Featuring high quality design and durability, our top knee brace for cycling is the UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve. The Uflex is a perfect match of compression support and lightweight material, ideal for cyclists that strive for pain relief yet don’t need a bulky brace. Keep reading for the full details plus reviews for seven other top cycling braces.
Best Choice - UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
The Uflex is designed with a lightweight spandex/nylon material, and it comes in three different sizes for fit options. Anti-slip silicone strips help keep the brace from sliding around on your knee during rides.
Buy on AmazonIt’s not difficult to see how cycling can be tough on your knees. Near constant range of motion through the knee joint can cause pain for many, if not most, cyclists at some point. If you begin to have an irritating knee pain that interferes with your cycling routine, a good knee support can get you back on the bike. See our top choices below to help you find one that will suit your needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
UFlex
Knee Compression Sleeve
Top Performance
TechWare Pro
Knee Brace
Can’t Count Out
PowerLix
Compression Knee Sleeve
The Eight Best Braces for Cycling
| Product | Brand | Latex - Free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Sleeve | UFlex | No | S - L | Men and Women |  |
| Brace | TechWare Pro | Yes | M - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Powerlix | Yes | S - XXL | Men and Women | |
| Hinged Knee Brace | Vive | Yes | One size fits most | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Sable | No | S - XL | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Blitzu Flex Plus | Yes | S - L | Men and Women | |
| Compression Sleeve | Crucial | No | XS - XXXL | Men and Women | |
| Patella Knee Band | Vive | Yes | One size fits most | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Buy on AmazonUFlex is our top choice primarily because it provides a great ratio of compression to flexibility. Designed with a nylon and spandex material, it is both lightweight and durable. Uflex’s compression material provides knee support and reduces inflammation while cycling.
The Uflex features a special 3D knitting technology to provide optimal stability combined with long-lasting comfort and durability. Double silicone anti-slip strips keep the Uflex in place for the long haul.
Main Features
- Nylon/spandex material
- 3D knitting technology
- Anti-slip silicone design
- Three different sizes to choose from (S, M, L)
Pros:
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Provides warmth and compression
- Silicone helps to prevent slippage and bunching during rides
- Pain relief and moderate support for minor knee irritation or to prevent injury
Cons:
- Can be a challenge to size correctly
- Stitching may wear out with repeated use
Top Performance: TechWare Pro Knee Brace
If a compression sleeve just isn’t enough support for your knee, the TechWare may be the brace for you. Flexible spring stabilizers and an open-patella design provide solid stability but allow for the full knee mobility needed for cycling.
Designed with breathable and moisture-wicking neoprene, the TechWare also features anti-slip silicone strips to help prevent sliding. Alternating Velcro straps make the TechWare easily adjustable on the fly.
Main Features
- Neoprene material
- Silicone anti-slip material
- Velcro straps
- Open-patella design
- Four sizes (M, L, XL, XXL)
Pros:
- Provides higher level of support than compression sleeves
- Alternating straps allow you to adjust the amount of compression
- Open-patella to provide support at the knee cap
- Breathable yet durable neoprene design
Cons:
- Some don’t like the smell or feel of rubbery neoprene
- A bit bulkier than compression sleeves
Can’t Count Out: Compression Knee Sleeve by PowerLix
The highlight of the Powerlix is its versatility. Whether you need a compression sleeve for cycling, cross-training, or general all day use — the Powerlix is an excellent choice. The lightweight and breathable fabric is great for those that find neoprene irritable to their skin. It also provides compression across the knee, giving you the support you need during a ride.
Main Features
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Graduated compression
- Breathable material
Pros:
- Gel strips to prevent slipping
- Multiple sizes
- High quality fabric
Cons:
- Tricky sizing
- One color choice
The Other Cycling Braces We Reviewed
Vive Hinged Knee Brace
For a brace with top-level support, have a look at the Vive Hinged Knee Brace. With removable aluminum support hinges, the Vive is great for dialing in the amount of lateral knee support you need.
