When it comes to mountain biking, crashes aren’t a question of if but when. Every rider understands the importance of wearing protective gear to minimize injuries during falls or collisions. However, not all protection is created equal. In fact, most mountain biking (MTB) gear available today doesn’t meet the rigorous CE Level 2 protection standards—the highest certification for impact resistance. This is where Cased steps in, offering next-generation cased bike protection that ensures riders stay safer without compromising on comfort or fit.
What Is CE Level 2 Protection?
CE certification, which stands for Conformité Européenne, is the benchmark for protective gear used in cycling and motorsports. The certification levels range from Level 1 to Level 2, with CE Level 2 representing the pinnacle of impact energy absorption and coverage. This means gear rated at Level 2 offers significantly better protection to critical areas such as the chest, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, shins, and tailbone.
For riders, wearing CE Level 2 certified gear translates to fewer injuries, reduced recovery time, and most importantly, increased confidence to push their limits on every ride. Unfortunately, most traditional MTB pads and apparel only meet CE Level 1 or lack certification altogether. Many brands prioritize lightweight foam and minimal padding to keep costs and bulk down, but this approach leaves riders vulnerable to serious injuries.
Why Most MTB Gear Falls Short
If you’ve ever worn typical MTB pads, you might have noticed several common issues that compromise protection and comfort. Thin foam layers often bottom out during hard impacts, failing to absorb the force adequately. Additionally, bulky gear can restrict your natural movement, making it harder to ride fluidly, especially in technical sections of a bike park or on steep climbs.
Overheating is another frequent complaint, as many pads don’t breathe well, causing discomfort during long rides. Moreover, cheaper gear tends to shred or lose its protective function after just one season, leaving riders exposed to injury risks. Essentially, most mainstream MTB protection is designed to meet minimal compliance standards rather than maximize safety and function. This leaves riders with a false sense of security, thinking they are adequately protected when they are not.
How Cased Solves the Problem
At Cased, we’ve taken a revolutionary approach to mountain biking protection. Instead of settling for the baseline, our mission is to redefine protection with cased padded bike apparel and cased padded bike gear that combine CE Level 2 impact resistance with superior comfort and design.
Every piece of Cased protection is CE Level 2 rated, ensuring the highest safety standards for riders. Unlike stiff, one-size-fits-all pads, our gear offers a custom fit that moves naturally with your body. This means the protection stays in the right place—whether on your chest, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, shins, or tailbone—without feeling bulky or restrictive.
Our designs are also engineered for breathability and durability. The materials used keep you cool on climbs and withstand the abuse of aggressive riding seasons. The minimalist design ensures you get maximum function without unnecessary bulk, so you’ll actually want to wear your protective gear every time you ride.
Whether you’re charging down technical trails in a bike park or navigating flowy singletrack, Cased bike protection is built to handle impacts that most traditional MTB gear simply can’t block.
Why E-Bike Riders Need It Even More
The rise of E-bikes has transformed mountain biking by enabling faster speeds, longer rides, and heavier frames. However, this also means crashes tend to be harder and more dangerous. For E-bike riders, CE Level 2 protection is not just recommended—it’s essential.
Our cased padded bike apparel provides the armor E-bike riders need to face these challenges with confidence. The gear combines high-level protection with comfort and breathability, allowing riders to stay cool and agile without sacrificing safety. With Cased, E-bike riders can push their limits knowing their protective pads and apparel are up to the task.
The Bottom Line
Don’t settle for MTB pads and protective gear that only look safe. The difference between CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 protection could be the difference between walking away from a crash or facing serious injury. With Cased padded bike gear, you’re investing not just in comfort but in top-tier safety, performance, and peace of mind.
If you love riding and want to keep your body protected without dealing with bulky, uncomfortable pads that shift out of place, Cased has you covered. Visit our website for detailed information on our product designs, features, and how our custom fit pads stay in place to protect your most vulnerable areas.