Best Cycling Body Armor of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Cycling body armor is an essential piece of equipment for any cyclist who wants to stay protected while riding. These armors are designed to provide maximum protection to the rider's upper body, including the chest, back, and shoulders. They are made from high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable to wear, and they come in various styles and designs to suit different needs and preferences. Some cycling body armors also feature ventilation systems that keep the rider cool and dry during long rides. Whether you're a professional cyclist or a casual rider, investing in a good-quality cycling body armor is a must for your safety and peace of mind.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

POC VPD 2.0 Knee Protector Cover #TOP 1
POC VPD 2.0 Knee Protector
ftb score rating icon 9.9
POC VPD 2.0 Elbow Pads Cover #TOP 2
POC VPD 2.0 Elbow Pads
ftb score rating icon 9.8
POC VPD Air Elbow Guards Cover #TOP 3
POC VPD Air Elbow Guards
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cycling Body Armor

#TOP 1

POC VPD 2.0 Knee Protector

POC
PC203741
Uranium Black
X-Large
POC VPD 2.0 Knee Protector Cover
POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee, Mountain Biking Armor, Uranium Black, XL

The POC Knee Armor is designed for mountain bikers seeking optimal protection and comfort. Its advanced VPD 2.0 material molds to your body while riding, ensuring flexibility and absorbing shocks during impacts. The ventilated design helps keep you cool by allowing airflow, making it suitable for longer rides. Additionally, the reinforced stretch fabric offers durability and comfort, so you can move freely without feeling restricted. With an elastic strap to secure the pads in place, you can focus on your ride knowing you're well-protected.

What We Like
High impact absorption
Good ventilation
Flexible and comfortable
Secure fit
#TOP 2

POC VPD 2.0 Elbow Pads

POC
PC203931002SML1
Uranium Black
Small
POC VPD 2.0 Elbow Pads Cover
POC Joint VPD 2.0 Elbow, Mountain Biking Armor, Uranium Black, S

The POC Elbow Armor is a versatile choice for mountain biking, designed to provide exceptional protection and comfort. With VPD 2.0 technology, these pads mold to your body while you ride, hardening on impact to absorb shocks effectively. This feature ensures you can tackle rough trails with confidence. The reliable crash retention strap keeps the pads securely in place, so you won't have to worry about them shifting during your ride. Additionally, the lightweight and breathable stretch fabric offers a comfortable fit, making it easy to forget you’re even wearing them.

What We Like
High protection level
Comfortable and lightweight
Secure fit during rides
Breathable stretch fabric
#TOP 3

POC VPD Air Elbow Guards

POC
20430
Uranium Black
X-Small
POC VPD Air Elbow Guards Cover
POC Joint VPD Air Elbow, Uranium Black, XSM

The POC Elbow Guards provide excellent protection with their lightweight and impact-absorbing material, ensuring you stay safe during your rides. The reinforced stretch fabric enhances comfort, allowing you to move freely without feeling restricted. A crash retention strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit, so you can focus on your cycling without worrying about adjustments. Additionally, the neoprene anti-slip feature on the inside keeps the guards in place, preventing any slippage as you ride. Together, these features make the POC Elbow Guards a reliable choice for cyclists looking for comfort and safety.

What We Like
Lightweight and protective
Comfortable stretch fabric
Secure fit with retention strap
Anti-slip for stability
#TOP 4

Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Guard

568003203
Black
XL/2X
Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Guard Cover
Troy Lee Designs Speed Knee Sleeve Guard for Mountain Bike/BMX, Impact Protective Gear, Comfortable Seamless Construction, Adult X-Large/XX-Large, Black

The TLD Speed Knee Guard is a high-performance cycling body armor designed by Troy Lee Designs. It features a 4mm D3O padding insert, providing increased protection and performance advantage over traditional 10mm HDPE foam. The 360-degree seamless construction ensures maximum comfort during long rides, while the durable abrasion-resistant cover enhances the longevity of the knee guard. Additionally, the reflective print logos add visibility and safety during low-light conditions. With the TLD Speed Knee Guard, you can confidently tackle any terrain knowing your knees are well-protected and comfortable throughout your ride.

What We Like
High-performance protection
Maximum comfort
Durable and long-lasting
#TOP 5

POC VPD Air Knee Pads

POC
20440
Uranium Black
X-Small
POC VPD Air Knee Pads Cover
POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads, Lightweight Mountain Biking Armor for Men and Women, Uranium Black, XSM

The POC Knee Pads are designed for mountain bikers who value both protection and mobility. With their lightweight construction, these pads allow for easy movement while ensuring safety on the trails. The ventilated design promotes airflow, keeping you cool during your rides. The flexible VPD Air padding conforms to your body, offering comfort and temperature regulation without the bulk of traditional armor. Additionally, the stretch fabric and anti-slip features ensure that the pads stay securely in place, preventing chafing or slipping as you ride.

What We Like
Lightweight and flexible
Highly ventilated for comfort
Secure fit with anti-slip design
Temperature control
#TOP 6

POC Spine VPD 2.0 Jacket

POC
PC203319002XSS1
Black
X-Small-Small
POC Spine VPD 2.0 Jacket Cover
POC, Spine VPD 2.0 Jacket, Mountain Biking Armor for Men and Women, Black, XSS

The POC Spine Jacket is designed to keep you safe while mountain biking. It features a 3D molded back protector, along with shoulder and elbow pads to shield you from impacts. The chest protector is made from a flexible material that conforms to your body, ensuring maximum protection without sacrificing comfort. With a removable waistband, you can adjust the fit to your liking, promoting a secure and comfortable experience. Plus, the crash retention strap keeps the elbow pads in place, so you can ride confidently without worrying about gear shifting during a fall.

