Chromag Shift Knee and Elbow Guards

I purchased a pair of Chromag Rift knee pads four years ago after hearing good reviews from friends, including Ryan Walters who was reviewing them. I have been very pleased with the performance and durability of the Rifts over the past three years. When I heard that the new Shift knees had super sized the Rift design and improved upon the original features I was keen to give them a try.

Chromag is using newer Rheon technology for the impact protection on both the knees and the elbow pads. Rheon is a competitor of D3O, and both make their protective material out of non-Newtonian fluid.

The upper silicone band on the knee guards has doubled in width and feels stickier than the older Rift silicone bands which already worked well for keeping the pads in place. The calf gusset strap remains the same, offering a comfortable way to keep the pads from sliding down while pedaling. The Shift knees are a good combination of size, comfort, breathability and protection; though I have not crashed to test how well they protect the knees. The Shift elbows are the right combination of size, low profile, bulk and assumed protection; again, I have not crashed to test that (nor do I want to).

Shift knees Key Features (provided by Chromag)

• Exceeds EN 1621-1:2012 Level 2 impact certification.
• RHEON™ insert with increased coverage, airflow, and protection.
• 3D-shaped insert contours naturally around the knee for a secure, low-profile fit.
• Tall upper cuff with segmented silicone print for comfort and long-term durability.
• Updated high-performance sleeve fabric improves breathability and mobility .
• Stabilized fit — Contoured internal bracing layer and calf wrap help prevent pad migration.
• Reinforced abrasion-resistant outer layer in the impact zone.
• Clean, modern construction improves articulation and durability.
• 5 sizes
• 155 CAD / 140 USD

Most modern mountain bike protection uses reactive polymers that stiffen on impact which allows manufacturers to come up with armour that is less bulky than the Stormtrooper/hockey shin guard models of old. The lower profile pads still maintain a high degree of protection while being comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Chromag uses RHEON which is a rubber-like material that is very soft and pliable, until it is subjected to a rapid impact and forceful impact. RHEON, like D3O, stiffens on impact, providing increased protection over single density foam. The RHEON inserts are permanently encased in an abrasion-resistant aramid shell, with a breathable airprene backing material for structure and comfort. The mesh material that holds everything together is thin, stretchy, and comfortable while pedaling.

The calf gusset strap is stretchy and almost unnoticeable while pedaling. On a few rides while wearing pants I noticed the strap for the first 15 to 20 minutes of the climb but after warming up I didn’t notice it, and haven’t since. There haven’t been issues with pressure nor chafing. I have had success with velcro straps keeping pads from slipping while pedaling and crashing. Unfortunately those straps came at a cost of comfort with the straps digging into my legs during climbs and the velcro catching on my clothing. This was never a problem with shorts as I would simply lower the pads on the climbs but with pants straps are on full time, and I felt them digging into my oh so sensitive skin.

The highly elasticized cuffs, featuring silicone grip strips, work together with the calf gusset to keep the pads in place in lieu of velcro straps. Chromag claims that the segmented vertical grip lines on the cuffs spread traction over a larger area, hold securely without constricting, improve moisture movement, and allow the pad to stretch naturally with the leg. Based on my 15-20 rides on the Shift knees I concur.

I appreciate the fact that the knees and elbows can be machine washed. I was lacking in the hand washing of other non machine washable pads of the past leading to some rank odours which would usually turn noses away on shuttle rides.*

*Note – if you put your pads in the dryer and find they have lost their non-Newtonian properties, just pop them in the freezer and those properties magically re-appear.

My previous Chromag Knees (Rift) vs Shifts

After 3 years, my Rift knees are still holding in place on ups and downs, feeling comfortable and remaining in fairly good shape. I appreciate the extra length of the Shifts, the new larger sized cuff with silicone grip strips as well as the new tight yet comfortable feel of the new pads over my very used Rifts. Shifts have a level 2 CE certification while the Rifts are level 1 CE certification. The Shift’s Rheon insert also has more protection, a larger area and more breathability than the Rifts.

Shift Elbows

I would prefer to ride without elbow pads but my many crashes to the elbows, especially my left elbow, make them mandatory. I went into this issue during my test of 5 different elbow pads back in 2020. Personally I bang my elbows way more than my knees. It only makes sense that I should cover my elbows. On a few occasions my bare elbows were ripped apart and filled with mud and goo. The wound cleanings were much more painful than the actual falls; and the wound care, antibiotics and potential infection were way more than I wanted to deal with.

In order to force myself to wear the pads I need to remember these hassles but I also need to wear pads that are low profile, stay in place, fit comfortably without contributing to arm pump, breath well and of course prevent injury. The new Shift elbows tick all of those boxes.

They are low profile and light while covering the entire elbow area. The material breathes well but I have not used them above 17 or 18 celsius. There are no pinch spots, they stay in place throughout the ride and the large size fits comfortably without exacerbating arm pump. I have no problems wearing the Shifts on all of my rides (even the easy trail rides).