Knee-Necks will keep your shins and ankles dry and warm during those between denim and snowsuit riding days.

Light drizzle? Weather getting cold, but not cold enough for a snowsuit or insulated riding suit? Your windshield and jacket should keep your body warm, but what about your ankles?

What Do You Really Need?

Some say that riding either an ATV or motorcycle is a lot like going from watching the world like it is a movie to staring in one. Breaking the bonds of the living room couch, you experience nature in all of its glory. But sometimes nature does not fully cooperate with your riding wardrobe.

There are days when it is not cold enough for a snowsuit, and there are times when the rain is not heavy enough to don a rainsuit. Your windshield, chosen jacket, and even an electric vest can provide body insulation from the harsher elements, but your denim protected shins and ankles can freeze in a light rain. Add dropping temperatures and that outdoor adventure becomes one of misery.

Knee-Necks?

Knee-Necks are about as simple a solution as you could imagine. 14 to 18 inches high, they are a pair of Velcro ® edged, nylon covered insulated panels that wrap around your ankles and shins. The Velcro ® edge allows for a true tailored fit, the water resistant nylon keeps your most exposed leg “parts” protected from the rain and wind blast, and the thermal insulation keeps your body heat inside where you want it.

Mini Chaps?

There are a lot of reasons why your shins are usually the most weather “unprotected” parts of your body during a ride. The first reason is that most any protection gear can make walking and moving around a bit of a challenge. Until the temperature really drops, nobody want to walk around like the “Michelin Man” in a snow suit – a heavy jacket might be fashion acceptable, but baggy pant legs do not make it! Then most people do not think about the fact that the leading edges of your shins are the most muscle poor parts of your body! That lack of muscle coverage means that there is little between the bones and the weather. Regular chaps and riding pants can work great, but do not look all that good in the office. Knee-Necks cover and insulate those areas without the hassle of chaps or a snowsuit.

Use

I was pretty skeptical when I first saw the Knee-Necks. Wrapping them around my shins I was able to cover my lower legs from the tops of my shoes to where the knee bends. The first time I used them I was taking a quick lunch ride when light rain started to fall. Sitting behind a full fairing, I noticed that only the lower parts of my legs were getting wet. Stopping at the first parking lot, I pulled the Knee-Necks from my saddle bags and wrapped them on. When I returned to the office, my pant legs were still dry and there was no residual discomfort from what could have been an uncomfortable ride. The next time was one of those cool mornings with an expected hot afternoon. My own rule of thumb had been to transition to insulated riding pants when the morning temperatures were in the mid 50’s. But on that first 52 degree morning I was able to slap on the Knee-Necks and head on in to work. Holding off the hassle of messing with the bulkier gear for a few more weeks is a definite plus!

Safety

Knee-Necks do not provide much in the way of accident protection, unless your definition of accident involves riding through hedges. So I really do not recommend using them over true protective gear unless you understand your increased risk of injury during a fall down. But since the majority of riders will opt for denim on most days, the weather protection will lead to a more comfortable and focused ride. It is always your own choice, I just want you to accept any added risk.

Your Fit

Knee-Necks come in six different colors for bike / rider color coordination: royal blue, purple, red, forest green, gray and black. Available sizes are: 18 inches high x 24 inches wide, 16 inches high x 22 inches wide, and 14 inches high x 20 inches wide. My recommendation is that you measure the distance from your shoes to where the inside of your knee bends and the circumference of your shin for the correct size. If they are still too big, you can also get them in child sizes 10 and 12. They are machine washable (no bleach), and can be tumble dried. If tumble dried, the manufacturer recommends closing the Velcro ® so as not to fill it with possible drier lint.

On Balance

Short term, mini band-aid, protection from light rain and cool temperatures is available in an easily packable package. Knee-Necks provide the answer to those in between days when heavier gear just is not right for you.



Recommended: Yes