Knee pads have become an indispensable accessory for mountain bikers. Until a few years ago, they were considered protection to be worn only on the most extreme days, but today they are a permanent fixture in many riders' gear. The reason is simple: modern protection has reached a level of comfort that allows them to be worn for the entire ride, without compromising the quality of the ride.
Naturally, for this to happen, a knee brace must combine several aspects: protection, freedom of movement, stability on the leg, and breathability. It must protect the knee, one of the most exposed joints while riding, but without creating chafing, pressure points, or restriction of movement.
Le PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They were developed with this very goal in mind. After over four months of intensive use, including races, excursions, long rides, and days of mountain biking, we wanted to see if these characteristics would hold up in real-world use.
Data Sheet
The PRO GACO V2 is part of Sixs' PRO-TECH BIKE line and is designed for high-intensity off-road cycling. It is aimed at trail riders. riding, enduro, all mountain and e-bike, but more generally to all those riders looking for protection to wear all day long.
The structure follows the anatomy of the leg through a form-fitting construction that naturally follows the body's movements. The heart of the knee brace is the EASYFLEX protector, designed to dynamically adapt to pedaling. As the knee flexes, the protector follows the movement without stiffening the joint, while maintaining its ability to effectively absorb energy in the event of an impact.
Stability is ensured by a silicone elastic band that keeps the knee brace in the correct position even during the most intense and repetitive movements.
The result is lightweight, stable and breathable protection, designed to accompany the rider even on the longest days.
The field test: over four months of use
To truly evaluate a knee brace, a few rides aren't enough. You need to use it for months, facing a wide range of situations and assessing how it responds to wear, washing, and, above all, the many hours spent in the saddle.
Le PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They've been with us for over four months during races, trail rides, long alpine excursions, days of cycle touring, and long-distance rides. This continuous use has allowed us to evaluate not only their initial performance, but also their build quality and ability to maintain their characteristics over time.
Comfort: the real strong point
The first aspect that emerges from the first outings is comfort.
Once worn, the PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They follow the movement of the leg in an extremely natural way. The EASYFLEX protection accompanies the flexion of the knee without creating stiffness or limitations while pedaling. This is a feature that is especially appreciated on long climbs, where every small friction or impediment tends to amplify as the hours pass.
Throughout the entire test, we never felt any discomfort, irritation, or particular pressure points. After a few minutes, you almost forget you're wearing them, and that's probably the highest compliment you can give a modern knee brace.
Always convincing stability
One of the most delicate aspects concerns the ability of the protection to remain in the correct position.
During these months the PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They've always proven to be very stable. Even when tackling rough descents, constantly shifting positions on the bike, or walking long distances while cycling, we didn't have to constantly reposition them.
The silicone elastic does its job well, keeping the knee brace snugly against the leg without being excessively constrictive.
Breathability and use on long outings
Summer days are probably the toughest test for any protection.
Even in this respect the PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They provided positive feedback. Ventilation is good and helps limit heat and sweat buildup, making the knee pad comfortable even during long outings.
Of course, no protection can become completely imperceptible on the hottest days, but the level of comfort remains high and never leads to the temptation to remove them during the climb.
Protection and build quality
The main purpose of a knee brace remains to protect the knee in the event of a fall.
Fortunately, during these months there have been no impacts of such a nature that would allow us to directly assess the absorption capacity of the EASYFLEX protection, but the structure conveys a pleasant sensation of solidity and safety.
Where it was possible to express a concrete opinion was on the construction quality.
After over four months of intense use, numerous washes, and countless hours on the trails, the GACO V2s show very little sign of aging. The stitching, fabrics, elastic band, and silicone grip maintain their effectiveness, confirming a meticulous construction designed to last.
Final houghts
Modern knee pads must do something seemingly simple but actually very complex: effectively protect the knee without becoming an obstacle while pedaling. They must remain stable, limit chafing and irritation, and allow you to comfortably tackle even full days in the saddle.
After more than four months of use, the PRO GACO V2 by SIXS have proven to have achieved this balance. In races, on long excursions, during cycle mountaineering, and on trail rides, they have always proven comfortable, well-fitting to the leg, and capable of following the natural movement of the pedal. Once you put them on, you almost forget they're there, but you appreciate the safety they convey when the trail gets more challenging.
Even after numerous washes and many hours of use, the build quality remained unchanged, confirming the impression of a product designed to last over time.
What to improve
If we had to single out one area where we could improve, it would be the silicone band at the top. Throughout the test, the grip was consistently very good, but a slightly larger silicone surface could further improve the grip on the leg, especially on longer days and during more challenging descents. This detail doesn't detract from the overall rating, but it would represent a further refinement of an already very successful product.
Who we recommend them to
Le PRO GACO V by SIXS They are ideal for those looking for a knee pad to wear for the entire duration of the ride, without the need to remove it during climbs.
We particularly recommend them to:
- E-biker, who face long excursions and want protection that is always worn, comfortable even after many hours in the saddle.
- Racer, especially in Enduro competitions, where keeping the knee pads in place even during transfers allows you to save precious time and arrive ready for the special tests.
- Trail riders and cycle mountaineers, who are looking for stable, lightweight protection that is comfortable enough to handle both long climbs and more technical descents.
The 365MTB verdict
Le PRO GACO V2 by SIXS They're convincing because they combine protection, comfort, and freedom of movement—three features that are now the fundamental requirement for modern knee pads. After over four months of intensive use, in very diverse conditions, we can say they passed our long-term test with flying colors and earn a nod from the 365MTB editorial team.
