Prior to the arrival of this new, improved armour for the 2022 season, Halvarssons protectors were always a little a little clunky. Nodobody doubted that they did the job, but the armour was quite stiff, and being heavily shaped it was only comfortable when it was in exactly the right place. When it was adjusted correctly, it worked fine on the bike, but it was never particularly comfortable off the bike.

Well at last the Swedish company has upgraded its armour. The new protectors are very nice; a great improvement. The armour is soft and pliable. It is commendably large, which is what you would expect from Halvarssons because larger is safer. It is also highly breathable.

All new garments coming into the range in 2022 come fitted with new armour. But importantly any current style can be retro-fitted to take the new armour. And if you do this you will immediately notice a huge difference.

What you need to know is this. The armour for the knees, shoulders and elbows is the same. The hip armour is different. There is a smaller set of protectors, and these have been designed to fit into ladies’ garments.

Each pack costs, at the time of going to press, £24. This may change over time.  But for the avoidance of doubt, if replacing the armour in a jacket, you will need two sets, totalling £48. If you are replacing the protectors in a pant, you will need a knee set and a hip set; again totalling £24. As we have said, for women’s garments you will need the smaller size for the knees, elbows and shoulders. The hip protectors are the same size for men and women.

The replacement protectors will only be available online or by phoning an order in. They will not be available from the Guildford store.