The best protection setup depends on where and how you ride. Most riders gradually add protection as their riding becomes faster, more technical or more challenging.
The setups above reflect what many riders choose to wear, but they are not rules. Protection is highly personal and often changes over time.
Even within the Uprise team you will find very different approaches. One of our most accomplished gravity riders will often ride challenging terrain and bike parks wearing little more than a helmet. At the other end of the spectrum, some of us regularly wear knee pads on trail and XC rides simply because we feel more comfortable and confident with them on.
Neither approach is automatically right or wrong. Riding experience, confidence, local trails, previous injuries and personal risk tolerance all influence what feels appropriate.
Many riders also adapt their setup depending on the day. You might wear just a helmet and gloves for a local spin, add knee pads for a technical trail centre ride, and reach for additional protection when heading to a bike park or uplift day.
The most important thing is not matching somebody else's setup. It is understanding the options available and choosing the level of protection that helps you ride confidently and comfortably.