ShadowGuards - Lightweight Mountain Bike Shin Protection

Modern mountain biking pads provide excellent coverage of your elbows, knees, are flexible, relatively lightweight, and last through multiple crashes. But if you, like me, sometimes end up with a pedal or rock flying against your shin you probably also wish your pads were just a wee bit longer and protected more of your shin. I've looked into the available options and most are intended for motocross and pads are bulky, heavy, and lack the flexibility needed for biking. I also really like my current equipment and would much rather augment it than replace my expensive pads with more expensive pads.

The shin guards are designed to conform to the front of your shin and provide protection from flying rocks and pedal strikes. They are lightweight, low-profile, and are probably compatible with your existing knee/shin guards. The design is intended to be as thin and flexible as possible while still providing good protection -- they use a series of vertical "ribs" with thicker construction in the center where a shin injury is more likely to occur and thinner construction on the sides to provide added flexibility.

Being purpose built for biking, the design is lighter weight, lower profile, and more comfortable than similar styles of pads often used for soccer which might (in a pinch) serve the same purpose. The design is also symmetric so not need to worry about right vs left!

When worn the guards can be held in place with either a pair of long-ish socks or a compression sock (as can be found in various sizes on Amazon and other retailers).

If desired, a thin self-adhesive neoprene closed-cell foam can be added underneath to provide additional cushion and protection from blunt force impacts. 1/8 inch thick seems to be more than sufficient and does not impede flexibility. I've tried up to 1/4 inch without issues other than the pads being slightly thicker/bulkier.

If there is interest, future versions may also include an option for an elastic fabric and/or velcro strap.

I may be willing to make a few of these on commission if there is interest (price negotiable), but am hoping folks can print their own (and replacement pads) for themselves and friends.

Suggestions and comments are welcome!

These pads should be printed with a flexible filament capable of withstanding repeated strain/stress and impacts. TPU-95 provides excellent elasticity, impact resistance, and resilience through repeated impacts.

Recommend using fast printing at 0.2 layer height and 20% infill for weight and cushion for impacts.