WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE CHROMAG SHIFT ELBOW PAD
The Chromag Shift Elbow features EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1 impact certification and a low-profile design. Protection comes from a next-generation RHEON insert, a dynamic polymer that remains soft and flexible during normal use but stiffens instantly upon impact.
The padding is contoured to wrap naturally around the elbow while maintaining airflow, maximizing protection, and helping keep the pad securely in place. The sleeve is meant for optimal comfort and breathability for long days. The short vertical grip lines distribute grip more evenly while improving traction.
Chromag offers the Shift Elbow pads in sizes XS-XL, with a retail price of $110.
For care, Chromag recommends washing the pads in cold water and letting them air dry.
THE DIRT
I picked up this set of Chromag Shift Elbows a couple of weeks before a big bike park trip to Whistler this summer. I logged plenty of laps to evaluate their fit, comfort, and protection in a variety of riding conditions.
The breathability is about as good as it gets and feels more like a compression sleeve than an elbow pad. Flexibility is impressive for a Level 1 pad, and the sleeves fit smoothly under every long-sleeve I tested.
Fortunately, I didn’t take any major crashes while testing them, so I performed a few informal protection tests at home instead. I can confidently say they provide just enough protection for bike park laps and even the occasional DH race if you’re the type of rider who’s looking to have a barely there, barely visible pad to take the edge off the unexpected crash. If you’re looking for a daily DH pad and are frequently meeting the ground as you push your envelope and skills development, these may not be the right pads for you, of course, they’re not meant to be, they’re designed to be a highly breathable and comfortable daily trail ride pad.
I tested a size medium, which surprisingly fit pretty well considering my abnormally small arms as I normally run a size small. Even though they were very comfortable, on long bike park laps I did still notice some bicep slip around the top cuff, so perhaps a small would have still been the best bet for me.
For other riders with small biceps, the widely spaced silicone grippers and more relaxed fit of the upper cuff could mean the pads will slowly work their way down during long runs or rough trails. On many of my top-to-bottom runs, I found the pad bunched up around my wrist by the bottom. Once again though, my arms more resemble that of a stick figure than a mountain biker’s and I fully expect someone with more normal-sized arms to have no issues.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Chromag Shift Elbow provides great comfort and protection for those looking to have a barely there, low-profile Level 1 elbow pad. If you want a breathable, comfortable and slim elbow pad that makes it easy to want to wear them instead of finding excuses to not cover those elbow up, the Shift elbows may be what you’ve been looking for. For riders with really skinny arms, the Shift’s silicone grippers may not provide enough traction and require sizing down, though I’d expect riders with more normal-sized biceps to have no issues with the pads moving around. If I get around to doing some bicep curls after my trip home from Whistler, these will for sure be my new go-to, daily MTB elbow pads as there is a lot I love about them. 
Price: $110 USD
Weight: 40g
Website: Chromagbikes.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Ethan is a 19-year-old college student originally from Mill Valley, California, and now based in Bellingham, Washington. He began mountain biking at a young age on Mount Tamalpais, widely recognized as the birthplace of modern mountain biking. Today, he spends most of his time riding the trails of Bellingham and British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Corridor. Always experimenting with his bike, Ethan is constantly refining and dialing in his setup in search of the perfect ride. While he’s a very average rider, he has a keen eye for bike performance and quickly recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of a product.
Rank: Contributor
Size: 5’11” / 180cm | 145lbs / 65kg
Social: @ethanrevitch
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