Are you looking for the best knee brace for biking?
Cyclists often complain about knee pain and it’s generally because of overuse. These injuries can be incredibly painful and may even last for a long time. Hence, why many turn to searching for the best knee brace for mountain biking in hopes of finding relief.
Using a high-quality knee brace for biking will be able to make a significant difference, especially when you are in the process of healing.
So, today, we’ll take you through all that you need to know before you buy yourself a pair of knee sleeves. Here, you’ll find reviews of products that passed our screening as well as a buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Serves well as your all-weather knee support. It’s versatility is something you can take advantage of while pedaling up the hills and for other sports.
Best for Recovery: Cocoon Knee Flex Pros
These are one of a kind knee sleeves that are insanely comfortable and have heat/cold capabilities that make it perfect for pre- and post-biking preparation and recovery.
Best for Injury Prevention: Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
With features that help keep your patella in place and adds support to your ligaments, Braceability’s knee brace can protect you from overuse and traumatic injuries.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Picks for the Best Knee Brace for Biking
1. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Won’t add any more discomfort on mountain rides
- With anti-slip silicone strips to help it stay in place
- No movement restriction
- Better blood flow for pain and swelling management
Cons
- Not for cyclists with moderate to severe knee sprains
Mountain biking is undoubtedly a tough sport to be in but we’re confident that the ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve can help you ride out the rough terrain.
For one, it’s comfortable – and that’s a crucial feature to have in something as exhilarating as mountain biking.
It also has anti-slip silicone strips lined on the inside so it won’t slide down your legs. ArmaJoint Compression Sleeves don’t restrict movement either, so you can just focus on pedaling through the mountains.
The compression also promotes blood flow – and that helps with both pain and swelling.
However, if you’re dealing with a moderate to severe knee sprain, you might want to look for a brace that offers more support.
2. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
Pros
- One of a kind
- Incredibly comfortable
- Weighted compression
- Can be heated or cooled. Perfect for warming up and cooling down.
Cons
- Pricey
The Cocoon Knee Flex Pro is one of one. There are others on the market that offer similar features but none of them – I repeat, NONE of them – are nearly as effective as these cocoons.
For instance, it uses lycra. That’s not something many other knee sleeves use which is a shame because these cocoons are mind-bogglingly comfortable because of it.
The fabric is also lined with hydrogel, making the entire sleeve capable of storing both heat and coolness. The hydrogel also gives it a bit of weight, so the compression you get here is weighted.
All these features combine for a knee sleeve that’s perfect for both warming up for the climb as well as recovering from it. It’s pretty expensive though.
3. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Open-patella design with U-shaped buttress for knee cap stability
- Side stabilizers add support to your ligaments for sprain prevention
- Average price for a knee brace
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not the most comfortable
The features of Braceability’s Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace make it the most suitable knee brace on this list when it comes to injury prevention.
Its open patella design and U-shaped buttress allow room for your knee caps to breathe while also preventing them from veering out of alignment. This is crucial especially for long rides where muscle fatigue and imbalances can steer your patella to one side.
It also has side stabilizers which add support to your ligaments without restricting normal movement. This serves as protection from sprains in case you crash while maneuvering through the course.
However, it can be uncomfortable especially if you picked the wrong size as the fabric might rub against the back of your knee.
4. NEENCA Knee Brace
Pros
- With patella gel pad for pressure relief and patellar tracking
- Side stabilizers for bolstered knee support
- Wide size and color range
- Comes in pairs
Cons
- Subpar customer service
- Possible fitting issues
NEENCA’s Knee Brace offers the same exact things as other reliable sleeves but it performs them just a tad bit better.
In particular, it excels in keeping your knee caps in place and relieving pressure off of them because they added patella gel pads. They also added side stabilizers that add support to your knees.
The above features make it similar to Braceability’s knee brace. Although, NEENCA’s isn’t quite as supportive and doesn’t feel quite as sturdy. Nevertheless, where the latter has an advantage is in its wide variety of colors (8 options) and sizes (S-3XL).
Despite the wide size range, however, there’s a small chance you still would encounter issues with fitting. Their customer service isn’t all that great either. But, if you do get the right sizes, you’re getting a pair of cool-looking, sleek, and high-grade knee sleeves.
5. GONAIREY Decompression Knee Brace
Pros
- Feature-packed (open patella, metal hinges)
- Solid support and patellar tracking optimization
- Helps prevent some of the sport’s most common injuries
Cons
- Durability with its stitching can be an issue
- Bulky
- Can be troubling to put on and off
The GONAIREY Decompression Knee brace has an open-patella , metal hinges on both sides, and a wrap-around design.
The open patella feature helps keep your kneecaps aligned while you’re pedaling which reduces your risk for tendonitis. The sturdy metal hinges help prevent ligament sprains in the case of a crash. The velcro straps then keep the entire brace in place.
Overall, those features make for an effective knee brace that helps prevent some of mountain biking’s most common injuries.
However, it’s bulkier than many of the products on this list. The stitching on the metal hinges and patellar opening also aren’t the most durable.
6. Knee Brace Compression Support By Sharko
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Perfect for biking
- Provides improved blood circulation
- Offers stable compression
- Very affordable
- Can reduce stress and swelling
Cons
- Might be too bulky for some
- Not suitable for those with allergies in silicone
Made of spandex and nylon, this knee brace offered by Sharko offers a wider coverage, stretching from above and below your knee, that aims to protect your knees while you are biking.
Despite the tightness of the sleeves, it will still be able to provide breathability, as well as keeping sweat at the minimum.
Lastly, it has the capability to reduce swelling and stress, particularly in the kneecap area.