Vive’s latex-free neoprene design provides warmth and compression, while the open patella stabilizes the knee cap. Extra strength fasteners keep the brace in place during your ride and allow you to tailor the fit.
Buy on Amazon
Sable Knee Compression Sleeves
This two-pack is perfect for cyclists who are seeking quality compression for both knees at a reasonable price point. The Sable’s flexible, breathable fabric brace features spiral elastic weaving to enhance durability.
The Sable also comes with a lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind when purchasing. One drawback is that there are many cheaper knockoffs available online. Be forewarned that Sunvalley Brands is the only authorized seller.
Buy on Amazon
Blitzu Flex Plus
Designed with a circular stitch fabric, the Blitzu Flex Plus is a compression sleeve that is built for comfort. The lightweight material allows you to ride for hours without feeling the extra bulk.
The Blitzu also features a reinforced patella stabilizer for those that require extra support at the kneecap. Fabric can have a tendency to wear out over extended use, however.
Buy on Amazon
Crucial Compression Knee Sleeve
The Crucial is perfect for the cyclist that want a budget-conscious double pack. Double silicone grips help keep the sleeve in place during rides, and Crucial’s 100% “Perfect Fit” guarantee allows you to return for refund or replacement with no questions asked. One potential hassle is that you may have to order a few different pairs since the Crucial comes in seven different sizes.
Buy on Amazon
Vive Patella Knee Band
When a brace and sleeve are more material than you want, take a look at the Vive Patella Band. Stretching around the knee at the patellar tendon, you don’t have to worry about ill-fitting sleeves or heavy braces.
The tubular non-slip insert allows for uniform compression across the knee and keeps the strap in place during rides. While knee bands are perfect for pain below the knee cap, they do not provide lateral support.
Buy on AmazonWhen Should You Wear a Knee Brace For Cycling?
Two reasons to wear a brace when cycling are injury prevention and injury recovery. If you have an irritated, swollen knee — then a sleeve can stabilize the knee and provide compression to help with swelling. If you have a more severe injury or are post-surgery, then a brace will likely be required to protect your knee as you ease back into cycling. For help with choosing the right brace, consult your orthopedist or physical therapist.
Tips for Finding a Perfect Cycling Brace
Material
The two main choices of brace material are neoprene and fabric. Neoprene braces distribute compression evenly across the knee, and tend to hold up longer as the rubber doesn’t easily stretch. Some don’t like the way the neoprene smells, however, and it can be difficult to find a perfect fit.
Fabric braces can be more comfortable for those who don’t like neoprene, and they tend to be more breathable. Compared to neoprene, fabric braces do tend to stretch out over time, however.
Support vs. Flexibility
Cycling braces come in a range of support materials but can generally be categorized into braces and compression sleeves. If you are seeking more support for your knee, then something sturdy like the Vive Hinged Knee Brace is a great choice. If you want something lighter that provides all-around compression, than one of the knee sleeves may be your best option.
Design
The top three types of cycling knee supports are sleeves, braces, and straps. Compression sleeves are well-suited for injury prevention and annoying overuse pain. Braces provide stronger support and are good for injury recovery, while straps are best for pain below the kneecap. Often called patellofemoral pain syndrome, this is a very common knee pain for cyclists.
Weighing All the Factors
When choosing a knee support for cycling, the factors with the most impact on your decision are comfort, durability, and specific use. The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve is a great overall choice for compression support and comfort, while the TechWare Pro Knee Brace is an excellent choice for a brace with increased stability. Finally, with its high quality fabric blend, you can’t go wrong with the PowerLix compression knee sleeve.
Best Choice - UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
The Uflex is designed with a lightweight spandex/nylon material, and it comes in three different sizes for fit options. Anti-slip silicone strips help keep the brace from sliding around on your knee during rides.
Buy on Amazon