“Mum, that pinches!” When it comes to kids, protective gear needs to fit perfectly. If something digs in or slips around, it can quickly ruin a nice bike ride. And if it doesn’t look cool, it’ll stay in the cupboard. Can the SERYT knee pads win over young riders with a comfortable fit, excellent ventilation and Level 2 protection? We put them to the test.

SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads | 250 g (size L/XL) I €59 | Tester: Tom, 10 years old | Test Period: 3 months | Manufacturer’s website

Former downhill pro Carlo Gambirasio has already brought his ideas to adult riders on the trails. Now, his brand SERYT are offering the same concept for the whole family. Their kids’ knee pads use the same seamless technology as the adult models, designed to prevent nasty chafing, and provide a particularly comfortable fit. SERYT aim to combine protection and style without blowing the family budget. But do they live up to that promise in everyday trail use?

SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads: The Key Facts

SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads in Review: How Good Are These Kids’ Knee Pads?

One thing matters equally to parents and kids: how well do the knee pads actually fit? From the moment you pull them on, it’s clear that the highly elastic fabric wraps seamlessly around the leg, from the thigh down over the shin. The bold, colourful design adds an instant splash of colour to the trails, and it’s sure to put a smile on young riders’ faces. You’ll have to take your shoes off to pull the pads on, but once they’re in place, they fit like a second skin without pinching, pressing or chafing. With no Velcro straps, there’s simply nothing to get in the way or scratch uncomfortably. The downside of the strap-free slip-on design is that the size needs to be right from the outset, as there’s no way to fine-tune it afterwards. Luckily there’s a handy size chart to help you choose the right one. Once they’re on, the silicone grippers on the upper cuffs keep the pads securely in place. They didn’t budge on steep climbs or rough trails.

On the trail, it’s the low weight and barely-there feel that impress the most. The ventilated, breathable construction kept things pleasantly airy even on hot summer days during our test. The best proof of their outstanding comfort? Our tester occasionally forgot to take the pads off after a ride, and happily kept wearing them while playing in the garden for the rest of the day.

Another real advantage in everyday use is the durable fabric treatment. As promised by the manufacturer, it prevented unpleasant odours throughout our three-month test, even after repeated hand washing. Our tip: simply airing the pads outside is usually all they need. If they do need a wash, the manufacturer recommends hand washing at a maximum of 20 °C.

I never want to take them off!

The slip-on concept is nothing new, and is already well established among adult knee pads. Compared with other kids’ knee pads, however, the SERYT stand out for their high certified protection level, making them suitable for bike park use too. The IXS Carve EVO+ Kids, for example, are certified to Level 1, while the slim slip-on SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads provide Level 2 protection. During our test, the Level 2 impact pad shrugged off light to moderate crashes without issue.

We’d like to see SERYT expand the range with a model offering additional shin protection. That could also help prevent those nasty grazes you get when your feet slip off the pedals. The lack of hard-shell elements makes the knee pads look a little less burly, but the payoff is excellent freedom of movement. The only weak point is the fine stretchy fabric, which can snag if it comes into close contact with sharp pedal pins, or the Velcro fasteners on riding trousers.

Who are the SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads For?

The SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads are a good fit for your young rider if they …

• Like colourful designs
• Are looking for lightweight, well-ventilated MTB knee pads with Level 2 protection
• Ride their bike on hot days

The SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads aren’t for your young rider if they …

• Want to pull their pads on quickly over their shoes
• Need an individually adjustable fit with Velcro straps

Would We Buy the SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads?

Yes, definitely. The combination of excellent comfort, good ventilation and Level 2 protection impressed us throughout the three month test period. The SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads are a particularly good option for kids who spend long, warm days on the bike.

Conclusion of the SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads

The SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads deliver a compelling overall package for young riders hitting the trails. Freedom of movement, good ventilation and Level 2 protection impressed us across the board in our test. However, you need to get the size right from the start because the slip-on construction can’t be adjusted. If they fit properly, the knee pads are extremely comfortable and stay securely in place even on rough trails. Alongside the eye-catching design, that turns protective gear from an annoying necessity into a cool companion that neither parents nor kids will want to do without.

For more information, visit SERYT.

Our test experience: Tom (10) wore the SERYT YOUTH Flow Knee Pads for three months on trails, in bike parks and on pump tracks.

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Words: Sarah Baumert Photos: Lars Engmann