Comfort and Stability
With its breathable and moisture-free design, it is a very comfortable knee brace to wear, even when doing strenuous activities.
Durability and Quality
It is made of nylon and spandex, further proving that this knee brace is built to last.
Cost or Value
It is also very affordable but considering all its features, it still is a great bang for your buck.
7. AUMIAU Knee Brace
Pros
- For muscle and joint recovery
- Can be used for biking
- Has an anti-slip silicone design
- Improves blood and oxygen circulation
- The brand offers a money back guarantee
- Made of premium quality and breathable materials
Cons
- Might tend to roll
- The band at the top might be too tight
This offering by AUMIAU is a premium quality knee brace, designed with breathable, lightweight, and anti-odor fabric, making it a perfect solution for your biking protection needs.
It features an anti-slip silicone design, which ensures that the sleeves stay in its place. Not only does it provide protection, it is also suitable for muscle and joint recovery.
Lastly, it incorporates compression technology, allowing better blood and oxygen circulation.
Comfort and Stability
It is made of premium breathable and lightweight fabric and it features anti-slip that ensures that it stays in its place.
Durability and Quality
It is also very durable, given that it is made of high-quality material.
Cost or Value
While being very affordable, the brand never compromised on the quality of their knee braces.
8. PURE SUPPORT Knee Brace Sleeve
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials
- Affordable
- Guaranteed product efficiency
- Ideal for use by bikers
- Equipped with an advanced knitting technology
- Breathable and anti-sweat fabric
Cons
- Might slip after a few months of wearing
- Not tight enough to squeeze
PURE SUPPORT offers a knee brace that is made of premium quality materials, which comes with an advanced knitting technology that embraces the contours of your foot.
It is also very comfortable to wear due to its breathable and anti-sweat fabric. It comes with a non-slip band that will keep the sleeves in place while preventing it from sliding down your feet.
Lastly, it features graduated and optimum compression.
Comfort and Stability
As a biker, you would need something that will provide comfort and stability for your knees, and this product by PURE SUPPORT totally lives up to their promise.
Durability and Quality
It is made of premium quality materials and it is ideal for use by bikers.
Cost or Value
While being very affordable, it also offers long-lasting performance.
9. IPOW (2 Pack) Knee Strap
Pros
- 2 knee straps for the price of 1 (great value for money)
- Durable
- Effective for tendon-related injuries and conditions
Cons
- No support and all-around compression
Knee straps are great for mountain biking specifically because it relieves pressure on your patellar tendon. This, in turn, helps you get through related conditions such as tendonitis, chondromalacia patellae, and Osgood-Schlatter disease.
That being said, IPOW is consistently among the top-ranking knee straps on Amazon because it’s great value for money (cheap and comes in pairs), adequately durable, and, more importantly, effective.
The reason why this fell so low on our list, however, is that it doesn’t have the same versatility as the other knee supports on this list.
While knee straps are great for very specific injuries and conditions, they’re also nowhere near as supportive as knee braces and has none of the circulatory benefits of knee sleeves.
10. JBM Adult GYM Knee Braces Support
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and durable
- Can be used for biking and other sports activities
- Breathable
- Comes with an anti-sweat fabric
Cons
- Might be too bulky
- The sizing chart is off
This knee brace created by JBM promises a speedy recovery to people who experience pain in their knees. While it can be used for pain relief, it is also widely used for strenuous activities such as biking, fitness, climbing, and hiking.
It is made of comfortable, durable, and breathable materials, ensuring that you will be getting the protection you expect from a good knee brace. It is also very lightweight while providing a cushion against external pressure.
Comfort and Stability
It is comfortable and stable to wear, especially with its flexible and elastic features. To add, it comes with a breathable and sweat-absorbing fabric.
Durability and Quality
It is made of durable materials, making it one of the best knee brace for mountain biking, as well as other demanding sports activities.
Cost or Value
It is one of the most affordable knee braces for bikers on this list. While offering the most value, it also proves to be something you will not regret buying.
The Criteria Used for Evaluation of the Best Knee Brace for Biking
Flexibility
Biking would require a high level of flexibility. So, when choosing a knee brace for biking, take into consideration the materials used and see if it will allow you to move freely while you are biking.
Compression
When looking for a good knee brace for biking, you might want to check if it offers compression. If you are not yet familiar, it is the gentle pressure the knee brace is supposed to exert to your knee. It reduces pain, boosts blood circulation, as well as stabilizes your joints.
Fit and design
For the knee brace to serve its purpose, it should properly fit your knees. With this, we do recommend that you measure your knee first for you to be able to determine the correct size. In addition, some products come with adjustable straps, making it easy for you to decrease or increase the size as necessary.
Features
Looking at the overall features of a knee brace would be advisable, considering that all of them differ in price. Knowing which features are important and which are not will effectively narrow down your choices into choosing the best knee brace for your biking needs.
Price
Not all knee braces for biking are created the same. Some offer the best features and some do not. When choosing a knee brace, keep in mind that it is entirely up to your budget and your preferences. If you have the money to pay for a premium product, you should never think twice.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, look for a brace that fits you best, has top-notch compression and comfort, is durable enough to last more than just a couple of hill climbs, and one that doesn’t restrict your movement.
Of course, there are other special features that may benefit your specific needs.
For example, the Cocoon Knee Flex Pro will do wonders for your recovery because of its hydrogel, Braceability’s Patellar Stabilizing Brace will help prevent injuries, and ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeve will serve as your all-rounder.
If none of the products on our list satisfy your preferences, it’s all good, but we do hope that our buyer’s guide points you in the right direction.
