The extra confidence you get from elbow pads is worth the inconvenience, and in the case of the G-Form Pro-X3 Elbow Guards there's hardly any negatives. These slide on easily and stay put as you ride, blocking the sun in between protecting your arms from surprise low-sides. Think of these as conversation non-starters - as in you'll not have to sheepishly admit you removed half your elbow skin in a bike crash.