versatile since you can use it for weightlifting and running besides cycling.
- It reduces swelling and stress around the knee area while cycling.
Cons
- It’s not ideal for those who are allergic to silicone.
4. TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
The TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support features flexible spring stabilizers that give the knees sufficient stability. Besides, this knee brace also has an open-patella design that makes the knee brace flexible, giving the rider more flexibility when cycling.
The neoprene knee brace support is breathable ensuring that your feet remain free from any moisture. This makes it quite comfortable to put on during strenuous activities such as cycling. It also has an anti-slip feature that ensures it stays in place when cycling. The knee brace is also adjustable since it features alternating Velcro straps.
Pros
- It’s available in four different sizes.
- It’s breathable and flexible.
- The neoprene material ensures it lasts for long.
- It provides more support than compression sleeves.
Cons
- It’s heavier than compression sleeves.
5. Sparthos Knee Compression Sleeves
The Sparthos Knee Compression Sleeve provides cyclists with much-needed relief from swelling, stiffness, arthritis, and other conditions of the knee. Made to provide additional stability and support, this knee compression sleeve ensures that you can continue cycling without any worries.
The knee brace comes with silicone strips that ensure it doesn’t keep rolling down the knees as you cycle. Moreover, it has a breathable yarn that keeps the knees free from any moisture. It’s a knee brace that you can wear for everyday activities like cycling.
Pros
- It has anti-slip silicone strips.
- It’s ideal for preventing and managing knee injuries.
- It features a breathable material that keeps the knees free of moisture.
- It comes in four different sizes and colors.
Cons
- It comes with an inaccurate sizing chart.
Why Knee Braces for Cycling is Important
Most cyclists wear knee braces to prevent injuries and to help in injury recovery. There are different types of knee support designs available for cyclists. They include knee braces, sleeves, and straps. As aforementioned, sleeves are ideal in compression distribution. Therefore, you can use them to stabilize a swollen or irritable knee.
For individuals with a severe injury or have had surgery on their knees, then a knee brace is more suitable for them. If you're in doubt about the type of knee support you need, then consult a physical therapist or orthopedist.
Verdict
The best knee brace for cycling should provide maximum comfort, be durable, and above all protect your knees from any type of injuries. You should also consider other factors such as support and flexibility when looking for a knee brace. Depending on your needs and preferences, you’ll find a knee brace for you in the review above.
