Knee sliders (pucks)

Knee sliders, also called pucks, are hard plastic pads fixed with hook-and-loop fastening to the outside of the knees on road racing leathers and sports trousers. When a rider hangs off and leans deep into a corner, the slider touches the tarmac and protects the knee and leathers.

On track, touching the knee gives the rider a reference for lean angle. It is a by-product of good body position, not a goal in itself. In a crash, sliders help the leg slide instead of catching.

Sliders wear quickly on track and should be replaced before the base is worn through. Check that they are firmly attached, and carry spares on track days. Some riders also fit elbow sliders, and many suits have shoulder sliders built in.