Everything About Knee Brace for Bicycle Riding and How to Choose

Regarding cycling racing, the first two races that come to mind are the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Both races take place on big stages lasting an average of 3 weeks. Still, the Giro d'Italia occurs under much more challenging conditions, depending on the season. For southern Europe, May means changing temperatures and rain during the day. Inconsistency in climatic conditions causes physical strain on competitors and increases injuries.

The 2024 Giro d'Italia continues at full speed, stage by stage, and bad news continues to come from the favorite racers. The last news is that Christophe Laporte injured his knee in an accident. Unfortunately, he had to withdraw from the race on the 8th stage. This (and similar) accident reminds us again how important using a knee brace for bicycle riding is. Whether you are a daily biker or a pro racer, it would be beneficial to research the best knee guard for bikers.

The Common Knee Injuries In Cycling (And That’s Why You Need Knee Brace for Bicycle Riding)

Now that we've established the importance of knee protection for all cyclists, let's delve into the specific foes you might encounter on the road. This section will explore some of the most common knee injuries cyclists face, helping you identify the warning signs and understand the potential causes. Knowing the risks, you can better protect your knees and keep pedaling pain-free!

1. Knee Pain:Knee pain in cyclists can be caused by improper bike fit, overuse, or muscle imbalances. A bike that is not properly fitted to the rider can cause biomechanical issues that lead to knee pain. Weak or imbalanced muscles also have an effect.
2. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): That could be runner's knee (PFPS) caused by irritated cartilage underneath. Repetitive stress from improper pedaling form or bike setup often contributes to this. Consider a knee brace for bicycle riding to provide support and stability, potentially reducing pain and preventing further irritation.
3. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB): The iliotibial band extends from the outer part of the pelvis to the outer side of the knee. Iliotibial band friction syndrome occurs due to the friction of this band during knee movement. ITBS can arise from sudden increases in training intensity or improper cleat positioning.
4. Meniscus Tear: If there is a clicking sound accompanied by definite pain in your knee, this is probably a meniscus tear. A meniscus tear is the most common knee cartilage injury due to bending or rotating the knee due to excessive body weight being placed on the knee in any activity.
5. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury:An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury could be at play. The ACL is a major stabilizer ligament in the knee. ACL injuries usually happen from abrupt stops or changes in direction, causing significant pain and instability in the joint. While a knee brace for bicycle riding can't prevent ACL injuries entirely, they can offer some support during recovery following medical consultation.
6. Additional Injuries from Environmental Factors: Bicycle accidents generally consist of falls resulting from loss of balance and sometimes minor collisions. Therefore, depending on where you fall, you will get minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises. Use a knee brace for bicycle riding and elbow guards, so you can protect your head and knees from risks such as impact and crushing.

The Role of Knee Braces in Cycling

Knee braces help bikers cover their knees and protect them from outside objects. Here are some of the benefits of wearing a knee brace for bicycle riding:

1. Protection Against Impact and Trauma: Knee braces help to absorb impact and reduce the risk of severe knee injuries. When you fall off the bike, your knees covered by knee braces will be protected from sharp and hard ground impacts.
2. Support for Alignment and Stability:Knee braces help to keep the knee joint properly aligned and stable. Correct posture of your knee and leg while cycling prevents pain and injury after strenuous activities such as fast riding or long distances.
3. Pain Management and Injury Recovery: Knee braces can help reduce pain if you have had any injuries before. Using a knee brace for bicycle riding promotes healing after an injury. While knee pads support the orthopedic structure of the knees, they also reduce the load on the waist and feet.
4. Prevention of Overuse Injuries:Knee braces can help reduce stress on the knee joint. The most practical measure to prevent stress-related disorders in those who cycle frequently and for long hours is the use of knee braces.

How to Choose the Right Knee Brace for Different Types of Cycling

While knee braces for bicycle riding offer a range of benefits, the ideal brace will depend on your specific type of cycling. Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. Road Cycling:A lightweight knee brace with breathable mesh panels is ideal for road cycling, where comfort and breathability are essential. These braces provide mild compression and support without restricting your pedaling motion. Look for features like adjustable straps and a low-profile design for a comfortable fit under cycling bibs.
2. Mountain Biking:Mountain bikers, brace yourselves! Rough terrain and potential falls demand a different level of protection. Your ideal knee brace for mountain biking needs to be a champion—supportive of stabilizing your knee on bumpy rides, protective with padding to shield you from falls, yet flexible enough to move with you. Don't forget breathability – conquering climbs shouldn't mean battling sweat!
3. BMX/Stunt Cycling:BMX and stunt cycling involve high-impact jumps and tricks, requiring the most robust protection. A pro-biker knee guard with additional impact-absorbing knee braces or even metal supports might be necessary. Look for braces with features like soft lining and rugged shell protection for the kneecap and shin.

Fivali Knee Braces: Your Perfect Cycling Companion 

At Fivali, we understand every cyclist has unique needs. That's why we offer a variety of knee braces for bicycle riding, ensuring you find the perfect partner for your rides. Here's a glimpse into two of our popular options:

Fivali Adjustable Plus Running Knee Brace (FKR04):

• Ideal for: It's definitely the best knee brace for mountain biking. Mountain bikers and cyclists with existing knee pain or injuries.
• Features: This brace offers superior support and stability with adjustable straps and a patellar tendon pad. The targeted compression helps reduce pain and prevent injuries like runner's knee and ITBS.
• Bonus: The FKR04 comes in a convenient 2-pack, so you can have a fresh pair ready for every adventure.

Fivali Compression Knee Sleeves (FKR10):

• Ideal for: Road cyclists, casual riders, or those seeking preventative support.
• Features: These lightweight sleeves provide a comfortable, snug fit with breathable fabric. The mild compression helps improve circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and offer general knee support.
• Bonus: The FKR10 is an excellent choice for everyday wear or recovery after a long ride.

Don't let knee pain clip your cycling journey! Throughout this guide, we've explored common knee injuries and how a knee brace for bicycle riding can improve your performance. A good knee brace offers support, stability, and even pain relief, keeping you comfortable and confident on the ride.

Ready to conquer miles, pain-free? Check out Fivali to browse our range of knee braces for bicycle riding. Riders look for quality and safe products with color and style options. That's why we offer knee brace variations in various styles and sizes. So, unlock your full cycling potential and ride happily with Fivali!

Reference:

1. Christophe Laporte pulls out of Giro d'Italia before stage 8 after replacing Van Aert. Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/christophe-laporte-pulls-out-of-giro-ditalia-after-not-recovering-from-crash/ Accessed: 22 May 2024）
2. Types of cycling. Available at: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/go-cycling/types-of-cycling (Accessed: 22 May 2024）
3. Knee Injuries From Cycling. Available at: https://www.purephysio.com.au/blog/knee-injuries-from-cycling/ (Accessed: 22 May 2024）