What We Like
Comprehensive protection
Comfortable fit
Adjustable waistband
Secure elbow pads
#TOP 7

Troy Lee Designs Stage Ghost Baselayer

562906
Black
X-Large
Troy Lee Designs Stage Ghost Baselayer Cover
Troy Lee Designs Stage Ghost D30 Short Sleeve Baselayer, Solid Black, X-Large

The Troy Lee Stage Ghost is an exceptional cycling baselayer designed for comfort and protection. Its lightweight and breathable mesh fabric keeps you cool, allowing for maximum airflow during your rides. The articulated fit ensures that you have the freedom to move without restriction. For added safety, it features advanced D3O padding, including a chest pad, back protector, and shoulder pads, which absorb impact effectively. Additionally, the molded rib padding and pad anchor system provide extra support, ensuring that you stay secure while enjoying your cycling adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable
Advanced impact protection
Articulated, flexible fit
Secure pad support
#TOP 8

POC Spine VPD 2.0 Vest

POC
20323-Black Large/Slim
Black
Large/Slim
POC Spine VPD 2.0 Vest Cover
POC - Spine VPD 2.0 Vest, Mountain Biking Armor, Black, L/Slim

The POC Spine Vest offers comprehensive protection for mountain biking enthusiasts. With full coverage for your back, chest, shoulders, and elbows, you can ride with confidence, knowing you are well-protected. The advanced VPD 2.0 material molds to your body during movement, yet hardens upon impact to absorb shocks effectively. Its breathable mesh design ensures optimal airflow, keeping you comfortable on warm rides. Plus, the adjustable waistband allows for a tailored fit, accommodating various body shapes for maximum comfort and flexibility.

What We Like
Comprehensive body protection
Flexible and shock-absorbing
Breathable for comfort
Adjustable fit for all sizes
#TOP 9

POC Men's VPD Air Sleeve Body Armour

POC
20471
Uranium Black
Large
POC Men's VPD Air Sleeve Body Armour Cover
POC Men's Vpd Air Sleeve Body Armour, Uranium Black, L UK

The POC VPD Air Sleeve Body Armour is the perfect choice for mountain bikers who prefer minimal padding and reinforcement. Certified to EN1621-1, Level 2 standards, this lightweight body armor offers flexible protection without compromising on comfort. The VPD Air technology provides a lightweight and highly ventilated design, making it ideal for riders who find traditional body armor too bulky, warm, or restrictive. The ventilated panels and perforated fabric ensure optimal airflow and moisture control, keeping you cool and dry on the road. With silicon strips for a secure fit and reinforced fabric outside the elbow, the POC VPD Air Sleeve Body Armour offers enhanced flexibility and freedom of movement, making it a must-have for any serious cyclist.

What We Like
Lightweight
Highly ventilated
Flexible construction
#TOP 10

POC VPD System Vest

POC
20630
Uranium Black
Large
POC VPD System Vest Cover
POC, VPD System Vest, Mountain Biking and Skiing Armor for Men and Women, Uranium Black, Large

The POC VPD Vest is designed for both mountain biking and skiing enthusiasts. It features a top-tier back protection plate that is not only the lightest but also offers excellent ventilation, keeping you cool during intense activities. The ventilated compression mesh enhances comfort, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable. Additionally, the waist adjustment system is easy to use and won’t obstruct the front zip, allowing for a secure fit without hassle. Lastly, the rear hanger loop adds convenience, making it simple to store or transport your vest when not in use.

What We Like
Lightweight back protection
Excellent ventilation
Easy waist adjustment
Convenient storage loop
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does mountain bike body armor work?

Mountain bike body armor can help protect the skin on your back from getting torn up, but it may not provide sufficient protection for your spine in a high impact crash. When choosing body armor, it's important to look for a well-fitting and well-made product.

2. Do you need body armor for mountain biking?

The need for body armor in mountain biking depends on the type of riding you do. If you participate in downhill or enduro racing, ride harder and faster, or tackle more technical trails, you may want to consider using body protection in addition to helmets and knee pads.

3. What mountain bike protection do I need?

For activities like bike parks, downhill riding, and downhill and enduro racing, it is common for mountain bikers to wear a full-face helmet that offers all-round protection.

4. What are the disadvantages of body armor?

Some disadvantages of body armor include not being rifle-rated for protection against bullets and not being stab or slash-resistant. It's important to be aware of these limitations when considering body armor for specific use cases.

5. Why do mountain bikers wear baggy clothes?

Mountain bikers often wear baggy shorts for several reasons. Baggy shorts provide more sun protection, especially in longer lengths. They can also prevent the gap between knee pads and shorts that can occur during mountain biking.

6. What do pro downhill mountain bikers wear?

Professional downhill mountain bikers typically wear a full-face helmet, gloves, firm shoes, a back protector, and knee pads as essential gear. Optional protective equipment may include shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, and a neck brace.

7. Are chest protectors worth it?

Chest protectors are designed to absorb and distribute the force from a striking object, reducing the impact on the chest and the risk of traumatic structural injuries like rib fractures. In this regard, chest protectors can be worth considering for added protection.

Editor's Notes

During our cycling body armor research, we found 24 cycling body armor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,564 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cycling body armor list. We found that most customers choose cycling body armor with an average price of $49.03.

The cycling body armor are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cycling body armor, including POC, Troy Lee Designs.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.